Sen. Edward Kennedy's death last week helped raise awareness about the devastating consequenses of brain cancer.
Kennedy was buried in Boston over the weekend, but his disease remains in the spotlight here in Chicago.
Patients with the disease that killed Kennedy are one focus of the new Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute in Chicago.
The institute on Northwestern University's downtown medical campus was jointly formed by Northwestern's medical school, its cancer center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The institute combines research and treatment for brain and spinal tumors, including glioblastoma the kind of cancer Kennedy had. Scientists there are seeking ways to improve survival chances. Most adults with glioblastomas live less than two years after diagnosis; Kennedy survived 15 months.
To highlight the new center's work, former cancer nurse and actress Bonnie Hunt will emcee a fundraising event at the Palmer House in Chicago on Sept. 29. A forum for patients and caregivers is set for Nov. 3.
