branding a global award

When research wins, we all win

A lot goes into launching a global award. So let’s back up a bit. While concepting for the award launch, we were excited about what made the Sanford Lorraine Cross Award different. It’s not about theoretical musings or budding theories – it’s about real impact that people can feel today. It’s truly an award for us all.

Because of this, messaging focused on the “we all win” concept, explaining that when research, science and innovation win, we all do. The campaign’s central images – a variety of striking, global faces – were captured by the L&S team and photography partners to show the individual impact of this worldwide award. These faces became the centerpiece of the campaign for the award’s launch, bringing national attention from both consumer and medical audiences.

turning science into stories

Most medical awards honor complex theories that mean little to the average patient. But when Sanford Lorraine Cross Award nominees are selected, their innovations mean big changes for the world of medicine. From curing blindness to curing leukemia, the science behind each winner and nominee story is amazing. And so are the stories.

In 2018 and 2020, our team hit the road to film documentary videos chronicling the discoveries of each nominee. In 2020, that included Dr. Carl June (a pioneer in CAR T-cell therapy), Dr. Michael Welsh (who created the roadmap for cystic fibrosis treatments) and Dr. Mark Denison (a coronavirus expert who uncovered Remdesivir). Filming medical leaders on hospital campuses in the middle of a pandemic was a tall order, but with a plan and plenty of N95s we pulled it off.  From Nashville to Iowa to Philadelphia, we traveled the country to meet these physicians, their peers and their families to translate their scientific innovations into compelling stories.

historic winners, celebrated in blue

Though each nominee blew us away, Dr. Carl June took home the 2020 honor after a vote from the Sanford International Board. Dr. June’s CAR T-cell therapies have cured patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, including Emily Whitehead. Her amazing story – and many others – have given the cancer community hope towards a cure. And it continues to make headlines today.

Dr. June and his fellow nominees were honored at an event in Sioux Falls where our team was on-hand to help with a unique pop-up invitation, signage, menu cards, show production, video content, graphics and more. This event, along with the ceremony held in 2018, helped elevate the Lorraine Cross Award to a global level and bring important researchers, donors and influencers together for a winning cause.

moving medicine forward, for us all

The result? Discoveries and hope for thousands of patients. And the successful launch of a worldwide medical prize that has earned a few awards itself, including ADDYs Best of Show and healthcare honors like the Aster Awards. We were also flattered to be named a finalist at the MM&M Awards in New York City, where our co-nominees included Merck and Johnson & Johnson. We can’t wait until the next award period to see what future discoveries lie ahead. Now that’s a win.