A Calgary family has donated $30 million towards the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The facility is also known as the Calgary Cancer Centre, and philanthropists Stan and Marge Owerko provided the funds.
The centre will help serve patients battling the disease across southern Alberta including Strathmore and Chestermere.
According to a news release from the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the donation brings the total amount raised for the OWN.CANCER campaign to $298 million, making it one of the largest fundraising efforts in Alberta's history.
"The $30 million gift from the Owerko family, which will also benefit pediatric cancer patients, will support three critical programs within the Arthur Child: immunotherapy research, radiation therapy, and clinical trials," wrote the foundation.
A large portion of the donation will see the new development of the Stan & Marge Owerko Biomanufacturing Facility for Immunotherapy at the Riddell Centre for cancer immunotherapy.
“Cancer is a frightening disease and a diagnosis at any age is a crushing blow to the whole family,” said Stan and Marge Owerko. “The Arthur Child is poised to change lives by bringing together the very best researchers, clinicians, and practices in cancer care to help patients and families during one of the most difficult times of their lives."
Staff with the foundation say over 17,000 Albertans contributed to the funding for the building through the initiative.
More details on the OWN.CANCER campaign can be viewed here.