LIVESTRONG Launches the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes of The Dell Medical School at The University of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, August 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ – The LIVESTRONG Foundation announced today at a press conference on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin that it will be launching the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes to create an original model of patient-centered cancer care in partnership with the Dell Medical School.

Building on its 17 years as the voice for and service provider to cancer patients and survivors, the LIVESTRONG Foundation is uniquely positioned to work with the Dell Medical School to educate the next generation of oncologists and practitioners who can put the cancer patient at the center of the healthcare ecosystem.  The LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes, which will be funded by an investment of $50 million over 10 years by the LIVESTRONG Foundation, will be an innovative enterprise designed by cancer patients and survivors to deliver patient-centered care, the best teaching practices and the greatest collaborative research to serve the cancer community. 

“The LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes represent a transformative moment in the evolution of the LIVESTRONG Foundation, as we apply years of data gathered from patients and survivors to design a pioneering approach to cancer care, by leveraging the resources of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas,” said Jeff Garvey, chairman of the LIVESTRONG Foundation’s board of directors. 

“LIVESTRONG’s groundbreaking work with the global cancer community has informed all of our efforts over the past 17 years, and that knowledge will help us create new models that treat the whole person, not just the disease,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG Foundation president and CEO. “The LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes in partnership with The University of Texas’ Dell Medical School will allow us reach more patients not just here in Texas but around the world, as we create a replicable and scalable model of care. This is not about new buildings in one physical location but rather about radically shifting a culture of care and reshaping the ecosystem to be more inclusive and provide care for all of those who need it. The Institutes are a game-changer for us and a game-changer for the cancer community, as a whole.”

“The LIVESTRONG Foundation has been incredibly innovative in supporting the full patient and survivor, and this is exactly what we want to support at the Dell Medical School through education, care, and research. We’re kindred spirits in that we both recognize the tremendous opportunity to improve the lives of those we touch and to create new models of care that improve lives everywhere,” said Dr. Clay Johnston, Dean of the Dell Medical School. “Our team is energized by the spirit and the power of LIVESTRONG’s global community, and we look forward to working together to change the way patients and survivors live with, through and beyond cancer.”

The University of Texas and LIVESTRONG Foundation have signed a Letter of Intent that states that the Foundation will provide a $50 million grant, over the next 10 years, to create and support the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.  The two entities will work together over the coming months to agree upon milestones and elements of service to advance the treatment of and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors and establish replicable models of care. Parties will comment on the terms and details upon signature of the final agreement.

About the LIVESTRONG Foundation

The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.8 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $580 million to support cancer survivors. One of America's top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.

Note:  A separate and related press release was issued by The University of Texas today. http://www.utexas.edu/news/2014/08/19/livestrong-cancer-institutes