Sylvia and Ed Hagenlocker share a passion for fighting cancer. For years, the couple has volunteered with area hospice programs, and given their support to Beaumont's Drive to Beat Breast Cancer golf event and Sharing & Caring breast cancer program. Sylvia is also a Beaumont Hospital Trustee.
Now, through a generous gift, they have established the Hagenlocker Cancer Genetics Research and Program Support Fund to further leading-edge research and cancer genetics counseling at Beaumont.
The timing of the gift is exceptional, according to Dr. Dana Zakalik, an oncologist and director of Beaumont’s Cancer Genetics Program.
“This comes at a perfect time when we're experiencing tremendous growth in the field of genetics and our own clinical and research activities,” she says. “Their generous donation will help us expand both our research and clinical programs to provide sophisticated screening and prevention services to people who may be at high risk for developing cancer.”
The gift builds on the Hagenlockers’ past interest in cancer care, Sylvia notes. “Many people don't realize how much research Beaumont actually does. We hope to encourage more people to get genetic counseling because it can actually save their lives and with Dr. Zakalik's enthusiasm, we know this program will continue to thrive.”
The Cancer Genetics Program conducts groundbreaking research in cancer genetics and offers cancer screening and genetics counseling to individuals with strong family or personal histories of cancer. Through testing for susceptible genes, Beaumont genetics counselors can recommend specific steps for detecting or preventing certain cancers.
“Ed and Sylvia are a warm-hearted, visionary couple who want to support the innovative things happening here at Beaumont,” says Dr. Zakalik. “They have a personal interest in using technology and research to lessen the burden of cancer, and we're excited they have decided to support our program.”
For the Hagenlockers, the gift benefits a futuristic program that is having an impact right now.
“So many services deal with cancer after the fact and that is necessary, but the Cancer Genetics Program provides screening and education to help people prevent cancer or get it diagnosed earlier,” says Ed. “We hope others will join in supporting such a proactive, leading-edge program.”
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