U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., visited The University of Kansas Cancer Center Tuesday to celebrate passage of her funding request for a new imaging machine to advance cutting-edge cancer research and treatment in Kansas.
Rep. Davids joined KU Medical Center Executive Vice Chancellor Robert Simari, KU Cancer Center President Roy Jensen, and acting Department Chair of Cancer Biology Stefan Bossmann to tour an active research lab and hear how this federal funding will affect the thousands of Kansans who are fighting cancer.
In March, the President signed a government funding law fulfilling Rep. Davids’ request for $1,000,000 to purchase an IVIS/Quantum X2 Ultra-High-Resolution Imaging Station. With this funding, KU Cancer Center researchers will become the first in the region to have this advanced imaging technology. The new machine will benefit cancer patients and survivors and uplift the entire regional scientific community, enhancing the 3rd District’s reputation for innovation and excellence, according to a spokesman.
“The University of Kansas Cancer Center is already a source of hope for cancer patients and their loved ones, for physicians and researchers, and for aspiring medical students. I’m glad to help further that reputation and our work towards treatment breakthroughs by delivering this new imaging machine,” Rep. Davids said. “This project passed detailed reviews and vetting, and it will ensure that Kansas continues to lead in the field of cancer research and treatment.”
“On behalf of The University of Kansas Cancer Center I would like to thank Representative Davids and Congress for their support,” said Dr. Roy A. Jensen, vice chancellor and director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. “Federal funding for cancer research is crucial for advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for patients. This state-of-the-art preclinical imaging facility will have a direct positive impact on thousands of Kansans who are battling cancer and benefit the entire regional scientific community.”
The University of Kansas Cancer Center project funding was passed along with H.R. 2471, the broader government funding bill for fiscal year 2022. Members of Congress were able to request federal resources for up to 10 projects with demonstrated community support.
Out of hundreds of bipartisan submissions, eight Rep. Davids-requested projects were passed into law. Each project was submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for its potential to improve health and safety in the community, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunity to the 3rd District, according to Rep. Davids’ office. In total, more than $15.7 million is coming to the Kansas 3rd.
- Story from Rep. Sharice Davids’ office