Herrick Foundation's $3M grant for cancer research

Karmanos Cancer InstituteOct 21 2009

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute announced today it received a $3 million grant from the Herrick Foundation. The initial gift of $1 million launches The Herrick Foundation Cancer Research Challenge, a special initiative to increase research funding at the Karmanos Cancer Institute over the next four years. The additional commitment of $2 million will be given in match funding. For every dollar Karmanos raises for cancer research beginning Oct. 1, 2009, the Herrick Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 per year, over the next four years. The Herrick Foundation grant and the matching dollars will fund key research initiatives in the five areas below:

Karmanos' National Oncogenomics and Molecular Imaging Center

• Pediatric Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• New Imaging Technologies for Cancer Detection and Treatment, and
• Prostate Cancer

"The Herrick Foundation is encouraged by the tremendous progress in cancer research. More people are surviving a cancer diagnosis than ever before," said Todd W. Herrick, president of the Herrick Foundation. "However, too many still succumb to this disease. Supporting scientific research is critical to provide new hope and an eventual cure for our loved ones and friends.

"As one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the country, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is uniquely suited to lead this effort," Herrick continued. "Knowing the commitment of this results-driven team of researchers, physicians and staff, we are proud to support their outstanding work and engage the community to do the same."

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, including over 53,500 people in Michigan. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Michigan, making it the eighth highest ranking state in the United States for cancer incidence and death. In spite of progress made in the cancer fight, the ongoing development of new research and technology is critical in order to treat cancer successfully and save lives.

"This generous gift will leverage additional funding for innovative research at a time when it's needed most," said Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., MPH, interim president and chief executive officer, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "We are committed to do all we can to stop this devastating disease. The Herrick Challenge will help us aggressively pursue better treatments and ultimate cures for cancer so that one day we can bring this complex disease under complete control."

In recognition of the $3 million grant, the Karmanos Cancer Institute will name one of the floors in its 60,000 square-foot research facility The Herrick Foundation Cancer Research Floor. The naming celebration will take place in the coming weeks.