Rep. Slaughter Secures Funding for University of Rochester Cancer Center

Congresswoman Along with Fellow Representatives Take Initiative to
Secure $750,000 for Vital Cancer Research and Treatment Center

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport) recently secured $750,000 in the FY 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for the University of Rochester and the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center.  The funding will assist the University of Rochester in supporting its comprehensive cancer research and care facility that serves patients in upstate and central New York.  With help from Representatives Tom Reynolds (R-Clarence), Randy Kuhl (R-Hammondsport) and Jim Walsh (R-Onondaga), funding was given to the critical component of the University's vision to take a leadership role in finding cures for cancer.

"This funding is exactly the way we should spend our tax dollars for the good of the people in our community and the health of our fellow citizens", said Rep. Slaughter. She continued, "I thank my fellow Representatives in helping me to secure this funding for such a vital and well deserving center for the research and treatment of cancer."

"The Wilmot Cancer Center is on the cutting edge of medical research, able to utilize a number of innovative technologies for research and experimentation," said Rep. Reynolds.  "The center has been and will continue to be a valuable resource for us as we work to find a cure for cancer.  Furthermore, this funding will mean jobs in the Rochester area."

"These funds will go a long way at the Cancer Center," said Rep. Kuhl.  "This is a perfect example of the good that can come when the Monroe County delegation works together on a critical project.  The University of Rochester is important to our area, and these funds appropriated for the Cancer Center will be well used through the expansion of care and research programs, clinical studies and trials, and other educational initiatives."

"Walsh Quote"

The funding was requested from the Department of Energy's Science account under Biological and Environmental Research.  Currently, the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester serves as a critical resource for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in upstate New York - a population of almost a million and a half residents.  Every year the Center admits 2,750 patients, conducts 18,700 hematology-oncology outpatient visits, provides 19,000 outpatient infusions/chemotherapy treatments, and an additional 18,000 radiation treatments and procedures.