Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona's Cancer Center program has received a $1.1M gift to fund the creation of a cancer care program that will combine traditional medical practices and therapies with modern cancer medicines for holistic treatment.

"We are interested in looking at how we can integrate these traditional practices from the outset of a patient's cancer diagnosis and put them directly into a care program that incorporates cultural and spiritual practices that are important to the individual and their healing," Jennifer Hatcher, associate director of cancer community outreach and engagement, said in a release from the university. "Acknowledging the long history and treatment of disease outside of Western models of medicine is essential to this effort."

The aim of the program is to "enhance patient well-being, build resiliency for survival, and improve health outcomes," according to release. The funding was given by the estate of Tom and Catherine Culley, who met with UArizona representatives at age 100 to express her interest in contributing to support Arizona-based cancer research.

Hatcher, who is also a professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, said the goal of the program is to provide cancer sufferers with a variety of treatments to suit their needs.

"I want to be able to present patients with a menu of options that we're confident will augment and enhance their healing and recovery journey," she said.

Joann Sweasy, UArizona Cancer Center director, said the cancer center also plans to spread care across cultural lines.

"This kind of effort is essential to the cancer center's mission to provide culturally relevant care to underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by certain cancers," Sweasy said.

Specifically, Arizona's tribal population is likely to benefit from the center.

"Research has shown that Native American and Indigenous populations face later diagnosis and lower survival rates due to disparities in cancer care treatment," Michael D. Dake, senior vice president for the University of Arizona Health Sciences, said in the release. "This program has the potential to improve the lives of the most vulnerable cancer patients by providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care to promote health and well-being."

John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, thanked the Culleys for their gift.

"Tom and Catherine P. Culley have created a legacy and we are proud to steward their gift in partnership with the Cancer Center," Roczniak said. "Their bequest will support research and programs that help saves lives and will help change the way we approach healing in medicine."

University President Robert C. Robbins also thanked the Culley family for their support of both the program and the Native American community.

"People from underrepresented populations and underserved communities historically face many difficulties when presented with a cancer diagnosis, and we are grateful to Catherine and Tom Culley for their support of our work to overcome those challenges," Robbins said. "Research into culturally relevant care lights a promising path forward for Arizonans and all populations across the United States for whom traditional medicine and therapies have long supported disease prevention, treatment and survivorship."