$61 million fundraising milestone met for The KU Cancer Center

September 15, 2011

A $500,000 capstone gift from Topeka-based Capitol Federal Foundation to KU Endowment has fulfilled The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s goal of raising $61 million before applying for designation from the National Cancer Center Institute on Sept. 25.

“Capitol Federal is honored to help The University of Kansas Cancer Center toward its goal of achieving NCI designation,” said Capitol Federal Foundation Chairman John C. Dicus.

“With the hard work and dedication of those at the KU Cancer Center, tomorrow’s breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment can happen here in Kansas City, which is certainly exciting. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to contribute to these advancements.”

In addition to the gift from Capitol Federal Foundation, hundreds of other donors provided gifts of all sizes that contributed to reaching the $61 million marker.

These gifts, which support the “Be Part of the Cure” NCI-designation efforts, will count toward “Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas,” the comprehensive campaign scheduled for an April 2012 public kick-off. Fundraising for the cancer center will continue as part of the campaign, with the goal of providing additional support for promising research and exceptional patient care.

“These generous gifts have allowed the cancer center to meet its fundraising goals as we continue working toward National Cancer Institute designation,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., director of the cancer center. “Next week, we’ll mark our first milestone of submitting our 600-page grant proposal and immediately start preparing for the NCI’s site visit early next year.”

A television special shown on four Kansas City stations Sept. 9 highlighted the importance of NCI designation.

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is a partnership that includes cancer research and healthcare professionals associated with the KU Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan.; KU’s Lawrence campus; the KU School of Medicine-Wichita; and the members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance.