The Medical College of Wisconsin received $27 million gift from Tim and Barbara Michels and the Michels Family Foundation to the MCW Cancer Center.
It is the largest personal gift ever to the MCW Cancer Center. In recognition of this transformational investment, MCW’s new cancer research facility will be officially named the “Medical College of Wisconsin Michels Center for Cancer Discovery.”
Their daughter, Sophie Michels was 11 years old when she was diagnosed in 2012 with choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. Nearly 15 years later, Sophie is healthy and thriving — a testament to the precision oncology expertise and research-driven care of MCW’s physicians and scientists.
The gift will enable the MCW Cancer Center to:
Bring additional world-class precision oncology talent to MCW.
Enhance its technological infrastructure to power the translation of scientific discoveries into therapies and clinical advancements.
Train and develop the next generation of cancer scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Expand access to precision oncology-driven prevention and early detection strategies, with a focus on rural and medically underserved communities throughout Wisconsin.
A ceremony to dedicate the building will be held this fall.
