UGO RONDINONE | yellow red white blue mountain

Courtesy of the artist 

In May 2017, I was diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer. Like most people, I had never heard of the disease nor had I known someone diagnosed with it. I came to discover that bladder cancer is in fact very common, with 429,800 new cases and 165,100 deaths in the United States in 2019. Despite the high incidence rate, treatment of bladder cancer has not changed much over the past 25 years. After I was diagnosed I was referred to Dr. Douglas Scherr, MD, Professor of Urology and the Clinical Director of Urologic Oncology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Scherr has an active role in the Laboratory of Urologic Oncology. He has been instrumental in defining the hormonal regulation of bladder cancer and is now developing, together with Dr. Juan Cubillos-Ruiz, PhD, a new class of compounds that utilize the innate immune system to fight urologic tumors.

A main reason for the relative lack of improvement in the treatment of bladder cancer is the lack of funding for research. In the United States, 600 million dollars is dedicated annually in support of breast cancer research, while only 22 million dollars is dedicated per year in support of bladder cancer research. This is why I decided to be an advocate and fundraiser for bladder cancer research, joining in the effort to help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

I am partnering with Sotheby’s to raise funds for urologic oncology research at Weill Cornell. Proceeds raised will go directly towards helping Dr. Scherr and Dr. Cubillos-Ruiz continue and expand their essential work.

I want to thank all 15 artists who have generously donated a significant work in support of this special cause. Their participation will help to create awareness about bladder cancer and motivate future funding for bladder cancer research and ultimately a breakthrough treatment.

Ugo Rondinone