Cancer doesn't discriminate.
It doesn't care who you are or where you're from – and in one way or another, it finds a way to impact the lives of just about everyone.
It's a reality that the researchers at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are dedicated to ending, and for a third-consecutive year, the Kansas City Chiefs are partnering with the V Foundation to join that fight.
The collaboration - which also includes contributions from the Hunt Family Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System - will once again fund an Early Investigator Grant at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, equipping a young scientist right here in Kansas City with the means to perform critical research.
It's the kind of partnership that transcends football.
"The V Foundation delivers remarkable resources for medical researchers and healthcare professionals around the country, and we're thrilled to partner with the V Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System on this grant for the third consecutive year," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "The fact that this grant impacts a local cancer researcher at The University of Kansas Cancer Center means that we will continue having leaders in the fight against cancer right here in the Kansas City community."
It was just two years ago that the partnership provided Mary Markiewicz, Ph.D. at The University of Kansas Cancer Center with a grant to investigate the human body's "natural killer" cells and their potential to combat cancer. Last year, Guogen Yu, Ph.D. was awarded a similar grant to research the causes of gastric cancer.
Both investigations are examples of the vital work that has been made possible through the partnership - which was the first of its kind between the V Foundation and an NFL team three years ago - and it's just the beginning, as fans can join the fight as well by participating in the Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 Raffle on Sunday.
The raffle, which fans in the state of Missouri can participate in online, will benefit The University of Kansas Cancer Center this week as part of the annual "Crucial Catch" game at Arrowhead as the Chiefs take on the Houston Texans.
In fact, seven cancer survivors from The University of Kansas Cancer Center will be in attendance for the game alongside their loved ones and doctors after stopping by for practice earlier this season at the Chiefs' invitation.
"It's just a great thing to be around people that have gone through some of the same things that I have and to be able to enjoy life the way we are now," said Melvin Kennedy, a prostate cancer survivor. "This is a highlight of our lives."
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is saving lives, and through this continued partnership, their group of dedicated researchers will once again receive some reinforcements.
To learn more about the University of Kansas Cancer Center, click here.
