Weiser Foundation’s $25M Gift Boosts Breast Cancer Care at Michigan Medicine

Michigan Medicine is set to revolutionize breast cancer care with a $25 million donation from the Weiser Charitable Foundation. This substantial gift will establish the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer at the University of Michigan Health’s Rogel Cancer Center, enhancing treatment experiences, patient support, and expanding breast cancer education and research.

Announced at the Sept. 19 Board of Regents meeting, the donation includes $5 million in matching funds to encourage additional contributions. Regent Ron Weiser, president of the foundation, emphasized the gift’s potential to transform all aspects of breast cancer care.

Marschall S. Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, expressed gratitude for the Weiser Charitable Foundation’s support, noting the impact on patient outcomes and high-level care. President Santa J. Ono highlighted the gift’s potential to accelerate discoveries and solidify Michigan Medicine’s standing as a leading medical center.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with over 310,000 new cases annually, including nearly 9,000 in Michigan. Eric R. Fearon, director of the Rogel Cancer Center, stated that the gift would significantly increase their capacity to provide world-class care and advance breast cancer research globally.

The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer will support various initiatives:

• Staffing, including care navigators and clinical research coordinators.
• Technology, such as contrast-enhanced mammography machines.
• Infrastructure and operational needs for patient care.
• Research and education, with funding for clinical trials and educational programs.

Co-led by Melissa Pilewskie and Monika Burness, the center will ensure multidisciplinary care. Justin Dimick, chair of the Department of Surgery, noted the gift’s role in supporting innovative programs and expanding services for breast cancer patients.

The center aims to enhance services for all stages of breast cancer, including those at high risk or with aggressive disease. Plans include state-of-the-art microsurgical procedures, a comprehensive survivorship plan, and advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Future expansions will integrate clinical research into patient care, supported by additional clinical research coordinators. The Weiser Charitable Foundation’s generosity ensures ongoing advancements in breast cancer treatment and care.

Ron Weiser and his family have donated over $200 million to U-M, establishing numerous centers and institutes. His contributions have significantly impacted U-M’s medical and educational landscape.

Michigan Medicine, U-M’s academic medical center, includes the Medical School and U-M Health, encompassing the university’s hospitals and health centers in southeast Michigan, UM Health-West, and UM Health-Sparrow.