London's Children's Hospital has received a historic $5 million donation to help fight childhood cancer.
Dieter and Lyse Jahnke, along with officials from Children’s Health Foundation, announced the largest donation in Children's history on Monday. The money will be used to create the Jahnke Family Paediatric Oncology Centre of Excellence.
"I can't share well enough how incredibly impactful this gift is. Not for the hospital, not for the foundation, but for the children being treated now and the children who will be treated in the future," said Scott Fortnum, the president and CEO of Children’s Health Foundation - the fundraising arm of the hospital. "The centre of excellence will allow for the immediate purchase of a number of key pieces of equipment, but it will also be a catalyst for advancements in oncology care - patient support, education and research as we reimagine space, processes and collaboration."
The couple, who have donated to the hospital in the past, toured the facility again in December. It was at the end of that tour Dieter, who immigrated to Canada in 1961 with modest means and went on to build a leading-edge technology company, told the foundation his family would be making the "transformational" donation.
"They wanted to make a difference for children," said Fortnum. "They have had a very successful career and business and they wanted to make a long-term impact on the community, a very positive legacy for others to build upon and children make the most sense."
Lyse told those in attendance at Monday's announcement her husband is kind, generous, and loves children.
"We've given our share and hopefully others will follow," said Lyse. "When we speak of the centre of excellence, we just can't wait for them to progress and do incredible things. What is very important is to influence our children and grandchildren to think to improve other people's lives."
She added that the staff at the hospital change the quality of childrens' lives.
"They are dedicated, they have the energy, and the passion," said Lyse.
Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Alexandra Zorzi called the $5 million donation vital.
"It is well known that the funding for paediatric oncology is far less than that of our adult counterparts and yet the resources to care for a child far exceed that which is required on the adult side," said Zorzi. "Together with the innovations with clinical research, these resources are much needed. To have that recognition from a local family committed to the care and innovations happening here in their own backyard is tremendous and I hope a path others will follow going forward."
Children's Hospital's regional paediatric oncology centre takes in patients from across Western Ontario.
