The Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center have established a $300,000
endowment at the University of Nebraska Foundation to demonstrate their
commitment to cancer research and education at the University of Nebraska
Medical Centers Eppley Cancer Center.
The yearly interest generated by the endowment will be available to
the Cancer Center for its research programs, according to Friends President
Carol Russell. The endowment is the best way to manage and grow the funds
we raise for the Eppley
Cancer Center, Russell said. Our goal is to bring it to the $1 million
level in the near future.
Sheri Dunbar, assistant director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, explained
the endowments magnitude. This endowment is very important to us, she
said. It will enable us to continue our already excellent research programs,
as well as plan for future growth in our developing research programs.
The Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center formed in 1998 as the vision
of Nebraskans who desire to support cancer research and awareness within
the state. Members promote cancer awareness, raise funds to support
cancer research, provide education and patient care activities and extend
involvement opportunities.
I became involved because we have all been affected in some way by
cancer, said Russell, a cancer study project manager at UNMC. The
need for cancer research is great, and UNMC and the Eppley Cancer Center
is doing a tremendous job. Its also exciting to know the funds we
generate are for local research and support the strides made in Nebraska.
The Friends use special events to raise money and promote research.
The group has again joined forces with the Cattlemens Ball of Nebraska
to hold its third annual cancer benefit June 3 at the Haythorn Ranch
near Ogallala.
The Friends also held the presented its first Ambassador of Hope award
gala in November 1998 at the Strategic Air Command Museum, honoring Gen.
H. Norman Schwarzkopf. More than 900 attended, raising $300,000. The second
award event will be held Nov. 17 at the SAC Museum to recognize ABC news
veteran Sam Donaldson.
In October 1999, the Friends introduced the Bouquet of Hope program
to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Artist and cancer survivor
Sue Kocsis presented artwork to the Friends, who then had it printed on
greeting cards. The Friends invited the public to send the card and flowers
to a cancer survivor or to someone affected in some way by cancer. Participating
florists in turn donated 20 percent of their proceeds for cancer research.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center works in partnership with UNMC and the
Nebraska Health System and is one of 59 centers in the country designated
by the National Cancer Institute. It brings biomedical research,
clinical care and education programs together to benefit cancer patients,
their families and the public.
The University of Nebraska Foundation is a non-profit corporation supplementing
support for students, faculty, facilities and programs at the University
of Nebraskas four campuses through gifts from alumni, friends, corporations
and other foundations.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment, solid organ transplantation and arthritis.
During the past year, nearly $31 million in research grants and contracts
were awarded to UNMC scientists, and UNMCs funding from the National Institutes
of Health increased by 28 percent, going from $16.2 million to $20.7 million.
UNMCs educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals
practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.