This press release contains dated information and should be used for background only.
The Kansas Masonic Foundation's support of the Kansas Cancer Institute at the University of Kansas Medical Center reached a major milestone last month as donations surpassed the $5 million mark.
The Kansas Masonic Foundation has been a major contributor to the KCI and the Kansas University Endowment Association for almost 30 years, and according to William R. Jewell, M.D., professor of surgery and the Director of KCI, the impact of the Masons' donation is even more significant.
"By the financial aid from the Masons, we have been able to establish a number of programs, which can then qualify for a variety of government grants. Their financial aid has been a driving force behind several elements of our cancer research," Jewell said.
"We are indebted to the Kansas Masons for their foresight and their generous, charitable giving. They provide the lifeblood that enables our scientists to conduct groundbreaking research against these life-threatening diseases."
Mark Nelson, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, serves as the executive director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. Nelson said support for the KCI helps the Masonic commitment to serving their fellow man.
"Cancer shouldn't happen, but it does," Nelson said. "These diseases are not discriminating, and we are all at risk. Cancer touches each of us: physically, emotionally, and financially.
"There is little doubt that any of us, our spouse, a parent, a child, or other family member or friend has been affected by at least one form of cancer: some have won the battle, others have not. Through our support of cancer research, the life we touch may be closer to our heart than we realize."
Jewell said the money has supported a variety of research programs including groundbreaking research in breast and prostate cancers.
With part of this year's donation of $340,000, the KCI and KMF plan to develop an outreach program for cancer awareness and screenings in the state. Six sites have been chosen to host one-day programs that will include cancer and smoking cessation information, as well as screenings for various types of cancer.
"These programs will be held in Masonic Lodges, but will be free and open to the public," Jewell said. "This is a very important step in getting the word out to the public about cancer and providing some valuable screening resources."
Nelson explained the motivation for the program: "We need to get rid of something that is killing people. We've discovered there are a lot of people out there that either don't have access or the knowledge of the diagnostics that are available. We are wanting to increase the awareness level."
The programs are tentatively scheduled to begin early this fall and run through early 2004. The cities selected for the first year are Hiawatha, Concordia, Hoxie, Dodge City, Arkansas City and Pittsburg. Nelson said six different cities would be selected next year.
Jerry W. Cole, the immediate past president of the KMF, said the commitment to the KCI has been beneficial.
"We are confident our investment in people and programs at the Kansas Cancer Institute will lead to even greater advances in cancer research as KCI scientists strive to conquer these diseases. Lives do depend on cancer research, and any knowledge acquired from basic and clinical research is part of the cure."
Although most of the money from the KMF is donated by Masons, the public can also contribute to the program. For more information you can check out their website at:
www.kmfonline.org. The KCI website is: http://kmcri.kumc.edu