2026 Funding Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROJECT PERIWINKLE ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM FUNDING
Saint Louis, MO & Milwaukee, WI — March 7, 2026 — We are honored and excited to share our next research grant, to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in the amount of $75,000.
This gift will fund a new program, creating an AI-based framework within the most technically demanding aspects of robotic gastrectomy and pancreatectomy. This project builds on UT MD Anderson’s expertise in robotic upper gastrointestinal surgery and its proven AI models for anatomical recognition and surgical phase detection.
“This latest investment unleashes potential that will without a doubt change the world and continue shaping a brighter future for those touched by cancer,” said Ben Broghammer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Project Periwinkle.
This gift is Project Periwinkle’s fifth to UT MD Anderson, continuing a relationship dating back to 2019, and marks the largest single funding in Project Periwinkle’s history.
“Our mission comes to life because of the research teams that deliver meaningful outcomes, and we are incredibly proud to continue this next chapter with the best,” continued Broghammer.
Funding is immediate, and representatives from Project Periwinkle’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team will be traveling to Houston next month. Thank you to all our donors and supporters who made this incredible milestone possible! The best is yet to come!
A formal impact report related to this gift will be published when available. For information about Project Periwinkle, or this gift, visit www.ProjectPeriwinkle.org, or reach out to the media contact below:
Media Contact
Ben J. Broghammer
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
(262) 236-6920
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