Immunotherapy Research Fundraiser in Memory of Rudi Ernst VIII

I am Jess Ernst, and I created this fundraiser in loving memory of my husband, Rudi Ernst VIII, whose life was cut short by aggressive melanoma at the age of 52. Though we lost him, his legacy lives on through our family, the lives he touched, and the hope that continued cancer research can bring to others facing this disease.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Rudi developed a lifelong passion for skiing before moving to New York City at age 12. He went on to study engineering and neural networks at Vanderbilt University and built an extraordinary career, including pioneering work at ABC Television and Disney Imagineering. He later co-founded PIXIA, a company whose innovative technology contributed to national security and helped save lives.

Rudi faced a seven-year battle with melanoma. During that time, the exceptional care and dedication of Dr. Evan Lipson and his team at Johns Hopkins gave us seven precious years together to raise our three children and create memories we will always treasure. For that, our family remains profoundly grateful.

Advancing Melanoma Immunotherapy Research

Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of melanoma by helping the body's own immune system recognize and fight cancer. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have played an important role in advancing this field, including the study of immune checkpoint pathways that can allow cancer cells to evade the immune system.

Dr. Lipson's work focuses on clinical research and the development and evaluation of new therapies for melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly for patients with high-risk or advanced disease. Research continues to explore how existing treatments can be improved, why some patients respond better than others, and how new approaches may help more people.

Recent long-term research has continued to investigate combination immunotherapies, including treatments that target the PD-1 and LAG-3 immune checkpoints. These studies demonstrate the importance of ongoing research into treatment effectiveness, long-term outcomes, and patient safety.

Although progress has been significant, melanoma remains a serious disease, and more research is needed to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients.

Help Us Continue Rudi's Legacy

I invite you to join our family in supporting melanoma immunotherapy research at Johns Hopkins and honoring the work of Dr. Lipson and his team.

Every contribution is an opportunity to support the ongoing pursuit of better treatments and a brighter future for people affected by melanoma. Whether you are able to donate or share this fundraiser with others, your support helps keep awareness, research, and hope moving forward.

Rudi's life was filled with curiosity, innovation, courage, and love. By supporting melanoma research in his memory, we hope to honor the time we were given together and help advance the work that may make a difference for other families.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jess Ernst