Ronnie James Dio, the heavy metal music icon who succumbed to gastric cancer in 2010, was honored today – on what would have been his 83rd birthday – by the non-profit founded in his memory with the dedication of a room in the UCLA Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research (COOR), embedded within the UCLA School of Dentistry.
The plaque outside the designated Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Saliva Storage Room was unveiled by Dio’s widow Wendy Dio and Dr. David Wong, Professor and Director of the COOR. Members of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (www.diocancerfund.org) were present at a formal naming ceremony, among them board chair Tim Murch, Delilah Dio Gimenez, Sabrina Ment, founder-president Wendy Dio, Sean McNabb, Sharon Weisz, medical director Dr. Sandy Kapoor, Adam Parsons, Sheila Melody, Robin Shaw and Paul Newman.
Since 2016, the Dio Cancer Fund has supported the research of Dr. Wong and his team in the development of a non-invasive saliva test for cancer, also known as EFIRM liquid biopsy, for the early detection of cancer. The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Saliva Storage Room houses thousands of samples used in the development of liquid biopsy. Dr. Wong’s team has already been awarded a 5-year $4.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance liquid biopsy testing for the early detection of lung cancer and has applied for a similar grant for research specifically into gastric cancer.
The Dio Cancer Fund recently hosted its ROCK FOR RONNIE Concert in the Park, now at its new home at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, which brought in over $100,000. Via direct donations and the annual ROCK FOR RONNIE and the BOWL FOR RONNIE, this year set for November 13 at PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City, the music-based charity has raised more than $2.5 million in its history.
“Ronnie’s stomach cancer was detected far too late, and I know that if the liquid biopsy available back then, his cancer might have been detected earlier and saved his life,” states Wendy Dio. “Because of Dr. Wong’s research, it is possible to imagine a world where a routine visit to your doctor or dentist for a simple swab of saliva can save your life. We are so grateful for Dr. Wong and his passion and commitment to furthering this vital research.”
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is a privately funded 501(c)(3) public charity committed to raising awareness and much-needed funding for cancer prevention, education and research for a cure.
