Credit Union ONE Contributes More Than $1 million to the Karmanos Cancer Institute's Research Efforts

DETROIT, April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Credit Union ONE recently presented a check for $17,000 to the Karmanos Cancer Institute – bringing its fundraising total to more than $1.2 million over the past 23 years, with $400,000 raised just through the credit union's Affinity Card program since it was established in 1995.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSLOGO )

"The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute appreciates the efforts of corporate partners that show the kind of dedication Credit Union ONE has in raising funds to help sustain our scientific research," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer at Karmanos. "Credit Union ONE's generosity and commitment make a significant difference in the lives of our patients touched by cancer."

Credit Union ONE's most recent donation has gone towards the purchase of a new bladder scanner.

Through Credit Union ONE's Affinity Card program, the credit union and Karmanos share income generated by cardholder transactions. Other fundraising monies have come from a new member initiative created by Credit Union ONE several years ago. Credit Union ONE made a pledge of $400,000 in 2005 with its "Building a Cancer Free Future" campaign plus $100,000 for the Nurse Mentorship Hispanic Breast Outreach Program.

The credit union also has supported several other aspects of Karmanos' research fundraising efforts, including the Gail Purtan Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, special events through the Karmanos Annual Dinner and Partners, as well as third party fundraising events and Karmanos' population studies program.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale, is a full service financial institution offering an array of consumer and commercial financial services. Gary Moody, president and chief executive officer of Credit Union ONE, said the credit union is humbled to be part of the cutting-edge cancer research taking place at Karmanos.

"We are extremely proud to be a part of the amazing work done by the Karmanos Cancer Institute," he said. "Hitting the $1 million mark in contributions is a testament to the success of the programs we've supported, especially the affinity credit card. These donations are real, tangible examples of our partnership with Karmanos and our efforts to make a difference in the communities we serve."

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.  

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute