A $1 million gift from a generous Nevada couple has established a current use fund supporting scientific initiatives in urology at City of Hope.
The gift from Sharon and Michael Ensign, retired chair, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Mandalay Resort Group, supports the work of Timothy G. Wilson, M.D., Pauline and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology and chief of the Division of Urology & Urologic Oncology. As a current use fund, the monies will help accelerate the research efforts of the division.
 The Sharon and Michael Ensign Urologic Oncology Fund will support work by Timothy G. Wilson. (Photo by Markie Ramirez) |
“The enormous support and confidence from the Ensigns will allow us to continue our aggressive research and development of advanced diagnosis and treatment methods for urologic disorders,” said Wilson.
City of Hope’s urologic experts are nationally recognized in part for their expertise in minimally invasive surgery, especially in prostatectomy — removal of the prostate — using robotic technology. Wilson’s research interests include preventing and detecting prostate cancer as early as possible, identifying high-risk prostate cancer patients and improving patient quality of life during and after prostate and bladder cancer treatment.
The Ensigns became involved with City of Hope more than five years ago through Michael Ensign’s participation and support in the DiClemente Golf Classic, an annual Nevada fundraiser held in memory of late longtime supporter Bob DiClemente. Over time, the couple’s relationship with City of Hope grew stronger.
The Ensigns have a long history of charitable giving in Nevada, so supporting important medical research was a logical extension of their philanthropy. A close family friend and physician, Tony Alamo, M.D., shares their interest in scientific advances at City of Hope.
Said Michael Ensign: “The more I learned about City of Hope, the more I knew this was a unique place where Sharon and I could help make a difference. Their researchers have an outstanding track record in developing better ways of treating cancer, so we knew our investment was safe with them.”
Sharon Ensign agreed. “We know by living in the Southwest that bigger and better ideas are being developed at City of Hope,” she said, “and nowhere else does anything come close.”