Impact

The DeMeritts donate directly to the Director’s Fund, where UWCCC Director Dr. Howard Bailey can use the money for the areas of greatest need. Most recently, the DeMeritt’s giving has gone toward funding UWCCC’s Circulating Tumor Cell translational research, to help the research move from the lab to patients. Developing this lab means that research can move more quickly into new clinical trials and clinical care.

When Steve “Pu” Nickols was diagnosed with pancreas cancer, his family immediately began fundraising – as the total donations rose, so did their goal. They knew they could fund a pilot project with $50,000, and once they reached the midway point they pushed even harder. The pilot project they funded has the potential to impact pancreatic cancer research, provide data towards future pancreatic cancer grant applications, and impact the study of many other cancers.

Potosi Brewing Co., the country’s first brewery owned by a non-profit foundation, and their annual campaign raises money for the UWCCC’s Andy North and Friends (ANF) throughout the year. Proceeds from the campaign go towards the ANF Director’s Fund for Excellence, which provides the UWCCC’s director, Dr. Howard Bailey, with the means to support the research areas of greatest need, including high-risk high-reward projects. The flexibility of this type of giving allows Dr. Bailey to identify research areas or specific projects either in immediate need of support or with the most potential to greatly impact cancer care.

While very few PGA West donors and supporters have a connection to the University of Wisconsin, or Wisconsin itself, their participation affects cancer research in a big way. Holding true to the Wisconsin Idea, the research done in Wisconsin is spread to cancer centers throughout the US and world. Ty Trbovich’s The Feature at PGA West has supported immunotherapy research to benefit pediatric cancer patients, and the research is applicable to many cancers, both in children and adults.

Over the course of five years, support for and participation in Aly’s Honky Tonk Hustle has help raise half a million dollars towards neuroendocrine tumor (NET) research. The funds have supported four cancer researchers and implemented the Aly Wolff Neuroendocrine Project at the UWCCC. A new clinical trial stemming from the Project offers a new line of treatment for NET patients.

After Mary Beth Arnold’s experience as a patient at the UWCCC, her husband Dave joined the UWCCC Advisory Board. Comprised of business and community leaders, the Board helps advance the UWCCC’s initiatives through awareness, development, and advocacy. They help determine the course of the cutting-edge research, and help fundraise for high-risk high-reward research.