An Update From Our Chairman & CEO

* Copy of a letter sent our this morning to those subscribed to our emails *

Dear Friends,

Today, I am excited to share with you that we are seed funding a new project at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focused on developing a model to better enable phase recognition and also strengthen surgical approaches of pancreatectomy and gastrectomy with a $50,000 grant.

Over the past several years, we have built a relationship with MD Anderson that has shown their deep commitment to patient care, the constant pursuit of progress and the striving for excellence. We have witnessed first hand their dedication to their mission and their values of caring, integrity, and discovery. We have been a part of incredible work that has shaped a better world, and as our Research Committee and Board of Directors evaluated this most recent project proposal, we see promise not because of a what the world knows, but also because of the track record we have seen on a personal level.  We are excited to, again, make possible work at the number one place in the nation for cancer care, and continue building upon our mission with the best.  Our team is planning to travel to Houston early next year, and as results become available, we will share.

This is our 8th gift made as an organization, and our 4th to MD Anderson. Each program we evaluate is deeply vetted and reviewed against our yearly strategic goals and objectives, our values, and our best interests as an organization. In January, I shared with our board and our executive team my vision for the year and for a continued pursuit of our Project Periwinkle 2025 initiatives.  With this, was an objective to diversify research and program funding to ensure every path forward is reviewed and analyzed, in order to best act and direct funds. This summer, the updates we shared showcased the interest of other institutions throughout the world who have partnered with MD Anderson on projects we helped to get off the ground.  Diversification and bringing together the best institutions is happening.  What we are seeing is remarkable, unmatched, and beyond what we could have dreamt of years ago.

On a personal note, as I look back on what we’ve built, I am constantly reminded of the why behind our mission, and with each reason someone shares for giving to or supporting Project Periwinkle, see that our stories have a common thread. Cancer touches all of us in one way or another. My cousin, Michon, would have turned 40 this coming Monday, I am the same age she was when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and here we are today, sharing another milestone I know she would be incredibly proud of.  We’ve raised nearly a quarter million dollars for stomach cancer research and we are making a tangible difference in the world.  We are making tomorrow better than today.

We owe everything to you, for your continued support and belief in everything we are doing to advance our mission. We strive to be the best stewards of the resources we are given, and as we move forward, together, hope you continue to see a part of yourself in everything we do. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you.  For everything and so much more, thank you!

Sincerely & With Gratitude,

Ben J. Broghammer, MBA

Chairman & CEO