This press release contains dated information and should be used for background only.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Philanthropist and civic leader Annette Bloch has announced a $1 million gift to The University of Kansas Hospital’s new Cancer Center to support patient care. Bloch said the decision to donate came after she toured the Cancer Center and Medical Pavilion before its August 6th opening.
“I have been all over the country talking about cancer care and have seen many cancer facilities, but I have never seen one like this. When I went in, it didn’t feel like a medical facility. It was warm and full of hope. Every thing in the Cancer Center was designed to for the patient’s benefit. I have never seen a cancer center like this, so I knew the time was right for this gift,” said Bloch.
Annette and her late husband Richard Bloch (co-founder of H&R Block.) established the R. A. Bloch Cancer Foundation in 1980. The foundation sponsors programs designed to help cancer patients develop the positive mental attitude necessary to fight the disease. Among its services is a hotline for recently diagnosed cancer patients to talk to others who have been through the same kind of cancer treatments and survived.
“Dick and I always focused on cancer patients getting the right care at the earliest moment. I know he would be thrilled that there is a facility like this in Kansas City.” said Bloch.
Bloch surprised hospital leaders with her gift at one of a series of ceremonies to open the Cancer Center and Medical Pavilion.
“A gift of this size is always inspiring. When it comes from a person of Annette Bloch’s stature, as someone who has done so much for cancer patients throughout the country, it is even more meaningful,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
The University of Kansas Hospital’s Cancer Center and Medical Pavilion is the largest outpatient cancer center in the region at 55,000 square feet. It is located at 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Westwood Kansas, just 1.5 miles from the main hospital. It will open for patients on August 6th.