In October, 1983, ten-year old William (Billy) Guy Forbeck was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Billy began a thirteen-month odyssey battling the disease but unfortunately succumbed at age 11. In 1985, George and Jennifer Forbeck, established the Foundation to continue the communication that began during Billy’s treatment between doctors, researchers, institutions around the world and from different areas of research. Today the organization’s executive director is Billy Guy’s sister, Jamie Collins, who carries on this mission.
The objective is to drive communication and collaborations between scientists and clinicians to build connections that are vital to advancing oncology research. It is NOT the purpose to discuss published research, but to provide a forum for the cross fertilization of ideas, concepts, and observations. The presentations are really meant to be conversation starters. Twelve to sixteen physicians and scientists are invited to meet in a private "think tank" environment, to exchange ideas freely in the hope of building on each other's ideas, knowledge, and experience.
The forum structure has been developed over years of experience.
The forum structure has been developed over years of experience.
Spouses are welcome to come with you at their own cost but are not allowed to attend the forum. Please no children.
Occasionally there are guests that also attend the forums such as members of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Director’s, recipients of the Foundation Scholar Award, Forbeck Family members and donors.
Scholars are selected for each Forbeck Forum. These are outstanding junior clinical or post-doctoral fellows selected based on the quality and relevance of science.
Please familiarize yourself with our policies and procedures for travel. We truly appreciate you taking the time to participate in this forum. As you make your plans, please remember that we are a nonprofit organization dependent on donations and volunteers. We do NOT pay for upgrades, change fees, incurred costs resulting from a flight change, transportation to or from your local (home side) airport, meals or other incidentals.
Accommodations and meals are provided by the foundation during the forum. Airfare will be covered only if booked through our travel agent. The Foundation will also cover airport transportation on the forum side at the designated shuttle times. You can select not to utilize Foundation arranged transportation at your own expense when completing the travel form. Once your travel form is received your accommodations and airport transfer will be confirmed. Please let us know of any food allergies or other information we should be aware of on the travel forms.
The forum structure has been developed over years of experience.
Airport information will be specific to each forum location. Please refer to the forum page in which you are attending for more information and specific dates and times.
The outline below illustrates a typical program schedule. You will receive a complete schedule, including speaking times, the Thursday before the forum starts.
