MAKING THE HOPE OF TODAY THE REALITY OF TOMORROW CENTER OF ECONOMIC EXCELLENCE IN PROSTATE CANCER DISPARITIES RESEARCH In 2008, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, in partnership with the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University, received approval for a Center of Economic Excellence in Prostate Cancer Disparities Research. This is significant because South Carolina ranks third in the nation in prostate cancer deaths, with marked disparities among African Americans. African American men here are three times more likely than Caucasian men to die from prostate cancer. Also, African American men tend to be diagnosed at younger ages than Caucasian men. Unfortunately, there is a lower rate of participation in novel cancer clinical trials that could extend lives or cure some cancers. A gift toward this endeavor will go far. 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 be used to create endowed chairs that will allow MUSC 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 our state. And an application is approved only after reviews by an internal body and a national scientific board. The COEE in Prostate Cancer Disparities Research has been approved as a $7.2 million project, with fundraising of $3.6 million shared among the three partners -- and $3.6 million matching from the state. December 2009 is the deadline to raise the $3.6 million. If the money is not raised, the state withdraws the matching funds. All gifts and pledges will allow us to secure the match even if pledged payments fall outside of the deadline. Center of Economic Excellence (COEE) in Prostate Cancer Disparities Research The COEE will focus on three goals.
First, with partners throughout the state, the COEE will test methods of increasing African American participation in cancer clinical trials. Trials could include physical fitness interventions or tests of anti-obesity agents. Second, the COEE will develop tools and techniques to increase participation of African American men in prostate cancer screening and early detection programs. And last, the COEE will train students and junior faculty to conduct prostate cancer research in South Carolina. The success of the COEE will be the appointment of three endowed chairs -- at $1.2 million each -- at the participating institutions. Hollings Cancer Center will direct the COEE, with the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University as co-directors. This program has the potential to make a huge impact on the prostate cancer disparities problem. We and we hope you will become a part of the success. Make a Gift Contributions may be made payable to MUSC Foundation – COEE Prostate Cancer Disparities Research and 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 giving 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. Naming opportunities are available and recognition preferences can be discussed. 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 Prostate Cancer Disparities Research. Thank You We truly thank you for your consideration in 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. | 
