Governor Parkinson Joins the Kansas Masonic Foundation in Support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Governor Mark Parkinson Joined the Kansas Masonic Foundation at a news conference today to announce Campaign 2011, a campaign to support The University of Kansas Cancer Center's efforts to achieve National Cancer Institute designation.
The Masons' Campaign 2011 is the current fundraising inititative of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, which completed a $15 million Partnership For Life campaign in 2008. The Foundation has supported cancer research and program efforts at the University of Kansas for more than 34 years. Their ultimate goal is to assist the Cancer Center in achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. Pictured from left to right: Jeff Sowder, Governor Mark Parkinson, Lt. Governor Troy Findley, Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, Dr. Roy Jensen, Dr. Gary Doolittle, Mark Nelson, and Dale Seuferling.
Jeff Sowder, president of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, announced the two year $2 million goal of the campaign and committed $1 million of the gift to endow the Patient Navigator Program currently funded by the Foundation.
"Masons are pleased to have started the Patient Navigator Program last year for the Midwest Cancer Alliance," said Sowder. "This program is such a success that we want to endow the position, assuring future cancer patients that this program will be available for them."
"The Cancer Center will ensure that all Kansans will have greater access to the best cancer research, therapies, and prevention," said Governor Mark Parkinson. "Support from organizations like the Kansas Masonic Foundation will help us achieve National Cancer Institute designation."
Joining Governor Parkinson to recognize the Kansas Masons were Lt. Governor Troy Findley and KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.
"We are pleased to celebrate our efforts to date, and to spread the word about Campaign 2011," said Sowder. "Kansas Masons take great pride in the cutting-edge research being done at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and we are pleased to assist KU as it makes application for NCI designation." (Sowder Pictured with Governor Parkinson and KMF Board Member Adley Johnson.
So far, Kansas Masons and their friends have raised more than $700,000 of the new $2,011,000 pledged to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute, the research arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center through their Campaign 2011.
"This funding will help us advance cancer awareness and research throughout the region," said Roy Jensen, M.D., director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. "We are very grateful for our continued partnership with the Kansas Masonic Foundation."
There are nearly 25,000 Masons who represent 244 Masonic Lodges in Kansas. The Kansas Masonic FOundation has supported cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center since 1975 and has raised a total of $21 million for its quest for NCI designation.
Why is This Effort so Important?
With National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, the KU Cancer Center and the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute (KMCRI) will join other centers of excellence, such as M.D. Anderson and the Mayo Clinic, in offering the very latest in treatments and therapies to cancer patients. Moreover, the research conducted at the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute will translate into new therapies and cures that will save lives.
Currently, there is not a NCI designated cancer center in the central Heartland region. Cancer patients in Kansas must often travel very long distances to seek the very best in cancer care. Through the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA), a statewide network that is currently being developed, the very latest in cancer treatments and therapies that will be available at the KU Cancer Center will also be made available to patients across the state in their home communities.
Moreover, the presence of a NCI designated center in the state of Kansas will have tremendous economic benefit to our state. The designation will create good jobs in the bio-tech and research industry as well as attract significant research dollars and support from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.
Finally, and most importantly, people want to be involved because of the devastating toll that cancer takes on residents of our state and our nation. Everyone is affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly.
Cancer in
- 12,520 were diagnosed in 2008
- 5,360 died in 2008
- Cancer mortality rate reductions in KS (-0.6%) are one-third the national trends (-1.8%)
- $2.08 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity
- Cancer patients must travel 200-700 miles to reach an
The Kansas Masonic Foundation chose the fight against cancer as their top priority because of the destructive toll that it takes on individuals, families and society as a whole. An overriding tenet of Masonry is the idea of performing “Service to Mankind.” We can think of no better way to serve than to help in the fight against cancer.
Who is Involved?
A “Who’s Who” of prominent Kansans, both Masons and non-Masons, served as Honorary Chairs of the $15 million Partnership for Life Campaign which was completed in April 2008. These individuals helped promote the campaign by acting as spokespersons, by promoting the campaign and in assisting with fund raising.
Honorary Chairs
Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts
Governor Kathleen Sebelius
Ross Beach, Lawrence/Hays
Harry Craig, Topeka
Jack Dicus, Topeka
Mike Michaelis, Wichita
Joe Self, Wichita
Dave Lindstrom, Olathe
Bill Snyder, Manhattan
Click here for more biographical information on our former Honorary Chairs.
The Kansas Masonic Foundation organized Community Action Teams (CAT teams) across the state which assisted by promoting the campaign within their own communities, organizing special events and assisting with fund raising efforts.
Please click here for a complete list of the communities, leaders and member of the CAT teams.
How Can I Help?
There are two important ways that you can get involved in Campaign 2011 - as a donor and/or as a volunteer to assist the Kansas Masonic Foundation. Because, even though the Campaign Goal has been reached, we have a Partnership for Life with the KMCRI.
As a donor, there are a number of ways that you can financially support this effort. Many gifts may have positive tax benefits. For more information on what giving method might make sense for you, please see the “Ways to Give.”
It is important to note that the Kansas Masonic Foundation can “count” estate expectancies and other planned gift vehicles, such as charitable gift annuities, towards our gifts to the KMCRI at the KU Cancer Center. This allows the donor to be recognized and honored for the gift that will be completed through their will or trust. It is said that “silent gratitude doesn’t do anyone much good.” If you have remembered the Kansas Masonic Foundation in your estate planning, now is the time to let us know of your generosity!
If you are interested in making a pledge to campaign 2011, you can download the pledge form. If you have any questions about how you can support the campaign, please contact
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, Executive Director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation or call 785-357-7646.
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer in your area, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 785-357-7646.