Thanks to a $400,000 combined gift from two generous couples, City of Hope’s breast cancer team has more support to further their research and crucial equipment to detect the disease.
A $250,000 gift has established the Karen & Alan Barry Endowed Breast Cancer Research Fund to underwrite the investigations of George Somlo, M.D., and I. Benjamin Paz, M.D., two of the Breast Cancer Program’s co-directors.
 Alan and Karen Barry (Courtesy of the Barry Family) |
“With this endowment, the Barrys are continuing to demonstrate their longstanding commitment to advancing both clinical and laboratory research on breast cancer at City of Hope,” Somlo said.
A related joint gift — $50,000 from the Barrys and $100,000 from their friends Richard and Jane Manoogian — supported the purchase of ultrasound equipment for the Rita Cooper Finkel and J. William Finkel Women’s Health Center. The new equipment enables physicians to better diagnose patients who may have breast disease.
The Barrys, of Commerce Township, Mich., are both cancer survivors, so their motivation for giving is highly personal. “Research has made the biggest difference in women’s lives today,” said Karen Barry, who was successfully treated for breast cancer 18 years ago. “We want to do our part to keep this progress moving forward.”
Alan Barry, retired president and chief operating officer of Masco Corp., first became involved with City of Hope three decades ago through his company’s support of City of Hope’s Hardware/Homebuilding Industry group. The group recognized his business and philanthropic achievements in 2008 with The Spirit of Life® Award.
The Barrys became annual donors to City of Hope after a 1996 campus tour. “We learned how advanced science can dramatically impact cancer survival,” Alan Barry said.
The Barrys later met with Somlo and Paz to learn how they could support breast cancer research. “By establishing this research fund, we hope to positively impact future generations and help accelerate tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” he said.
To make the most of their philanthropic efforts, the Barrys reached out to their longtime friend Richard Manoogian, executive chairman of Masco Corp., who agreed to help.
“This was important to Alan and Karen, so we were glad to contribute,” Richard Manoogian explained. “We also have supported City of Hope for several years. By pooling our philanthropy, we know scientists can accomplish more, and more patients will receive the care they need.”
Wayne Lewis contributed to this article.
