MACC Fund Adds First New Research Partner in 9 Years
Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc. (MACC Fund) leaders today awarded a $50,000 one-year grant to support Marshfield Clinic’s Children’s Oncology Group Clinical Trials for pediatric hematology and oncology.
“The MACC Fund’s reputation across Wisconsin is well regarded thanks to its fundraising efforts for childhood cancer and blood disorders research and its association with the state’s professional and collegiate teams and athletes including the Packers Aaron Rodgers,” said Dr. Susan Turney, Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO. “Our researchers and clinicians have made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of young cancer patients. This grant will allow Marshfield Clinic to continue seeking new pediatric cancer treatments.”
The MACC Fund Board is hopeful this grant will lead to a greater collaborative clinical effort between Marshfield Clinic and the other long established beneficiaries of MACC Fund support, namely Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.
“We are excited about the possibility of expanding clinical research support to this part of the state with the hope of advancing the best care for the children of the area as well as the state and nation,” said Kevin Steiner, vice chair of the MACC Fund’s board of directors who presented the grant on behalf of the board. Steiner is President/CEO of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company.
Marshfield Clinic children’s pediatric cancer specialists treat childhood cancers and blood disorders and staff the region’s only pediatric oncology inpatient unit at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Marshfield.
“Philanthropy through Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation (MCHS) supports pediatric oncology programs system-wide, helping to provide clinical trials through Children’s Oncology Group, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, educational and comfort items, and additional family assistance,” Teri Wilczek, MCHS Foundation chief philanthropy officer. “We are honored to be added as the fourth MACC Fund partner, joining an esteemed group of organizations using research and clinical care to support kids and families battling childhood cancer. This cause is near and dear to our hearts.”
The non-profit MACC Fund was founded in 1976 by Jon McGlocklin, former Milwaukee Bucks player and television color analyst, and Eddie Doucette, former Bucks play-by-play announcer whose son, Brett, was diagnosed with leukemia as a toddler in 1975. The MACC Fund has contributed over $59 million dollars for childhood cancer and related blood disorder research.
MACC Fund is the beneficiary of the 40th annual Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Boys and Girls All-Star Games June 16-17 in Wisconsin Dells. Several Marshfield-area athletes who are participating in the game and raising funds attended today’s presentation. Last year’s games raised $147,000. The WBCA’s support of the MACC Fund dating back to 1978 is the second longest standing sponsor following the Milwaukee Bucks. It has contributed over $2 million through the All-Star Games.
