Limb Preservation Foundation Announces The Completion Of Funding For A University Chair At Colorado State University, Led By AlloSource®, To Support Pediatric And Extremity Bone Cancer Research

DENVER, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Limb Preservation Foundation has announced the completion of funding for the Ross M. Wilkins, M.D. Limb Preservation University Chair in Musculoskeletal Biology and Oncology at the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center. AlloSource, one of the nation's largest providers of skin, bone and soft tissue allografts for use in surgical procedures, and the world's largest processor of cellular bone allografts, pledged the lead gift to the University Chair. Additional financial support for the position comes from the McDonnell Family Foundation, the Ferguson Family and many generous supporters of The Limb Preservation Foundation. Colorado State University matched each dollar raised to fund this new position. The University Chair will provide for a scientific leader in musculoskeletal biology who will work with researchers at Colorado State University and scientists from around the globe to advance research in current and challenging issues surrounding limb preservation.

"Much of my career has been devoted to healing patients affected by disease or trauma threatening the loss of an arm or leg," said Dr. Ross Wilkins, Senior Medical Director for AlloSource and Founder and President of The Limb Preservation Foundation. "While we have made many strides over the past 30 years, I envision a day when doctors can tell a bone cancer patient with complete assurance that they will be cured. Clinical and laboratory research will get us there and the generous financial support of the Chair position from our major contributors, as well as countless others, takes us one step closer to this vision becoming a reality."

The University Chair will ensure on-going advancements in this understudied field of limb loss prevention, coordinating research efforts in tissue engineering, molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, biomechanics, computer modeling, polymer chemistry, bench research, translational medicine and clinical studies efforts with one overarching goal: the health, wholeness and well-being of patients whose limbs and lives are at risk due to cancer, infection or trauma. 

"Several types of cancer behave almost identically in dogs as they do in people, including osteosarcoma, the most common bone tumor in people and dogs," said Dr. Nicole Ehrhart, Board Member of the Limb Preservation Foundation and Professor of Surgical Oncology at the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center. "Through our research collaboration with Colorado State University, the Foundation is funding and accelerating research that directly translates to improved treatments and outcomes for patients at risk of limb loss due to cancer, trauma and infection. Our research has already had significant impact on treatment outcomes and patient lives."

The Limb Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of limb-threatening conditions. Its unique model brings together world-class physicians and researchers, healthcare professionals and patients to advance research, support care and enhance lives. Dr. Wilkins and the physician team are the bridge between AlloSource and The Limb Preservation Foundation, who have worked together for 20 years to provide life-saving and life-enhancing possibilities for patients. 

"Limb preservation is a passion for AlloSource because surgeons use the bone and tissue allografts we provide to help their patients heal," said Thomas Cycyota, President and CEO of AlloSource. "I can't think of a better way to honor our donors and their families than to make sure the tissue they provide goes to helping people with critical and life-threatening conditions, such as the loss of a limb."

About AlloSource
AlloSource is a non-profit company that offers more than 200 types of precise bone, skin, soft-tissue and custom-machined allografts for use in an array of life-saving and life-enhancing medical procedures. As the world's leader in fresh cartilage tissue used for joint repair and skin allografts to help heal severe burns, AlloSource has grown into one of the largest tissue networks in the country with more than 400 employees.  It is the world's largest processor of cellular bone allografts and delivers unparalleled expertise and customer service to its growing network of surgeons, partners and the country's most reputable organ procurement organizations. As one of the leading innovators in maximizing tissue donation with the goal of offering optimal solutions for healthcare providers and their patients, AlloSource is recognized by the medical community for its ability to process and provide high quality tissue. The company is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks and is headquartered in Centennial, CO. For more information, please visit allosource.org or our educational website, allograftpossibilities.org.

About The Limb Preservation Foundation
Established in 1986, The Limb Preservation Foundation funds hope, help and possibilities for individuals experiencing limb-threatening conditions due to cancer, trauma or infection. The 501© nonprofit Foundation raises funds to support research, education, college scholarship and patient assistance. By directing and funding innovative research, the Foundation is creating new hope for patients, through its partnership with programs such as the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center, where new osteosarcoma protocols were developed, directly resulting in an increased survival rate of pediatric and adult limb cancer patients. For more information, please visit www.limbpreservation.org.

Media Contacts:
Emily Williams Kramer
The Limb Preservation Foundation
303. 429. 0688
[email protected]

Megan Duggan
AlloSource
720. 382. 2766
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141009/151385

SOURCE AlloSource