The University of Nebraska Medical Center Eppley Cancer Center has received $140,000 in proceeds from the 1999 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska held June 5 at the Robb Ranch near Lexington, Neb..
Dr. Joe Jeffrey and Diane Jeffrey of the Robb Ranch along with Shari Flaming, president of the Cattlemen’s Ball Advisory Board, and Ed Darby, the event chairperson, presented a check to Kenneth Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, at a luncheon held at the Nebraska Health System University Hospital.
“This contribution from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association is indicative of the tremendous support we receive from the state,” Dr. Cowan said. “We appreciate the donation and will put it to good use, improving treatment options and searching for methods of prevention for the various types of cancer.”
The mission of the Cattlemen’s Ball, Flaming said, is to showcase rural Nebraska, promote beef in a healthy diet and support cancer research.
“It is very important to us that the money raised at our event is going to benefit the residents of Nebraska through the research efforts of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center,” she said.
Another portion of the 1999 Cattlemen’s Ball proceeds — $17,000 — is staying in the Lexington area to support local health care facilities and initiatives, Flaming said.
The 2000 Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 3 near Arthur, Neb. on the world-famous Haythorn Ranch. Hosts will be Waldo and Beldora Haythorn, Craig and Jody Haythorn and Sally and Bob Mayden. The Haythorn Ranch, which is located about 20 miles north of Ogallala, is world renowned as the single largest producer of American Quarter Horses in the United States and the third largest in the world.
Tickets will be available after the first of the year. For additional information, contact Sheri Dunbar, assistant director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, at (402) 559-4401.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 59 centers in the country. Of the $34.3 million in competitive, external research grants and contracts awarded to UNMC in 1997-98, cancer-related research accounted for about one-half of that amount.
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 and solid organ transplantation. UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.