The gift is the largest one-time donation from the Lilly Foundation to an institution or cause. The funds will be used to recruit nationally recognized cancer scientists to strengthen the research initiatives and progressive care available in Indiana.
"The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and Lilly employees are committed to improving the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for cancer patients," said Sidney Taurel, Eli Lilly and Company chairman and chief executive office. "This gift of $7.5 million represents that commitment and acknowledges our appreciation of the vision shared by the caregivers and researchers at IU Cancer Center and Lilly scientists."
Taurel added that given the other investments being made by Indiana University School of Medicine and Clarian Health that benefit the IU Cancer Center, including the construction of a new cancer treatment facility and a new research building, Lilly believes that this is an ideal time to support the growth of the program as it increases its national reputation as a leader in cancer research and patient care.
"The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation's support of the IU Cancer Center will elevate the standards of cancer care throughout Indiana and throughout the country," said Center Director Stephen D. Williams, M.D., the HH Gregg Professor of Oncology and professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine. "Our research and clinical programs are expanding and so are the partnerships necessary for us to achieve our goals."
The IU Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center in the state where research and patient care come together. The NCI distinction is awarded to an elite group of research centers whose focus is the rapid translation of research disco
'"/>
Contact: Mary Hardin or Pam Perry
mhardin@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
Indiana University
16-May-2006