The University of Kansas (KU) Cancer Center received a $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to build a new destination cancer center. The building will bring cancer research, treatment and patient care teams, and the transformation of cancer care to one area.
“Giving people the opportunity to receive such a high level of quality cancer treatment close to home is a gift like no other,” said Charlie Sunderland, trustee of the Sunderland Foundation and former chair of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board’s Quality Committee. “I’m grateful for the foundation’s role in making this possible.”
Prior to this gift, KU received $43 million in congressionally directed funding, secured by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), to build and plan the center, bringing the total to $143 million.
The center will be built in phases starting in fall of 2024. Currently, KU’s research centers and labs are located across multiple campuses. By bringing all of these aspects of cancer care to one location, the new center will give patients access to innovative trials and therapies developed on site.
KU Cancer Center was also awarded National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center designation earlier this year.
“The commitment of our community and elected officials like Sen. Moran have placed the KU Health System and the KU Cancer Center at the center of Kansas City’s transformation,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of the KU Health System. “This new building is more than a building; it is about taking a bold step to say, ‘We believe we can transform the way cancer research and care are provided in our region, across this country, and around the globe.’ We not only will save more lives; we will change more lives and our community for the better.”
Source: KU Cancer Center, June 27, 2023.