For the third consecutive year, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a continued collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to support critical cancer research. The collaboration is part of ESPN’s Blitz Cancer campaign, which pairs the V Foundation with professional football teams to support all types of cancer research at NCI-designated cancer centers in team markets. Last year, the collaboration awarded a $200,000 grant to Guogen Yu, Ph.D. at The University of Kansas Cancer Center for her research related to the causes of gastric cancer.
“Teamwork and sports are the heartbeat of the V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Joining forces with the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System and ESPN creates the framework to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®.”
The Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation, The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the V Foundation will fund an Early Career Investigator Grant at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The partnership will bring continued V Foundation resources to the Kansas City area as it funds an emerging researcher in the Chiefs’ community.
“The V Foundation delivers remarkable resources for medical researchers and healthcare professionals around the country, and we’re thrilled to partner with the V Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System on this grant for the third consecutive year,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “The fact that this grant impacts a local cancer researcher at The University of Kansas Cancer Center means that we will continue having leaders in the fight against cancer right here in the Kansas City community.”
On October 13, during the Chiefs ‘Crucial Catch’ game, versus the Houston Texans, the Hunt Family Foundation will hold a 50/50 raffle to support funding efforts. Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer aims to move the country towards unprecedented levels of early detection and risk reduction of screenable cancers and allows the NFL to reach and impact a wider population affected by various forms of cancer.
“We are grateful for this generous support which will help The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s work to foster new cancer treatment options and provide more hope to patients in our community,” said Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, President, Kansas City Division, and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of The University of Kansas Health System.
The V Foundation Early Career Investigator Grant will support a young tenure-track researcher early in her/his career by funding projects that are either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. To learn more about the 2018 grantee, Yu, click here.
“I applaud the efforts of the V Foundation and the Kansas City Chiefs to advance The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s efforts to fight this terrible disease,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. “We are deeply grateful for these funds.”
“We’re excited to kick off another season together with the Kansas City Chiefs and The University of Kansas Health System to Blitz Cancer,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN. “Together we will collaborate to positively impact the Kansas City community and continue in the fight against cancer. We #DontEverGiveUp.”
ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
About the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation
Founded as the Dallas Texans in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) by sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became known as the Kansas City Chiefs. The Hunt Family Foundation, formerly the Chiefs Children’s Fund, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Hunt family in 1983 to support charitable agencies in the greater Kansas City community. Through philanthropy and community programming, the Foundation provides vital assistance to more than 125 area charities each year and works to give back to a community that has given so much to the Kansas City Chiefs organization for more than 50 years. For more information about the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation, please visit www.chiefs.com.
About The University of Kansas Cancer Center
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is transforming cancer research and clinical care by linking an innovative approach to drug discovery, delivery and development to a nationally-accredited patient care program. Our consortium center includes cancer research and health care professionals associated with the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System; The University of Kansas, Lawrence; the Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Children’s Mercy; and in partnership with members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance.
