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The VHL Alliance to Honor Cancer Physician and Long-Time Advocate for a Lifetime of Service to Individuals Battling von Hippel-Lindau and Related Conditions

BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The von Hippel-Lindau Alliance (VHLA), the leading resource for von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and related tumor conditions, is pleased to honor Dr. James Edward Montie, Valassis Professor of Urology, Former Chair of the Department of Urology, and Senior Urologist of the University of Michigan Health Systems, and Fran Mott, long-term Chapter Leader of the VHL Alliance. The Fundraising Dinner will take place on September 20th in Ann Arbor, MI (http://vhl.org/meetings/dinner/2013).

Dr. Montie has committed his career to treating those afflicted with VHL and kidney cancer. His remarkable commitment to quality clinical treatment is evidenced by his participation in the University of Michigan's VHL Clinical Care Center as well as the Executive Committee of the Urological Surgery Quality Collaborative. Dr. Montie's dedication and commitment to the field has led to the highest regard bestowed upon him by his colleagues and his patients.

Ms. Mott has been Chapter leader of VHLA's Michigan Chapter for nearly two decades. Despite her personal challenges with VHL, Ms. Mott continues to be a selfless and tireless champion for VHL patients and their families. She has made herself indispensable to offer support and guidance. Ms. Mott has increased awareness of VHL through writing and speaking about this genetic form of cancer. Although retiring from her role as Chapter Leader, Fran will not retire from the fight for a cure.

"We are thrilled to be honoring two individuals who have made a lasting impact on patient support and cancer treatment," said Jane McMahon, Chairperson of the VHLA Board of Directors. "Funds raised through this event are essential to our ongoing effort towards educating and supporting those with VHL as we work towards our ultimate goal of finding a cure for VHL and other forms of cancer. Current research efforts of the VHLFA include the establishment of an International Patient Registry, which will benefit patients, physicians, and researchers alike. We are especially thankful for our Sponsors: Platinum Sponsors: Flat Rock Metal, Novartis and the University of Michigan Department of Urology."

About VHLA
The VHL Alliance (VHLA), a 510(c)3 non-profit organization located in Boston, was founded in 1993 and is the preeminent resource for VHL and related tumor conditions. The organization is an international network that provides education and support to more than 15,000 people in 108 countries and has affiliate support groups in 26 countries on six continents. To date, the VHL Alliance has awarded over $1.3M in grants leading to advances in cancer research.

The VHL gene is a primary player on the path of angiogenesis and thus is one of the keys to understanding cancer. Like us on Facebook, find us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter.

For more information about VHL or VHLA, visit www.vhl.org or call 617.277.5667 x4.

For more information, contact:
Ilene Sussman, VHL Alliance
617.277.5667 x4
Email