Kelly’s Heroes presented a $25,000 check May 4 to Dr. Dung Le and her colleagues at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins to support clinical trials that bring hope to patients facing pancreatic cancer.

With the latest donation, Kelly’s Heroes has contributed $43,000 to Johns Hopkins physicians who are leading cutting-edge research in immunotherapy and other treatments to increase survival. The money is raised through donations, events and the generosity and commitment of Kelly’s Heroes supporters.

Board members Bill Habib and Kerry McKean Kelly presented the check as part of the Johns Hopkins Spring Luncheon, an annual event for patients, donors and supporters. Dr. Le delivered luncheon remarks on “the promise of immunotherapy.”

Dr. Le, who was Steve Kelly’s physician through two clinical trials, choked back emotions as she discussed how patient volunteers in some of her earlier trials have allowed today’s patients to live longer, with better quality of life. She credited those trial participants and philanthropic donations with making those advances possible.

“What your money goes toward is a mission – of hope and opportunity,” she said.