The University of Kansas Cancer Center is on its way to becoming a reality. The $450 million research facility has hit a critical fundraising goal, with a little more than half of the needed money raised in just two years. The just over $250 million raised includes significant foundation money, as well as a nearly $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation.
The new facility, 675,000-square-feet in scope, will be added to the existing, and already expansive, medical campus at 39th and Rainbow, consolidating the various cancer treatment facilities and labs that are currently spread across twelve different locations in the metro and in Lawrence, Kansas.
Construction will begin in April of 2025 and last an expected 30-months. The project will be led by JE Dunn Construction. Final renderings are still on the way.
“Our vision is for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to be a beacon of hope and a global destination for both those with cancer and for scientists and clinicians seeking to cure cancer,” said Dr. Jensen, vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center. “This building will be a hub that brings together leading-edge patient care and innovation as we seek to transform both cancer care and cancer research in our quest to cure cancer – together. Patients treated at NCI-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival compared to other cancer centers because of the enhanced relationship between patient care and research. This building will advance our goals even further, serving as a catalyst for breakthroughs that will change cancer care on the national level.”
“Our vision is for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to be a beacon of hope and a global destination for both those with cancer and for scientists and clinicians seeking to cure cancer,” said Dr. Jensen. “This building will be a hub that brings together leading-edge patient care and innovation as we seek to transform both cancer care and cancer research in our quest to cure cancer – together. Patients treated at NCI-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival compared to other cancer centers because of the enhanced relationship between patient care and research. This building will advance our goals even further, serving as a catalyst for breakthroughs that will change cancer care on the national level.”
The University of Kansas has developed a world-class cancer treatment program and is considered among the best hospital systems in the world for the issue. Dr. Jensen was recruited to head the KU Cancer Center for that express goal. The new building will have every aspect of treatment, from nutrition to pathology, all under one roof.
Tristin Amezcua-Hogan is the Editor of The Labor Beacon and a member of LIUNA Local 264. Tristin also serves as the Director of Communications for the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO and the Chair of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.
Tristin grew up as the son of a UA Local 669 member in Tecumseh, KS and the great-nephew of George C. Amis, longtime leader of the United Rubberworkers (now USW Local 307) in Kansas. Growing up in rural Kansas as the child of teen parents, Tristin quickly came to appreciate the life-changing benefit of a union job.
Tristin and his partner, Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, are residents of the Westside, Kansas City, MO's historic Mexican neighborhood. They are proud members of Kansas City's New Reform Temple.
