Over 25 years ago after three beloved teachers died of cancer, Lois Thomas, Putnam City Cancer Drive founder, realized a need and consigned the Putnam City schools to the ongoing task of providing for that need.
Since 1975, the students, faculty and parents of the Putnam City School District have generously supported the cancer research efforts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). Through bake sales, carnivals, car washes and various events and activities, the Cancer Drive has contributed over $1.4 million to purchase laboratory equipment, build buildings and support critical cancer research programs at OMRF.
At OMRF’s Capital Campaign Kick-off luncheon on November 10, 1999, students representing three Putnam City schools announced the establishment of the Putnam City Chair in Cancer Research. This $1 million chair will provide funds to support the recruitment of a cancer research leader who will bring the diverse effort at OMRF together into a single progrem to focus on understanding and developing new treatments and prevention techniques of this disease.
As a measure of our gratitude and partnership with the school district, OMRF has sponsored since 1978, the Putnam City Junior Scientist Day. Each spring approximately 30 elementary, middle and high school students participate in an extensive day of biomedical research. OMRF scientists proctor the students and review lab techniques and experiments, while their teachers and parents attend various lectures on our scientific activities.
The commitment of the school district to the vision that Lois Thomas put forth clearly illustrates the compassion, dedication and spirit of the Putnam City community as a whole. Their years of undaunted support enables our team of scientists to continue working so “…that more may live longer, healthier lives.”
