Orlando, FL – April 20, 2009 – The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando – Cancer Research Institute has received a generous donation to provide support for ongoing research in the search for a cure for cancer. The donation of $1.3 million dollars, funded by the Arnold D. Palmer Charitable Trust, will establish the Winnie Palmer Endowed Directorship, supporting the role of the director of the Cancer Research Institute.
“We are truly appreciative and grateful for the continued support of the Palmer Family,” said Clarence Brown, MD, President and CEO of M. D. Anderson – Orlando. “Their commitment to help find a cure for cancer is inspirational. Our researchers, lead by director Dr. Cheryl Baker, are making tremendous strides in cancer research and are saving lives. This generous donation, funding the continuation of valuable research of our Cancer Research Institute will undoubtedly save additional lives. “
The Cancer Research Institute will be expanding this summer to Medical City at Lake Nona. The research facility, which will be located within the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences building, will play a pivotal role in the future of cutting edge cancer research.
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, part of Orlando Health, is affiliated with The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as the top cancer treatment center in the U.S. and has ranked it as one of the top two cancer centers for the past 13 years. Orlando Health, a 1,780-bed community-owned, Florida not-for-profit organization established in 1918, annually serves nearly 2 million Central Florida residents and more than 4,500 international patients. More information is available at www.mdandersonorlando.org.