Topeka, Kansas -
The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefitting Kansas communities, has partnered with the Masonic Cancer Alliance to contribute over $386,700 to fund a new cancer screening mobile van for the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center. This new investment of almost $400,000 builds on the already $35+ million Kansas Masons have donated to the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center over the past 40 years.
Since 1974, the Kansas Masonic Foundation has partnered with the University of Kansas to fight cancer and improve people’s lives. Over the years, the Kansas Masonic Foundation has contributed more than $35 million to the KU Medical Center and continues to support its mission of transforming the cancer experience by giving all people in the region greater access to breakthrough ideas, novel treatments, and cancer prevention strategies. With approximately 17,000 Kansans diagnosed with cancer each year, it is essential to further the scope of the KU Cancer Center’s outreach. To do this, the Kansas Masonic Foundation recently approved funding for the Masonic Cancer Alliance’s new mobile cancer screening van.
“Access to a mobile screening unit will be important for extending the scope and reach of our cancer screening program across the region. As long as the screening site has a parking lot, we can bring our team to deliver a comprehensive cancer screening and education program,” said Roy Jensen, Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. “This will allow us to provide these services without regard to the availability of facilities suitable for clinical exams. An additional advantage of the mobile unit is that all of our equipment, supplies, and educational materials will always be on board and ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.”
The new investment of nearly $400,000 will build on the previous funds the Kansas Masons have donated to the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center and will go toward purchasing a 40-foot vehicle, fully equipped with three private rooms for cancer screenings. Two rooms will be used for dermatology screenings, with the other dedicated to prostate cancer exams. There will also be additional space for blood draws. While undergoing a free screening, individuals may be screened for colon cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, CO levels, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure.
The new mobile screening unit will allow more free community screening events and accelerate research across the state of Kansas as access to cancer care and clinical trials in rural and vulnerable communities will be improved. It is expected that the van will be ready for screenings by the middle of next summer, and pre-scheduled appointments will likely be required due to the effects of COVID-19. All information relating to screening event locations and dates will be distributed via public information releases through the local Masonic lodges.
About the Kansas Masonic Foundation: As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit https://kansasmasonic.foundation/
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