Purpose of the The Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund
The Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund:
History
The vision and dream of Perry “Dick” Swanson was to create a fund to honor Stanley M. Marks, M.D. and simultaneously advance innovative cancer care and research. His dream caught fire when others also picked up the banner for the cause.
The Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund was established to create a meaningful vehicle for patients and others who wanted to make a difference for cancer. The intent was to provide a critical base of support for important research and clinical efforts, establishing a highly visible symbol of the standard of excellence in patient care which was important to Dr. Marks.
Friends, patients, community philanthropists also wanted to contribute and make an impact to honor Dr. Marks.
Time went on and soon there was interest generated from the endowment, enough to begin to fund some very substantial research within the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
Today
Initiatives have continued…one of the most significant is the Stanley M. Marks Golf Classic which has been held every year for the last three years in beautiful venues throughout western Pennsylvania. And the fund has come full circle with volunteers—it is Perry Swanson’s son, David Swanson, who is now organizing this event with an army of others through a private foundation called Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research.
Money raised through the golf tournament will be given to the fund held at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to further enhance research in blood cancers. This army includes names like Jeanne Caliguiri, Heather Keicher, Joe Curtin, Pat Gallagher, and Gary Bowser.
Stanley M. Marks, M.D. has enjoyed a truly remarkable career and has built a stellar reputation in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. He is Chairman of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UPMC Shadyside, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is consistently named as one of the Top Physicians in Pittsburgh as well as Best Doctors in America in hematology and medical oncology.
Dr. Marks has exhibited remarkable leadership—he believes that his ultimate responsibility is to provide the very best hematology/oncology care and facilitate the development of other people in this endeavor.
Future
This fund is critical for the vision for the future of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center as it will support innovative research in cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine. As such, it is vital to continue raising additional support for the Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund. Given the progress that has been made with the Fund, there can be no more important investment to promote outstanding research and patient care for our community and beyond—all in the name of someone who has set the standard.
What Has the Fund Supported?
Gifts to the Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund have been well-placed investments because there is a remarkable rate of return on projects supported. The Marks Fund provides support to some of the most talented scientists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Groundbreaking research is helping to more effectively diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.
Check Presentation by PGT Trucking
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 2018 – The check presentation by PGT Trucking, for both SMM Blood Cancer Fund and University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department.