Swanson family gift will double your donation to cancer-research programs for children

Hoping to encourage others to support cancer research, Gerald and Gloria Swanson have extended a generous offer. For each gift made to Fred Hutchinson pediatric-cancer programs in 2002, the Swansons will match those donations dollar for dollar, up to a total of $100,000.

Like many of us, the Swansons have been affected by cancer personally. One family member was treated successfully at Fred Hutchinson for multiple myeloma. But another family member - Gloria's sister - tragically lost her battle with cancer.

Childhood cancer is the most common cause of death by illness among children younger than 15. Though survival rates have improved thanks to new therapies such as bone-marrow transplantation, there is much more to be accomplished.

"More funding is needed to explore new research avenues and stop the suffering of children facing cancer," said Gerald, a longtime Fred Hutchinson supporter and former chair of the board of trustees. "We hope that by doubling all gifts to pediatric oncology, the outcome for children will rapidly improve - sooner rather than later."

To donate, use the envelope inside this issue of Quest. Designate your gift to "pediatric oncology" in the memo line of your check. For more information, contact Roger Buckingham at (206) 667-2981 or rbucking@fhcrc.org.

Business can support Fred Hutchinson cancer research in lieu of holiday gifts

Fred Hutchinson has a great option for companies searching for meaningful holiday gifts for employees, clients and other associates: a donation to cancer research.

Holiday cards featuring artwork by a student from the Hutch School are available to recognize your company's gift. Each is inscribed with "In the spirit of the holidays, a donation has been made in your honor to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center."

For pricing and more information, contact Shelley Kuni at (206) 667-6327 or skuni@fhcrc.org.

Partners in Research members honored

More than 50 people from the Puget Sound area and as far away as Portland and Bellingham gathered at Fred Hutchinson last fall to be honored at the first Partners in Research luncheon. Partners in Research are individuals who have made planned gifts such as a bequest in their will or a charitable gift annuity.

Attendees learned about new discoveries in cancer prevention from Dr. John Potter, new director of the Public Health Sciences Division. Former patient Dana Togni spoke of her gratitude for the bone-marrow transplant she received at the center.

Plans are already under way for the second annual luncheon in 2003. For more information about Partners in Research, please contact the center at (206) 667-3396 or plannedgiving@fhcrc.org.

Immunex and Amgen continue their support for interdisciplinary training

In July 2002, Immunex Corp., acquired by Amgen Inc., made a gift of $200,000 a year for five years to continue its support for training of new researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Half of the money will be used for interdisciplinary fellowships for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who combine two or more complementary disciplines in their research. The goal is to help scientists more rapidly apply the latest knowledge across scientific disciplines to develop new cancer therapies and prevention techniques.

The other half of the gift will be used for fellowships in Fred Hutchinson's four scientific divisions.

"Most of the research at Fred Hutchinson is actually carried out by scientists in training under the supervision of a faculty member. The future of cancer research will be in the hands of this new generation," said Dr. Lee Hartwell, center president and director. "It is often difficult to find adequate funding for these trainees. We are extremely grateful to Amgen for providing this type of support both for the immediate impact on our research programs and for the long-term effect the gift will have in supporting the development of new careers in cancer research."

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