About Cancer Research
Improving outcomes for cancer patients through collaborative research
Established in 1986, cancer care providers and researchers knew the most impactful way to improve the lives of cancer patients was to work together. After securing a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1988 as a comprehensive cancer center, leadership formed research and clinical partnerships across Michigan Medicine and across the University of Michigan.
An NCI-designated cancer center
Cancer patients, their families and the community received huge benefits when the cancer center received their grant from the NCI. The funding enabled the establishment of:
- Patient and Family Support Services
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Clinical Trials
- Partnership with medical school departments to further the training of future cancer clinicians and researchers
Because cancer isn't just one disease, but many; the need for research is urgent. Not only are cancer researchers working to understand how to treat cancer and improve outcomes and quality of life for patients, they're also working to understand how cancer grows within the body. As a result, our research discovered the importance of stem cells, genetics, metabolism and other types of cancer biological processes.
The Rogels
Bold philanthropists and longtime supporters of the University of Michigan, Richard and Susan Rogel have committed much of their lives to providing opportunities to others, including students and medical researchers. Their generosity extends from gifts of time and resources to sharing expertise and vision.
With great foresight and a goal to make lives better, the Rogels committed $150 million to the U-M cancer center during the Victors for Michigan Campaign. In recognition of their many years of giving and service, the center was renamed the Rogel Cancer Center in March 2018.
Having contributed $188.5 million to at least 17 different areas across the University of Michigan, the Rogels are the second largest individual donors in university history. They made their first major gift in 1987. Their contributions during the Victors for Michigan campaign top $162 million.
Since 2018, the Rogels remain committed to furthering cancer research, recently creating the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
