Hardy receives $660,000 National Institutes of Health grant

Prayers were answered when Dr. Klarissa Hardy received a $660,000 National Institutes of Health grant that will fund her investigation of effective cancer treatments. Hardy, a researcher and assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy, began writing her proposal to acquire a postdoctoral fellowship at the same time a woman at her church was asking for prayers during her battle with breast cancer. “She had asked for prayer several times in our Bible classes, and so I’m thinking about that and I’m thinking about other individuals who were struggling with the side effects of the drugs that they take,” said Hardy. “As I was writing that, it really kind of all hit me: that this is really important.” After her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington, Hardy made her way to Lipscomb University. A chemist at heart, Hardy has always enjoyed studying the effect drugs have on the human body. “I think at the end of the day, for me, what I like is being able to link the very like detailed basic work that we do in the lab to something that can potentially impact and improve the way people are treated.” Now she has the means to dig deeper in her investigation of effective treatments. “We’re trying to get the best treatment for the individual patient, based on their genetic make up, based on their lifestyle, whatever they’re exposed to in their environment, seeing how that unique individual can best respond to a drug.” The research involves genetic factors and how they contribute to a patient’s reaction to the drug. “What I’d really...

‘Think Pink Game’ set for Saturday in Allen Arena

Briefly: This Saturday, Feb.9, in Allen Arena, the Lipscomb Women’s basketball team will be playing against Northern Kentucky at 6:30. This game holds significance as it is the annual “Think Pink Game”  that raises awareness for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. The horrible disease is something that a lot of students and faculty at Lipscomb can relate to. The “Think Pink Game” is an event in which the Lady Bisons will honor the survivors, give support to the fighters and share the awareness of breast cancer with the community. In the United States, it is estimated that 8.1 billion dollars each year is spent on the treatment of breast cancer. Another scary fact is that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with this form of cancer. On Saturday, the Lady Bisons will be wearing their pink jerseys in honor of the event....
Breast cancer survivor inspires students to participate in fundraising walk

Breast cancer survivor inspires students to participate in fundraising walk

Breast cancer survivor Libby Spicer, a Lipscomb student accounts representative, is the inspiration behind Kappa Iota Theta’s plans to participate in the cancer awareness walk. Spicer is so moved by the organization’s plans that she says she may walk right along with them. “She, in some way, has touched each and every one of our lives,” said Tenielle Buchanan, director of Lipscomb’s Intercultural Engagement and Development and Kappa Iota Theta sponsor. “This gives our students a chance to give back to someone who has given to them.” Spicer began working in the business office in 1999. In 2006, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her four months of chemotherapy, she worked part-time, coming to the office between treatments. *“If I hadn’t had this place to come to and these people—these wonderful people…” Spicer said, commenting on the role of her co-workers and friends. “That’s one thing that makes Lipscomb, Lipscomb. Everybody is so supportive.” Kappa Iota Theta, formerly named LUMA, will be participating in the American Cancer Society walk on October 30 at LP Field. All Lipscomb students are encouraged to join. Those interested can register at the event or by contacting Jennifer Lucas with the American Cancer Society at (615) 327-0991. In addition to trying to walk with the students, Spicer said she will to get others from the business office to participate as well. Buchanan also explained that she and the student leaders of Kappa Iota Theta decided to participate in the cancer walk as a way to show that Lipscomb is involved in the larger community of Nashville. She said she expects to see a positive...