Pennies in Action was founded in 2007 by Olympic athlete, coach, and cancer survivor Uschi Keszler. Guided by its “Olympic Approach” to solving cancer, the organization has grown from a grassroots effort into a powerful patient-driven movement — amplified by the voices, stories, and support of the patients and families at the center of its mission. Through nearly two decades of advocacy and fundraising, Pennies in Action has helped support the advancement of Dr. Brian Czerniecki’s immunotherapy research from early-stage development toward treatments now impacting patients today, while continuing to build momentum toward a future without cancer.
After receiving a Stage IV cancer diagnosis and facing limited treatment options, Devon Hoyt discovered Dr. Brian Czerniecki's innovative immunotherapy research. With support from Pennies in Action, Devon was able to access investigational treatment and now shares her journey of hope, perseverance, and the importance of expanding patient access to emerging cancer therapies. She is now cancer free 2 years from her diagnosis.
Hear her StoryMeet the original champions whose decades of dedication, advocacy, and research continue to drive the Pennies in Action mission forward.
Uschi Keszler is a former Olympic athlete, 6-time Olympic coach, and former U.S. Olympic Committee member. A survivor of tuberculosis, breast cancer, and uterine cancer, she founded Pennies in Action® Foundation I n 2007 with a singular mission: to help remove the threat of cancer in our lifetime. Driven by her “Olympic Approach”, Uschi’s goal is to push this promising cancer treatment across the finish line and win a Gold Medal for mankind.
Dr. Brian Czerniecki, MD, PhD is the leading pioneer of non-toxic Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy for cancer treatment, a groundbreaking approach that started with stage 0 patients, and has now achieved the milestone of treating Stage 4 cancer patients. As Chair of Breast Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center and Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, he brings decades of clinical and research expertise to the fight against cancer. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and global recognition for his earlier development of sentinel lymph node mapping, Dr. Czerniecki focuses on transforming cancer treatment through the power of the immune system — without the devastating side effects of traditional therapies or auto-immune diseases from other types of immunotherapies.
Dr. Gary Koski, PhD is a veteran immunologist and professor at Kent State University, and a longtime research partner of Dr. Brian Czerniecki, dating back to their work together at the National Institutes of Health. As a key contributor to the development of Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy, Dr. Koski has played an essential role in advancing this non-toxic cancer treatment breakthrough.Dr. Koski was involved in numerous research projects over decades proving his scientific superiority in the field of research. His conservative yet hopeful and steady approach has been pivotal in the advancement of this therapy.
