GM Foundation donates $500,000 to Karmanos Cancer Institute for research

DETROIT, Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The General Motors Foundation has donated $500,000 to support cancer research at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, continuing its ongoing commitment to advancing cancer treatments and discovering ultimate cures for cancer.

"This generous gift is another example of the outstanding support of General Motors and the GM Foundation to help advance cancer research and enhance patient care," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. "To recognize their combined philanthropic contributions of nearly $7.4 million to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, we have named an entire laboratory floor at our main campus the GM Foundation Cancer Research Floor. This serves as a lasting tribute to all GM and the GM Foundation have done, and continues to do, to help advance cancer research that saves lives."

The $500,000 GM Foundation grant was timed in recognition of Karmanos' 33rd Annual Dinner, which will be held April 25. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that GM's leadership will chair Karmanos' Annual Dinner. Chairing this year's event are Debra and Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Public Policy for General Motors Company. Ferguson also serves as chairman of the GM Foundation.

"Improving cancer treatments and outcomes by supporting highly advanced research is very important to the GM Foundation," said Ferguson. "Through our long-standing partnership with Karmanos Cancer Institute, we continue to support their innovative work that will help end this disease." 

Karmanos' signature event continues the great partnership between GM, the GM Foundation and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, raising critical funds to benefit patient care and research at one of country's world-renown cancer centers. Proceeds from this year's event will expand Karmanos' intensive care services and build a new 24-hour care clinic to best support the needs of Karmanos patients during after-hours and over the weekend.

"Debra and I are honored to serve as chairs for Karmanos' 33rd Annual Dinner, continuing the critical support of GM for Karmanos and all those who are touched by cancer," Ferguson added. "We invite the community to join us April 25 as we continue to support the groundbreaking work of this outstanding cancer center and raise funds for the expansion of the ICU and construction of the new 24-hour care clinic."

Host Sponsor for Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner is Cadillac and Presenting Sponsor is Gallagher Kaiser Corporation. Gala Sponsor is Edw. C. Levy Co. and Executive Sponsor is Kenwal Steel Corp.

Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner will be Saturday, April 25, at the General Motors Design Dome, in Warren, Mich. To make a reservation or for more information, contact Roxanne at 313-576-8108 or [email protected]; or visit www.karmanos.org/annualdinner.

About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. 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. 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.

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SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Related Links

http://www.karmanos.org