(PHILADELPHIA) – In 2002, Thomas and Carol Hallinan, of Northeast Philadelphia, lost their son, Peter, 31, to Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma – a type of brain tumor that affects 190,000 people in the U.S. each year, and is the second most common cause of cancer death in young people ages 15-34.  To honor their son’s memory, The Hallinans have partnered with the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Penn’s Department of Neurosurgery to build support for the advancement of clinical research for patients who suffer from brain tumors.  “For Pete’s Sake” – an evening of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction – is a sold-out event with an expected attendance of 250 people.  Proceeds will support brain tumor research at Penn.

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PENN Medicine is a $2.9 billion enterprise dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and high-quality patient care. PENN Medicine consists of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Penn's School of Medicine is ranked #2 in the nation for receipt of NIH research funds; and ranked #3 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking of top research-oriented medical schools. Supporting 1,400 fulltime faculty and 700 students, the School of Medicine is recognized worldwide for its superior education and training of the next generation of physician-scientists and leaders of academic medicine.