With an unprecedented $50 million donation from Richard and Susan Rogel, the University of Michigan Health’s Rogel Cancer Center is set to change the landscape of pancreatic cancer detection, treatment, and potential cures. The donation will establish the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer, commemorating Max Rogel and Allen Blondy, Richard and Susan’s fathers, who both succumbed to cancer. This initiative aims to enhance clinical care and translational research, leveraging the expertise of 60 doctors and scientists from 10 departments already engaged in this critical work.
This significant contribution is the first major announcement in the public phase of the Look to Michigan fundraising campaign, chaired by Richard Rogel for Michigan Medicine. In 2018, the Rogels’ $150 million donation led to the naming of the cancer center in their honor. The new center will focus on doubling the pancreatic cancer survival rate within a decade, a goal unattainable through standard grant funding.
“My hope is in 10 years they’ll surpass the goal of doubling the survival rate and that Michigan will be the place everyone wants to go for pancreas cancer care. I think we can make a horrible disease a lot more tenable and maybe even cure it,” said Richard Rogel. Pancreatic cancer, with a mere 13% five-year survival rate, remains among the deadliest cancers. The Rogel Cancer Center’s team has been pivotal in improving survival rates through innovative research.
“Our team of dedicated researchers and providers is already having a major impact for pancreatic cancer patients and the field. With this generous and visionary gift from Rich and Susan Rogel, we will fuel new initiatives and innovations and strengthen our foundation of excellence in care, discovery and training,” said Eric R. Fearon, director of the Rogel Cancer Center. The center aims to map the tumor microenvironment and target tumor metabolism for effective therapies.
Marschall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, emphasized the role of philanthropy in advancing pancreatic cancer research, stating, “Philanthropy has been a driving force behind our major advancements in pancreatic cancer. Our work will be a community success story.” The Rogels’ continuous support has been transformative, contributing over $200 million to the center and impacting at least 18 areas across U-M, making them among the largest individual donors in university history.
The Rogel and Blondy Center will be led by Marina Pasca di Magliano, Costas Lyssiotis, and Timothy Frankel, who bring extensive expertise in surgical oncology and immunology. Four strategic pillars will guide the center’s mission: enhancing patient care, advancing research, accelerating treatment options through clinical trials, and investing in research infrastructure like a biobank.
“This is unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” Richard Rogel remarked, highlighting the long-term vision empowered by this donation. The Rogels’ philanthropic efforts extend beyond the cancer center, with Richard serving on multiple advisory boards and Susan supporting various U-M Health initiatives.
—
Read More Michigan News
