Bloomington residents Martin and Janet Chorzempa contributed $1 million to the Masonic Cancer Center for novel therapeutics research. Here, in their own words, is why they chose to make this generous donation to help others.

"As we all know, cancer can be a life changing and challenging word in a household. This year, cancer is ranked as the number one cause of death in Minnesota. Just this week, one of our friends who sat with us each Sunday in church died from this disease. Another one of our work friends is slowly witnessing her husband's health decline, and preparing for his death from this disease.

"Prior to 1989, Jan and I supported cancer research and education because we thought it was the right thing to do. After Jan's initial cancer diagnosis, subsequent surgery and treatment, we experienced many life changing events, both physical and emotional pain and suffering. The healing process and subsequent new cancer diagnosis and treatments provided us opportunities to reflect upon, and to talk about what a disease like cancer can do to a patient and family. If only others could be spared that experience!

"As we suffered, as we healed, we sought to learn more about this Cancer Center. Our support of the center had been steady over a number of years. But now we wanted to learn more and do more. How might we help others and the center in achieving its mission to provide an environment which supports and enhances the highest quality of research, patient care and education? We were introduced to Dr. John Kersey, the center's director. John provided us with impressive information on the center's achievements and goals. He introduced us to the cancer therapeutics initiative.

"Jan and I are excited about the opportunity to support the initiative with its research program. Hopefully, the research will lead to discoveries that might allow doctors to treat specific cancer cells. Hopefully, other lives can be saved and patients can be treated without the pain and suffering."

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This story was originally published in the Masonic Cancer Center 2005 Annual Report.