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With the turn of a little dirt, the Huntsman Cancer Institute doubled its space and its research in a quest to conquer the disease.
At 156,000-square feet, it will hold 50 additional patients, 25 exam rooms, four new operating rooms, clinics, a new breast health center, a cancer learning center and more.
Several hundred who gathered heard the frightening statistics that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will have cancer in their lifetimes.
Jon M. Huntsman, founder of Huntsman Cancer Institute, said, "There will be 550,000 people in the United States of America and almost 7 million throughout the world, who will die of cancer. Every family will be touched by this horrifying and tragic disease. We must end cancer."
A number of Latter-day Saint church leaders were there, the faith has given generous donations. LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson said, "Thanks to Jon and Karen, those technical treatments and early diagnosis and follow-up treatments have provided more years for anyone who's been afflicted with cancer."
Karen Huntsman, founder of Huntsman Cancer Institute, said, "I wish to express gratitude to the donors who are here this day and to the donors who are not here for their contributions. For you truly give our patient population hope."
The program included a surprise for the Huntsmans: a first-time $5 million donation from a foundation in California. The applause was like music to patients and cancer survivors.
Brain cancer survivor Matt Pond said, "To have been able to use this place to keep me alive, and now to be here to watch it grow more and more, it's an honor."
There is good news to report on the cancer battlefront. The Huntsman Cancer Institute's executive director says there is progress: the annual death rate is down with 12 million cancer survivors in the United States.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com