MAKING THE HOPE OF TODAY THE REALITY OF TOMORROW CENTER OF ECONOMIC EXCELLENCE IN CANCER STEM CELL BIOLOGY AND THERAPY Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University, in collaboration with Health Sciences South Carolina, are partnering in a new Center of Economic Excellence in Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Therapy. This exciting field of research, which explores using a patient's healthy cells to fight the diseased ones, is growing tremendously. There is great opportunity in developing new technologies related to isolating, growing, storing, differentiating, infusing and manipulating adult stem cells. A gift toward this endeavor would have significant impact. Centers of Economic Excellence Each year, South Carolina’s (SC) legislature sets aside $30 million from the SC Education Lottery to provide matching dollars for the three research universities. These funds are to create endowed chairs that will allow the University to recruit outstanding translational scientists. These endowed chairs are housed within a framework called a Center of Economic Excellence, or COEE. It is vital that COEEs demonstrate a scientific and economic impact for the state. The process is competitive, and an application is approved only after review by an internal body and a national scientific board. COEEs are approved with a budget of $10 million. MUSC raises $5 million, and the state provides a full match. December 2009 is the deadline to raise $5 million for the COEE in Stem Cell Biology and Therapy. If we do not raise the money, the state withdraws the matching funds. All gifts and pledges will allow us to secure the match even if the pledged payments fall outside of the deadline. COEE in Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Therapy The COEE will develop bioengineering aspects of stem cell utilization. This will allow for more adaptable clinical applications by elucidating the ways the body’s stem cells -- in bone marrow and adult organs -- contribute to cancer's progression. This understanding leads to new treatment targets. The success of the Center will depend upon the appointment of two endowed chairs -- at $2 million each -- to co-direct the program. With the money raised, we plan to recruit clinician/scientists who are nationally-recognized for translational biomedical research (cell-based therapies); and biomedical engineering (cell/tissue engineering). Helping Our Youngest Patients The COEE will also benefit our pediatric patients. The MUSC Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program has experienced tremendous growth and treats patients, from infancy through adolescence, from the Southeast region. The work of the Center would yield new cell-based therapies to improve survival rates for our youngest patients. New treatment strategies include cancer vaccines: adapting cells to boost their immune properties; and helping cells fight deadly infections affecting cancer patients. The potential of this work is remarkable and cutting-edge and we hope you will become a part of the success. Health Sciences South Carolina The Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC) was formed in 2004 by the leaders of two of South Carolina’s largest healthcare systems and two research universities to create a unique public-private partnership with a shared vision to enhance medical science in South Carolina. Today, HSSC is a dynamic statewide entity that includes: - Clemson University
- Greenville Hospital System
- University Medical Center
- Palmetto Health
- Medical University of South Carolina
- University of South Carolina
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
The good news from HSSC is that they have pledged $2 million for this COEE. This will allow us to move forward with recruiting endowed chairs for this COEE. We have until December 2009 the remaining $3 million. We are confident that even in these tough economic times we will reach that goal through the generosity of donors like you who have a special interest in this work. Make a Gift Contributions may be made payable to MUSC Foundation – COEE Cancer Stem Cell Biology & Therapy. They may be mailed to Rachael D. Smith, Director of Development, Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425. You may also visit our website at hcc.musc.edu or make your gift online at www.musc.edu/development. Pledges may be made for gifts over a multi-year period by filling out a letter of intent. Other options include donating appreciated assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. We would be pleased to work with you and your financial advisors on the most financially sound way for you to make a charitable contribution. Contact For more information, please contact Rachael D. Smith at (843) 792-7694 or e-mail at smithrmd@musc.edu. More information on this project is available as well as opportunities to meet with the scientific leaders at Hollings Cancer Center whose vision has created the Center of Economic Excellence in Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Therapy. Thank You We truly thank you for your consideration of supporting this effort. Please know that any level contribution will help us reach this important goal. You are giving hope to cancer patients that they may become cancer survivors. By giving, you are making hope a reality. | 
