Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Surgery - We Care Fund for Medical Innovation and Research
- Founded in 2010, The We Care Fund supports MCW researchers and physicians who are creating cutting-edge therapies and clinical programs that benefit patients in Wisconsin and throughout the world.
- The mission of the We Care Fund is to support researchers and physicians who are creating cutting-edge research and provide seed funding through grants to accelerate and fuel their medical innovation. This seed funding gives researchers solid foundation of research to apply for bigger NIH and federal grants
- The We Care Fund supports research in the fields of cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, diseases of newborn/child, organ transplant, and trauma.
- Our goal is to accelerate the development of those life-saving solutions.
- 100% of all donations support medical research.
We Care Accomplishments
- 9 We Care grants totaling $407,494 generated 7 NIH & larger grants totaling $22 million of advanced research
- $2.6M contributed by 2,000 donors
- 21 MCW investigators have received 23 We Care grants
- 9 Research recovery grants distributed in 2020 during Covid-19 shutdown
- 100% of donations is used for medical innovation
We Care Scholars & Awardees
The We Care Scholar was established by the We Care Committee for Research and Innovation to recognize and support excellence in research among residents. This prestigious award provides funding for a general surgery research resident to pursue their research goals under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor.
Support the We Care Fund
The Douglas B. Evans Chair for Surgical Research Sponsored by the We Care Fund
An endowed chair serves as a crucial incentive to attract and retain top scientists, researchers and clinicians. It will play a key role in propelling the pancreatic cancer program forward. More importantly, it will help deliver on our promise to continue to provide hope for every patient.
- Endowed chairs are the “golden coin” for academic recruitment and retention of the highest quality talent
- Endowed chairs enhance the ability of the chairholder to secure extramural funding
- Endowed chairs provide greater visibility and national recognition for the academic work of the chair-holder
- Endowed chairs elevate recognition for the department as well as MCW at a national and international level
Translating Discoveries Into Better Patient Care
Douglas B. Evans, MD
Dr. Douglas B. Evans is Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He leads a team of scientists and physicians devoted to the rapidly growing clinical and translational research programs at the College’s Cancer Center. Dr. Evans’ professional career is dedicated to the research and treatment of pancreatic cancer. He is nationally recognized for his work in developing personalized treatment programs for his patients that target the unique molecular characteristics of their tumors.
Join Dr. Evans and his colleagues today in their personal mission to help focus the greatest minds in medicine on research and treatment of diseases that affect us all.
Lives You Touch With Your Generous Contribution
If you are interested in sharing your story or comments, please contact Jason Kraiss at jkraiss@mcw.edu or (414) 955-4383. Please join us. There is no greater need than our future health and there is no better time than today.
“When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I was advised that Dr. Evans was the best pancreatic cancer surgeon in the country. In addition to saving my life with his surgical skills, Dr. Evans also inspired me to be a lifetime advocate for the fight against pancreatic cancer.”
Mary Sharkey, featured on ABC's Houston Medical
“Faced with pancreas and heart surgery, it was comforting to know the doctors on my team were also top-notch medical researchers. The Medical College of Wisconsin gives patients in our hometown access to world-class treatment, backed up by the latest advances in research and scientific discovery.”
Bob Uecker, Milwaukee Brewers
“When you face a life threatening illness, it is all about having the best doctor. I feel so fortunate that the Medical College of Wisconsin is attracting so many renowned physicians and researchers. The We Care Fund is helping to make this possible. I want our hometown to have access to the very best."
Arlene Wilson
Proceeds support the We Care Fund for pancreatic cancer research - in memory of Dr. Kenneth First. Pancreatic cancer devastates too many individuals and families. Our hope is that the advancements made through innovative medical research will provider better treatment and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Swan's Pumpkin Farm
We Care Fund (featuring Bob Uecker)
We Care Fund Committee
Arlene Lee, Founder
Melissa Irwin
Jackie Brozynski
Aletha Champine
Betsy Evans
Deb Gollin
Sandra Hansen Harsh
Ruth Joachim
Jerry King
Jennifer La Macchia
Joel Lee
Liza Longhini
Mary Ann Miller
Liz Montgomery
Brian Neuwirth
Peggy Schuemann
Gretta Schultz
Joe Schultz
Brian Trexell
Aaron Valentine
In memory, Maggy Zito Schultz, 2012-2019
Contact Us
The Medical College of Wisconsin can help you give in the way most meaningful to you.
Director of Development
Office of Institutional Advancement
(414) 955-4473