Even as the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) convenes its rescheduled 2003 meeting, the group is still trying to secure a refund of monies spent on its planned April conference. AACR canceled its meeting in Toronto just days before it was scheduled start because of concerns over severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Organizers did so at a cost of $7.5 million, which they have yet to recoup.
The group's insurance company has refused to reimburse the loss, and the association is considering legal action. "It's an enormous portion of our reserve, and we really can't afford to lose that," said AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, "so we're going to fight this in some way."
AACR members, concerned about SARS, began calling "one per minute" 2 days before the April meeting's scheduled start, according to Foti. Although Toronto public health officials assured organizers that there was no real threat, ...
