The angelic side of Austin’s devilish taco king
The center that provides veterinary and preclinical research services to support MD Anderson has received new, leading-edge laboratory equipment, thanks to a $20,000 gift from Torchy’s Tacos in Austin.
“Cancer has affected so many lives. We want to help that number decline,” says Michael Rypka, Torchy’s founder and executive chef.
Rypka and the Torchy’s management team recently toured MD Anderson’s Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, which is located on 381 acres near Bastrop, Texas. The center conducts cancer-related research benefiting people and animals, and helps educate the next generation of scientists.
“Visiting the facility and meeting its devoted team of researchers solidified our commitment to funding cancer research,” says Rypka, whose mother died in 2008 after battling ovarian cancer. “We stand behind the researchers’ efforts one hundred percent and are glad to see our investment contributing to their great impact over time.”
The Torchy’s gift funded two laboratory purchases:
- A Hematek 3000 System automated slide stainer that infuses cells studied under a microscope with color, allowing scientists to better differentiate normal cells from cancerous ones
- A Countess II Cell Counter that counts and identifies cancer cells more quickly and accurately than ever, helping scientists pinpoint which drugs work best to kill cancer cells
Christian Abee, D.V.M., director of the Keeling Center and chair of Veterinary Sciences, says the new equipment strengthens the Keeling Center’s programs.
“The Torchy’s leadership team has a strong sense of social responsibility,” Abee says. “We’re very thankful for their investment in research that holds great promise for helping reduce and, eventually, cure cancer.”
“Visiting MD Anderson’s Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research and meeting its devoted team of researchers solidified our commitment to funding cancer research.”
