Don and Angie Ward, longtime supporters of the OSUCCC – James, have committed to support future research initiatives at central Ohio’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
Embracing a lifelong spirit of giving, the Wards have consistently given to the cancer program since 2005 in support of research focused on genomics and breast cancer, as well as core facilities that are critical to modern research, such as the tumor registry and DNA sequencing technologies. They have also been outspoken community advocates for the OSUCCC – James, encouraging others to get involved in supporting cancer research.
“We are incredibly thankful for Don and Angie Ward’s leadership and generous support of cancer research initiatives at the OSUCCC – James. For nearly two decades, they have asked us: ‘How can we help? What can we do?’ They have been tremendous partners in moving some of our most promising research forward,” says Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of the comprehensive cancer center.
"Angie and Don are an inspiration to the entire staff at the OSUCCC – James, especially to our patients resulting from their continuing unsolicited contributions that will impact millions of lives locally, nationally and internationally. In short, they are the greatest," adds David Schuller, MD, a former member of the James Foundation Board, director emeritus of the OSUCCC and CEO emeritus of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
The Wards say that the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research inspired them to make their first gift to the OSUCCC – James. “Our kids are about the same age as Chris and Stefanie, and we lived in a neighboring community. We’ve been following Chris’ career from the very beginning. We got to meet Stefanie on a tour of The James, and it was a special moment,” says Don, who has since been treated for cancer at the OSUCCC – James.
This new planned gift will be applied to the Cancer Strategic Support Research Initiatives Fund, which supports new and emerging research projects at the OSUCCC – James.
“People do small things that snowball and make a difference. Every dollar raised or donated for cancer research matters. Research means new treatments and hope for people affected by cancer. We believe in giving back, and we are thankful we are at a place in our lives that we can do that,” says Angie.
“It is exciting to see successful new medications and treatments being developed through research here and then progressing to benefit patients across the world. That makes us feel like our contributions are offering hope and making a difference in our community and beyond,” she adds.
Don Ward lost his courageous battle with cancer earlier this summer.