EmailEmail    |   Bookmark Page Bookmark  |   RSS Feeds RSS  |   Print Page Print  
Share |

Community gives life to cancer fundraisers

July 11, 2012 College News - The many community-based organizations that support the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center all have unique histories, but they have in common a singular dedication to improving cancer care in this region through vigorous research.

These organizations include the Medical College’s largest donor, the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc.), which has donated more than $33.6 million since 1976. They also include two other donors whose lifetime gifts are measured in millions of dollars: WBCS, Inc. (Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse) and the Rock River Cancer Research Foundation. These organizations continue to support the Cancer Center, each with new gifts made during the current fiscal year.

Volunteer organizations of all sizes have helped make a difference in the lives of cancer patients through their support of the Cancer Center.

“The effort put forth by so many individuals on a volunteer basis to raise money for the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center is incredibly meaningful,” said Ming You, MD, PhD, the Joseph F. Heil, Jr., Professor in Molecular Oncogenesis; Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Research, Education and Clinical Care; Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology; and Director of the Cancer Center. “These gifts, large and small, form the backbone of funding upon which our scientists build to earn large, extramural grants and make significant discoveries in cancer research.”

The Medical College is proud to recognize its community-based partners in the fight against cancer, including:

  • Ann’s Hope Foundation, (melanoma research);
  • Bead & Button Show, presented by Kalmbach Publishing, (breast cancer research);
  • Beat Breast Cancer Golf Outing organized by the Denise Leinss Breast Cancer Research Fund, (breast cancer research);
  • Bras for a Cause, organized by the Women’s Council of Realtors, (breast cancer research);
  • Capital Grille Wine Dinner, organized for the Peter K. Antaramian Cancer Research Endowed Fund, (general cancer research);
  • Chasing Chad Corporation, (brain tumor research);
  • Drive Fore a Cure, founded by Dennis Bush, (neoplastic diseases research);
  • J&B Hackerfest, founded by Gary Bolskar, (brain tumor research);
  • John Krampf Memorial Golf Outing, organized by the Gail Sibley Longe Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, (ovarian cancer and diabetes research);
  • Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc., (MACC Fund), (pediatric cancer and related blood disorders research);
  • Milwaukee Admirals Tribute to Survivors, (general cancer research);
  • Pink Shops and Charge Against Cancer, sponsored by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., (breast cancer research);
  • Team 4, Racing to Fight Cancer, (research on women’s cancers);
  • Rally for a Cure, sponsored by the Executive Women’s Golf Association, (breast cancer research);
  • Ridin’ to a Cure, benefitting the Rock River Cancer Research Foundation and sponsored by the Rock River Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, (breast cancer research);
  • Sam Memorial “HOOT” Fund Golf Outing, St. Agnes Congregation’s Walk/Run for Sam, and other events benefitting the Sam Memorial “HOOT” Fund, founded by Cathy Vogel (bone marrow transplantation program);
  • Strikes for Hope Bowling Tournament and Spikes for Hope Volleyball Tournament, founded by David and Brian Ellenbecker (general cancer research);
  • The Celebrating Brad Foundation, (general cancer research);
  • West Bend HOG Chapter Golf Outing, (breast cancer research, in memory of Judie Bernarde);
  • WBCS, Inc., Showhouse and surrounding events, (breast cancer and prostate cancer research).

“These organizations and their volunteers are emblematic of the spirit of the Milwaukee area community. Their hard work and generosity amplifies our ability to make a difference for people with cancer,” said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, College President and CEO.

Dave Haasch, Director of the Rock River HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter, installs Carol Williams, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and breast cancer researcher, as an honorary HOG member. It is an example of one of many strong community-Medical College partnerships supporting the Cancer Center.