WHY I GAVE
FEATURED GIFTS
A gift for life
10
KU GIVING
FALL 2008
Dr. Carol Fabian meets with a patient in the Breast Cancer Prevention Center at The University of Kansas Hospital’s Cancer Center and Medical Pavilion. Fabian heads the Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Research Program.
Foundation gift fulfills that goal. The Kansas Masonic Foundation was established in 1966 to expand Masonic philanthropy in the fields of charitable, educational and scientific programs. They chose the fight against cancer as their top priority because of the toll that it takes on individuals, families and society as a whole.
Why I Gave: “We are happy that our contribution will support and continue to build the outstanding breast cancer prevention programs that Dr. Carol Fabian has pioneered at KU. It is our family’s hope that this gift will make a significant contribution to the goal of more effectively preventing and treating cancer.” — Bette Morris
ELISSA MONROE
Nearly 187,000 women in the U.S. — and more than 1,800 men — were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, according to the most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The same year, nearly 41,000 women died from breast cancer, the sixth-leading cause of death in women. With statistics like this, many people are concerned about prevention. A new KU Medical Center professorship will help, providing support for a physician scientist specializing in breast cancer prevention. A $2 million gift for the University of Kansas Cancer Center from the Morris Family Foundation has created the Mark and Bette Morris Family Chair in Cancer Prevention. Bette Morris, Topeka, made the gift in honor of her late husband, veterinarian Mark Morris Jr. Her husband was passionate about helping the KU Cancer Center become a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center because he knew it would bring the most advanced cancer treatment to the community, Morris said. The chair is the sixth endowed professorship created at KU through the work of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. In 2003, the foundation pledged $15 million, via the Partnership for Life campaign, to help KU fight cancer. The Morris
MARK MCDONALD
$2 million gift supports breast cancer prevention
Left to right: Darlia Morris, David Morris, Bette Morris, Dr. Roy Jensen, Julie Morris and Mark Morris