About the Nonprofit
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The Forbeck Family unfortunately lost their son, William (Billy) Guy Forbeck, to neuroblastoma at age 11 in 1984. Through his treatments, they discovered a need to bring cancer research scientists together to learn and collaborate with each other in order to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.
The first cornerstone program of WGFRF, the Annual Forum was held in the fall in Hilton Head, SC, where twelve scientists met to focus on the subject of “Neuroblastoma.” The Forum was held in Hilton Head every year until 2016 when it moved to Lake Geneva, WI. Although the chairperson and topic changes for each meeting, the format of a small interactive meeting has continued. WGFRF continues to emphasize discussion and exchange of new concepts, rather than presenting published research. The group is kept intentionally small, and past Forums have included the cream of international scientific cancer leaders. A rich experience for those that attend, numerous collaborations have resulted from the Forum series.
Since its inception in 1985, the Forbeck Foundation has helped transform the way researchers communicate to accelerate progress in cancer treatments.
Now up to 10 meetings a year and two annual Scholar Retreats, more than 750 participants and almost 40 years under our belt, we truly have a history to be proud of.
