Knowing firsthand what it takes to battle cancer, two Kansas philanthropists with a vision for the future have made a gift of $1 million to the Kansas Masonic Foundation. The gift will support cancer research by funding a professorship at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and support cancer initiatives at the KU School of Medicine in Wichita.

Franklin Gaines, CEO and chair of the board of directors for the First National Bank in Fredonia, Kansas, and his wife, Beverly, recently announced their gift to support cancer research by funding a professorship at the KU Cancer Center. In 2003, Gaines was appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to the Kansas Board of Regents. He also is a former state representative and senator.

“When I received my esophageal cancer diagnosis, I traveled to Mayo Clinic for my care and treatment, but not everyone can afford to do that. I heard Chancellor Hemenway speak to the Board of Regents about how having an NCI-designated cancer center would benefit our entire state. This is an extremely important endeavor that will allow people in Kansas to receive their care without traveling far away, and so I am very happy to help get KU closer to their goal,“ Gaines says.

The Franklin D. and Beverly J. Gaines Professorship will be used to support the medical director of the KU Cancer Center oncology outpatient unit at the KU School of Medicine in Wichita. The physician will be responsible for developing the research program, which will enroll patients in clinical trials in Wichita and will also be an integral part of the drug discovery process.