The Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research is a general cancer research support fund dedicated to advancing cancer research for all cancers.
This fund will help recruit experts in the field of cancer research to the OSUCCC – James so that we can continue to have the best and brightest minds here at Ohio State. These efforts will advance cancer research through innovative ideas, novel therapies, state-of-the-art technology, basic/translational research and many other initiatives at the OSUCCC – James.
A New Frontier for Recruiting the Best
Discovering treasure often requires a convergence of circumstances — a confluence of dedication, timing and extraordinary expertise. Whether it’s uncovering new territory beyond previously unknown borders, pulling off an undefeated college football season or forging inroads deeper into cancer research, all the pieces — and players — must be in place.
Enter former football head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Urban Meyer, and his wife, Shelley. They know a thing or two about dedication, timing and expertise. They’re more than a little acquainted with navigating a nail-biter of a season. And they’ve become all too familiar with how cancer weaves, swerves and intersects through virtually everyone’s life. For them, it’s personal — with both Urban and Shelley’s families having been touched by cancer. Urban’s father, Urban Meyer Sr., was a bladder cancer survivor, and his mother, Gisela Meyer, was treated for breast cancer at Ohio State back when her son was the assistant football coach under Earle Bruce. Shelley’s stepmother, Marlene Mather, is also a breast cancer survivor.
So, in conjunction with the OSUCCC – James, the Meyers established the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research with the goal of furthering efforts for recruiting the very best and brightest cancer research experts to the OSUCCC – James.
The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research
In 2016, Timothy Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD, was appointed as the chair of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Department of Surgery and The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research. This chair was funded through a $2 million endowment through the Meyer Fund for Cancer Research.
The Urban and Shelley Meyer Professorship in Cancer
In 2021, Deliang Guo, PhD, was named to the Urban and Shelley Meyer Professorship in Cancer. The professorship was funded with $1 million from the Meyer Fund for Cancer Research.
Community Partners
Community Partners are a vital part of the success of the Meyer Fund for Cancer Research, helping to organize events such as golf outings, live and silent auctions and craft, art and bake sales. We have established Community Partner Guidelines to help you plan a successful benefit.
For more information about the Community Partners Program, please contact 614-293-2120 or email CommunityPartnerEvents@osumc.edu.
Buckeye Cruise for Cancer
Each year, the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer sets sail on a cruise ship full of Buckeye Greats and Athletes, along with thousands of fans from Buckeye Nation. Proceeds from the Buckeye Cruise benefit the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research. To learn more, visit www.buckeyecruise.com or call Travel Partners Specialty Tours at 614-792-0002.