Catalyzing cancer research and care

Very few institutions, private or public, have the breadth and depth of resources to tackle medicine’s most complex challenges like cancer. But with more than 100 graduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Michigan is uniquely positioned to catalyze breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The generosity of Victors for Michigan campaign donors has enabled U‑M to collaborate with some of medicine’s most promising minds to translate research into lifesaving treatments.

In March 2018, Victors for Michigan Campaign Co-Chair and Michigan Medicine Campaign Chair Rich Rogel (BBA ’70, HLLD ’09) and his wife, Susan, made the largest gift ever to Michigan Medicine and one of the largest in U‑M’s history. In honor of the couple’s $150 million gift, U‑M named its comprehensive cancer center the Rogel Cancer Center. This transformational gift enables Michigan Medicine to draw on its collaborative research culture to drive cancer care forward. It helps attract and support outstanding cancer researchers from around the world, including the most promising fellows and trainees, making U‑M a premier center for developing new leaders in cancer research and care.

The Rogels were inspired by a $17.5 million gift from Victors for Michigan campaign steering committee members Sidney and Madeline Forbes. The Forbes Institute for Cancer Discovery is fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and, building on the prestige of the Rogel Cancer Center’s status as one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, is accelerating cancer therapies with innovative science and practice. The institute provides grants, team science awards, and technology transfer support to speed discoveries that translate into lifesaving therapies and treatments.

“Thanks to our generous donors, U‑M is as likely as any place in the world to make the breakthroughs that truly make the difference in cancer treatment.” – President Mark Schlissel

Experience has taught us that cancer attacks not only the body, but also the mind and spirit of the patient—as well as the emotional resources of the patient’s whole family. Many need support beyond traditional medical interventions throughout the cancer experience.

At the Rogel Cancer Center, the Patient Family Support Services (PFSS) Program offers resources that are crucial to the emotional and physical stability of cancer patients and their families. Since its creation in 1999, PFSS has helped more than 20,000 patients and their families navigate cancer treatments through an array of programs, providing emotional, spiritual, and educational support as part of a holistic care plan.

Over two dozen programs are available to patients upon request. At the very core of healing, the programs reduce anxiety, stress, and even physical pain. And PFSS addresses a critical need: The majority of its services, despite their proven role in cancer treatment and recovery, are not covered by traditional insurance plans.

Like so many other vital resources, generous donations from passionate philanthropists make them possible at U‑M.