For one night only, James Bond played a role in curing cancer.
At the "License to Cure" fundraiser last month, suave young professionals acted as not-so-covert agents to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The night was about power players, including a live auction of lunches with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the CEOs of Caribou Coffee and HealthPartners.
Since 007 often operates incognito, KARE-TV meteorologist Sven Sundgaard played the part perfectly: He hosted the event, then vanished (to do the nightly weather forecast, we think).
Perhaps researcher Mark Osborn would fit the Bond bill. He has been a recipient of a grant from the Cancer Society. At the University of Minnesota, he's focused on Fanconi anemia, a rare form of pediatric cancer. However, Osborn doesn't liken his work with "genetic surgery" to the heroics of an international superspy. "If I were going to refer to anyone as a superstar, it's the kids we treat," he said. "Sometimes their bravery gets lost in the mix. Everything we do is for them and their families."
That's the ultimate mission.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
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