On Saturday, the Oklahoma chapter of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented a check for $3,502.39 to OMRF. With this gift, the Auxiliary has now donated more than $99,000 to support cancer research at OMRF since the Auxiliary began giving to the foundation in 1971.
“These gifts mean a great deal to OMRF.” said OMRF associate vice president for development Vernon Cook II. “The members of the Ladies Auxiliary understand the concept of sacrifice, and they remain very loyal to their causes. We count ourselves extremely lucky to have their support.”
Cook accepted the check at the Auxiliary’s fall festival Saturday in Oklahoma City. The gift marked the thirty-second consecutive year that the group has supported cancer research at OMRF.
“Dedication such as this will surely be the foundation for new and better treatments for cancer,” Cook said.
In 2001, OMRF researchers announced the discovery of a gene that may help identify women at a higher risk for contracting breast cancer. Those scientists are now developing a test that could become an effective screening tool for the disease.
Founded in 1914, the Auxiliary has more than 767,000 members nationwide. In addition raising funds for cancer treatment and research, the Auxiliary awards scholarships through its Voice of Democracy Program and provides more than eight million hours of volunteer service in local communities.
