$5 Million Donation Fuels New Research Chairs to Combat Cancer

A significant advancement in cancer research has emerged from a generous donation of $5 million made by the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten through the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF). This funding, matched by Western University, has established two endowed research chairs aimed at enhancing cancer care and treatment strategies.

The urgency for progress in cancer research is underscored by statistics indicating that nearly half of the Canadian population may receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. The new chairs, situated within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, promise to provide long-term, stable funding that will facilitate innovation and propel breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Transformational Research Focus

The newly created Verspeeten Chair in Translational Cancer Research is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. This position will support a clinician researcher who specializes in translational and clinical trial research, aiming to expedite cancer diagnosis and treatment. By fostering collaboration between scientists and healthcare practitioners, this chair is expected to drive the development of advanced diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies.

In addition, the Verspeeten Chair in Oncology will support a basic science researcher or a clinician with a robust background in cancer research. This role focuses on uncovering the biological mechanisms that lead to cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes through actionable discoveries.

Dr. Michael Ott, who serves as the chair and department head of oncology at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the Verspeeten Chair in Oncology. He plans to conduct research across Western University and the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute.

“This investment reflects a strong commitment to advancing cancer research and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world impact,” Dr. Ott stated. “With this chair, we’re taking an important step toward improving outcomes for cancer patients.”

A Legacy of Generosity

The establishment of these endowed chairs is a testament to the vision of the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten, who were staunch supporters of cancer research. Their donation is part of a larger commitment, with Archie Verspeeten having previously contributed $20 million to enhance cancer care in London, Ontario, in memory of his wife and two sons who lost their lives to cancer.

John MacFarlane, president and CEO of LHSF, remarked, “This remarkable act of generosity honors his family’s legacy while helping to strengthen treatment and patient support.” The donation has also facilitated the renaming of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at LHSC, which serves patients throughout southwestern Ontario.

The impact of cancer has been felt deeply by the Verspeeten family. Brian Verspeeten, son of Archie and Irene, noted, “For my dad, it was a powerful reminder that cancer research is not just a distant idea – it is a source of hope that can truly change a life.”

With LHSC and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry positioned within a collaborative hospital and research network, London, Ontario, is already recognized as a national centre of excellence for cancer research and patient care.

Dr. John Yoo, dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, emphasized the importance of this funding in advancing cancer research. “These chair positions enable us to assemble the best talent, tools, and technology to remain on the leading edge of cancer diagnostics and care during this transformative era in cancer research,” he stated.

The establishment of these research chairs represents a crucial step forward in the fight against cancer, promising to enhance our understanding and treatment of this pervasive disease.