LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The James Graham Brown Foundation has committed $15 million - matching the largest gift in University of Louisville history - to the James Graham Brown Cancer Center's "Finding Answers to Cancer" capital campaign.
The gift, to be spread over five years, matches a $15 million gift from the foundation in 2001 and will boost significantly the center's drive to achieve national prominence.
"The Brown Foundation's belief in the mission of the cancer center, along with its vision for enhanced quality of life and economic progress, has led it to invest in the truly leading-edge research and treatment being developed here in Louisville," said U of L President James Ramsey.
The Cancer Center announced the "Finding Answers to Cancer" campaign Oct. 27 with a goal of raising more than $41 million for strategic goals designed to position it for National Cancer Institute designation as a comprehensive cancer center. As the only comprehensive cancer center in the area, the Brown Cancer Center would be able to provide patients with the latest cancer treatments, receive guaranteed annual research funding that will help researchers and physicians deliver new treatments to patients and provide a catalyst for economic development in the region as patients and physicians are attracted to Louisville.
Several cancer center programs already surpass NCI designation requirements, said center director Dr. Donald Miller. "Today, with this generous gift, we are several steps closer to achieving the level of funding needed to fill in the areas where additional experts, facilities or equipment are needed."
"Every dollar raised in this campaign opens new doors for the talented staff of the Brown Cancer Center," said "Finding Answers to Cancer" campaign chair Robert Rounsavall. "The Brown Foundation's gift is truly a great investment in the future for patients, citizens, the community, and for the field of cancer research."
For information on the cancer center, visit its Web site, http://browncancercenter.org/.
Information on the "Finding Answers to Cancer" campaign is at http://answerstocancer.org/.
