November 15, 2019
In recognition of a significant contribution made by the Kansas Masons to support efforts to prevent cancer and improve people's lives, the Midwest Cancer Alliance is now the Masonic Cancer Alliance. The name change from Midwest Cancer Alliance to Masonic Cancer Alliance is due to a generous gift of five million dollars from the Kansas Masons. The gift is attributed to the 15,000 Masons across Kansas coming together through more than 200 lodges statewide.
The Masonic Cancer Alliance – also known as MCA – is the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The membership-based organization was created in 2008 to advance the quality and reach of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship in the Heartland. The Masonic Cancer Alliance links hospitals and health care partners across Kansas and western Missouri to scientists and clinicians at KU Cancer Center. It also provides its members with access to clinical trials, professional education, patient navigation services, networking, and outreach opportunities.
In 2016 the Kansas Masonic Foundation committed to providing additional support for MCA’s efforts to improve the health of the region. Formed in 1966, the Kansas Masonic Foundation encourages philanthropy from Kansas Masons for charitable, educational, and scientific programs and has built a strong Tradition of Service in Kansas. The Kansas Masonic Foundation began providing the additional support to KU Cancer Center and the MCA's cancer research and education activities earlier this year.
For the past decade, Kansas Masons have partnered with MCA and supported numerous cancer screenings throughout the state. These screenings are open to anyone and are offered at no charge to those who get screened for various cancer types. Since 2008, more than 8,000 individuals have been screened for cancer during the free cancer screenings supported by the Kansas Masons. Of those screened, about 18% have been referred for follow-up evaluation due to abnormal findings.
“The Kansas Masonic Foundation has supported MCA efforts since its founding. The Foundation has sponsored and hosted numerous cancer screenings in partnership with local MCA members throughout the past decade. Seeing firsthand the impact these screenings have had on the health of Kansans inspired the Kansas Masons to further their commitment with a $5 million gift that will permanently endow the MCA. The long-term sustainability of the MCA – as the outreach network of KU Cancer Center – and the support for cancer control efforts this gift offers cannot be underestimated,” stated Roy Jensen, M.D., director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and chief executive officer of the Masonic Cancer Alliance.
The Kansas Masons have supported KU Cancer Center for more than 40 years, contributing more than $30 million to KU Cancer Center research. They have focused their support on the Cancer Center’s goal of improving the health of the region and obtaining comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute. This new gift will allow the MCA to continue to support rural research and provider education as well as expand to support primary care providers in their cancer control efforts.
The Masonic Cancer Alliance will continue to be guided by the MCA Partners Advisory Board as well as input from members of the MCA Community Advisory Board. The Kansas Masons are an organization independent of the Masonic Cancer Alliance with their own bylaws, standing rules, and practices.
Media Contact: Kay Hawes, 913-617-8698
The Masonic Cancer Alliance – also known as MCA – is the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The membership-based organization was created in 2008 to advance the quality and reach of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship in the Heartland. The Masonic Cancer Alliance links hospitals and health care partners across Kansas and western Missouri to scientists and clinicians at KU Cancer Center. It also provides its members with access to clinical trials, professional education, patient navigation services, networking, and outreach opportunities.
In 2016 the Kansas Masonic Foundation committed to providing additional support for MCA’s efforts to improve the health of the region. Formed in 1966, the Kansas Masonic Foundation encourages philanthropy from Kansas Masons for charitable, educational, and scientific programs and has built a strong Tradition of Service in Kansas. The Kansas Masonic Foundation began providing the additional support to KU Cancer Center and the MCA's cancer research and education activities earlier this year.
For the past decade, Kansas Masons have partnered with MCA and supported numerous cancer screenings throughout the state. These screenings are open to anyone and are offered at no charge to those who get screened for various cancer types. Since 2008, more than 8,000 individuals have been screened for cancer during the free cancer screenings supported by the Kansas Masons. Of those screened, about 18% have been referred for follow-up evaluation due to abnormal findings.
“The Kansas Masonic Foundation has supported MCA efforts since its founding. The Foundation has sponsored and hosted numerous cancer screenings in partnership with local MCA members throughout the past decade. Seeing firsthand the impact these screenings have had on the health of Kansans inspired the Kansas Masons to further their commitment with a $5 million gift that will permanently endow the MCA. The long-term sustainability of the MCA – as the outreach network of KU Cancer Center – and the support for cancer control efforts this gift offers cannot be underestimated,” stated Roy Jensen, M.D., director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and chief executive officer of the Masonic Cancer Alliance.
The Kansas Masons have supported KU Cancer Center for more than 40 years, contributing more than $30 million to KU Cancer Center research. They have focused their support on the Cancer Center’s goal of improving the health of the region and obtaining comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute. This new gift will allow the MCA to continue to support rural research and provider education as well as expand to support primary care providers in their cancer control efforts.
The Masonic Cancer Alliance will continue to be guided by the MCA Partners Advisory Board as well as input from members of the MCA Community Advisory Board. The Kansas Masons are an organization independent of the Masonic Cancer Alliance with their own bylaws, standing rules, and practices.
Media Contact: Kay Hawes, 913-617-8698