HOPE Donates $100,000 to Support the American Cancer Society's National Research Program

CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HOPE (Health Opportunity through Partnership in Education), together with Washington National Insurance Company, have donated $100,000 to the American Cancer Society to further support the organization's lifesaving cancer research programs.  To date, HOPE has contributed $350,000 to support the Society's mission to save lives and finish the fight against cancer through investing in cutting-edge scientific research.

The $100,000 gift will supplement an existing research grant and expand the ongoing research of Dr. Xiaoting Zhang, an Associate Professor in the Department of Cancer and Cell Biology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  

Dr. Zhang's promising research seeks to understand the function of MED1, a protein found in breast cancer cells.  Dr. Zhang's goal is to more fully understand the role of MED1 and ultimately apply this new knowledge to help cancer patients overcome critical issues faced during chemotherapy, including high toxicity, resistance and unwanted side effects.

HOPE, a non-profit organization formed in 1982, provides charitable funds to promote good health and to encourage scientific research and disseminate information concerning the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and other serious diseases and accidents

HOPE has long been associated with Washington National, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc.  HOPE members and Washington National's more than 175,000 policy certificate holders generously contribute to the HOPE foundation to support and promote its mission through partnerships with established non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society.

"We are pleased to support the American Cancer Society and Dr. Zhang's work in researching the causes of breast cancer, hopefully leading to new treatment options," said Barbara Stewart, president of HOPE.  "The generous contributions made by Washington National certificate holders and HOPE make this gift possible."

"The American Cancer Society would like to thank HOPE and Washington National Insurance Company for this substantial gift," said Bill Chambers, PhD, National Vice President, Extramural Research for the American Cancer Society.  "Research is at the heart of our mission and this generous gift will strengthen our research program." 

About HOPE

HOPE (Health Opportunity through Partnership in Education) is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1982.  HOPE's mission is to promote good health, to encourage scientific research, and to disseminate information about the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and other serious diseases and accidents.  For more information, visit HopeMembers.com.

About Washington National Insurance Company

Washington National Insurance Company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc., has helped Americans since 1911 to protect themselves and their families from the financial hardship that often comes with critical illness, accidents or loss of life.  The company's supplemental health and life insurance products are designed to help give policyholders and their loved ones peace of mind. Policyholders can depend on Washington National to be a strong, caring partner in helping to provide financial security for them and their families.  To learn more, visit WashingtonNational.com.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. As we mark our 100th birthday in 2013, we're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation's  largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

SOURCE Washington National Insurance Company