Kansas Masonic Foundation announces $2 million campaign

The Masons’ Campaign 2011 is the current fundraising initiative of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, which completed a $15 million Partnership For Life campaign in 2008. The Foundation has supported cancer research and program efforts at the University of Kansas for more than 34 years. Their ultimate goal is to assist the Cancer Center in achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation.

Jeff Sowder, president of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, announced the two year $2 million goal of the campaign and committed $1 million of the gift to endow the Patient Navigator Program currently funded by the Foundation.

“Masons are pleased to have started the Patient Navigator Program last year for the Midwest Cancer Alliance,” said Sowder. “This program is such a success that we want to endow the position, assuring future cancer patients that this program will be available for them.”

“The Cancer Center will ensure that all Kansans will have greater access to the best cancer research, therapies, and prevention,” said Governor Mark Parkinson. “Support from organizations like the Kansas Masonic Foundation will help us achieve National Cancer Institute designation.”

Joining Governor Parkinson to recognize the Kansas Masons were Lt. Governor Troy Findley and KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

“We are pleased to celebrate our efforts to date, and to spread the word about Campaign 2011,” said Sowder. “Kansas Masons take great pride in the cutting-edge research being done at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and we are pleased to assist KU as it makes application for NCI designation.”

So far, Kansas Masons and their friends have raised more than $700,000 of the new $2,011,000 pledged to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute, the research arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center through their Campaign 2011.

“This funding will help us advance cancer awareness and research throughout the region,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. “We are very grateful for our continued partnership with the Kansas Masonic Foundation.”

There are nearly 25,000 Masons who represent 244 Masonic Lodges in Kansas. The Kansas Masonic Foundation has supported cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center since 1975 and has raised a total of $21 million for its quest for NCI designation. Those seeking more information can visit the Kansas Masonic Foundation Web site at www.kmfonline.org or call (785) 357-7646.