Karmanos Cancer Institute Receives $5.4M Grant for Blood-Related Cancer Research

1454

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit announced today it will use a nearly $5.4 million grant from the Dresner Foundation to elevate its leadership in blood-related cancer services and research.

The funding, to be distributed over the next five years, will create an endowed chair position, help recruit gifted scientists and fellowship positions, and establish a patient registry and tissue bank for blood-related cancers.

“In addition, it will provide cancer patients with financial assistance for medications, transportation and other financial challenges, so they can concentrate on surviving their disease without the additional stress of financial burden,” says Dr. Charles A. Schiffer, who will serve as the first endowed Joseph Dresner Chair for Hematologic Malignancies

The West Bloomfield Township-based Dresner Foundation was established by the late Joseph and Vera Dresner to support health research and those dedicated to improving the quality and length of life for patients. Joseph was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2002 and was treated by Schiffer at Karmanos.

The grant, combined with the personal gifts from the Dresner family, brings their total giving to the Karmanos Cancer Institute to more than $10.4 million since 1998.

 “Supporting the endowed chair position and the recruitment of specialized scientists who train with the best will not only ensure that that level of excellent care and innovative research that Karmanos is known for continues; it will also be enhanced,” says Lori Dresner, president of the Dresner Foundation, and daughter of the Dresners. “The Detroit community is fortunate to have a top hematology treatment program in the country right here at Karmanos, supported by cutting edge research to help improve patient survival rates.”