Indiana Lions Donate $1 Million
INDIANAPOLIS-- The Indiana Lions Club members will be honored Nov. 9 at an open house reception sponsored by Clarian Health at the Indiana Cancer Pavilion for their pledge of $1 million for the purchase of a Gamma Knife in recognition of their founder, Walter L. Shirley. The Gamma Knife, the only one in the state, is used to treat abnormal blood vessels, small benign and malignant tumors in the brain and certain functional disorders in a non-invasive manner. The Lions will have the opportunity to tour the Indiana Lion's Gamma Knife Center.
"The Gamma Knife is the most accurate and precise way to deliver a very high dose of radiation to small areas in and around the brain with minimal damage to surrounding normal tissue," said Robert D. Timmerman, M.D., assistant professor of radiation oncology and co-director of the Gamma Knife program.
The Gamma Knife uses 201 gamma ray beams to kill tumor cells and lesions such as abnormal blood vessels in areas of the brain that would be difficult or impossible to treat with conventional surgical methods.
Since 1947, the Lions Cancer Control Fund, Inc. has helped Indiana University's Department of Radiation Oncology become one of the world's most recognized cancer treatment centers by financially supporting advancements in radiation oncology.
"We are delighted to have this opportunity to honor the Indiana Lions," said Marcus Randall, M.D., The William A. Mitchell Professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology. "They have been loyal supporters of our clinical and academic programs and their efforts have had a positive impact on the lives of many Hoosiers." The Lions Cancer Control trustees' motto of "conquering cancer three ways through service, education and research" has been realized through its fund raising efforts in communities throughout Indiana and its dedication to IU's program. In total, the 16,000 member, statewide service organization has contributed nearly $4.5 million. Most of the money has purchased the latest radiotherapy technology, but funds have also been targeted to research and education of tomorrow's physicians and therapists.
The Indiana Lions Gamma Knife Center at Indiana University Hospital of Clarian Health opened in September. Nineteen patients were treated with the state-of-the-art technology during its first month of operation.
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