The Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars presented the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute with a gift of $15,509.22 for cancer research at the 39th annual Mid-Winter Conference, held in Kalamazoo, Mich., in January.

This support represents donations collected under the tenure of Past State Commander Gerold Gorski. For the past several years, including this latest contribution, Michigan veterans have raised funds through local posts to support the Karmanos Prostate Cancer Research Program. This is led by Elisabeth Heath, M.D., FACP, program director, who also serves as the Patricia C. and E. Jan Hartmann Endowed Chair for Prostate Cancer Research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Veteran posts throughout Michigan conduct a multitude of annual events in their communities to raise awareness of and funding for cancer research. This fundraising effort is guided by State Cancer Director James Proteau through the VFW State Headquarters.

"We are so pleased that year after year, VFW members have come through with critical support for our clinicians and scientists who are on the front lines of pioneering prostate cancer research, and for our patients, who are battling this disease," said Katrina Studvent, Karmanos' chief development officer. "The members of the VFW help move the needle on new prostate cancer treatment development and help bring direct access to the very best cancer care to our patients. The Michigan VFW are true partners in bringing hope and health to those men living with prostate cancer."

The Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars began a program in 1983 to furnish monetary aid for cancer research and dedicated funds to Karmanos. Through community service, advocacy and fundraising, the VFW members have donated more than $1.2 million since the program's inception.