U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (Kansas) announced $20 million in federal investments for The University of Kansas Cancer Center and The University of Kansas Health System. Each of the two organizations will receive $10 million. The KU Cancer Center will receive $10 million toward the new cancer building. Also announced was a federal investment of $10 million for advanced cardiac technology to be used for patient care at The University of Kansas Health System.
The announcements were made at an event today at KU Medical Center during which the senator hosted W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Prior to the annoucements, Moran and Rathmell participated in meetings and tours of both the research and patient care facilities at the KU Cancer Center and The University of Kansas Health System.
“What is taking place at the KU Cancer Center is amazing,” said Moran, noting that research efforts are critical and it’s important for him to demonstrate that federal dollars are being well spent. “Research is required for cancer to be cured, research is required for cancer to be treated and research is required for cancer to ultimately eliminated from our lives.”
Roy A. Jensen, M.D., vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, recognized Moran for his support.
“I want to express our profound gratitude to Senator Moran. Your steadfast support of sustainable, predictable, ongoing funding for the NIH and the NCI is absolutely critical to everything we do around here. It is the lifeblood of The University of Kansas Cancer Center,” Jensen said.
“I’ve never been more hopeful in terms of making process against this disease, but that progress needs fuel. And that fuel is the NIH budget and the NCI budget.”
Other speakers at the event included Tammy Peterman, M.S., FAAN, president, Kansas City division, The University of Kansas Health System, and Bob Page, president and chief executive officer, The University of Kansas Health System as well as Douglas A. Girod, M.D., chancellor of the University of Kansas.
A media question-and-answer session followed the announcements. To watch a recording of the event livestream, visit the YouTube channel for The University of Kansas Health System.