Generosity boosts leukaemia and lymphoma research

27 June 2011

Research into leukaemia and lymphoma has received an enormous boost, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who has pledged $5.5 million in the hope of making a difference in the lives of others.

At a small gathering of family and University representatives on 31 May, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon, acknowledged the "wonderful contribution" that had been made and the huge impact that it would have on the University's research capability.

"We are absolutely blown away by the generosity of the family," said the Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS), Professor Iain Martin. Iain spoke of the importance of translational research that had resulted in significant improvements in the cure rates for both leukaemia and lymphoma. The very appreciable strengthening of the  research base at The University of Auckland could mean the creation of the next generation of treatments for leukaemia and lymphoma.

The event marked both the special memories held of a much-loved family member and a new start - the establishment of the Marijana Kumerich Chair in Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and a high quality academic group within the FMHS to improve understanding, diagnosis and outcomes for treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma.