The Seattle Seahawks, Delta Airlines, and BCRF Celebrate Dr. Nora Disis’ Transformative Research

Last week at the Cancer Vaccine Institute, we witnessed a moment of joy, pride, and profound recognition as Dr. Nora Disis was honored as a Delta Community Captain. In a surprise event filled with CVI lab members, Seahawks representatives, Delta Air Lines team members, and Dr. Disis’ family, the room erupted in celebration of a scientist whose work is transforming the future of breast cancer care.

The Delta Community Captain program, powered by Delta Air Lines in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), recognizes individuals making extraordinary contributions to their communities. Since 2005, Delta has raised over $33 million for breast cancer research, funding 132 BCRF-supported projects. Every October and May, Delta donates a portion of onboard sales to BCRF and honors employees impacted by breast cancer through its annual Breast Cancer One charter flight. Yesterday’s event extended that legacy to the heart of scientific innovation in Seattle.

Dr. Disis, Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute at UW Medicine, is widely known as the “mother of cancer vaccines.” Her pioneering research has helped patients not only survive cancer but reclaim their lives. With support from BCRF, she is now developing vaccines to prevent breast cancer in people at higher risk – whether due to genetics, family history, or obesity-related inflammation. Her work is bold, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the belief that science can offer hope.

The event was a complete surprise for Dr. Disis – and her reaction was one of genuine astonishment and delight. Adding to the excitement, Blitz the Seahawks mascot and two Seahawks dancers joined the celebration, bringing energy and joy to the lab. Blitz was a hit with everyone, especially when he got to play in the lab and even peer through a microscope. Alongside the Seahawks and Delta representatives, Blitz also toured the lab, learning firsthand about the groundbreaking research taking place.

The Seahawks and Delta team arrived with gifts in hand: a commemorative football, Seahawks gear, and tickets to a 2025 home game. But the true gift was the shared admiration and gratitude expressed by everyone present. Photos captured the joy, and stories shared by colleagues and family underscored the depth of Dr. Disis’ impact—not just in the lab, but in the lives of those around her.

We are thrilled to see Dr. Disis honored in this way, and grateful to Delta, the Seahawks, and BCRF for spotlighting her work. Yesterday’s celebration was more than a surprise—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when science, community, and compassion come together.

For more photos, please visit the Seahawks website here.

PC: Seahawks and CVI Team