Helping to unlock the mysteries of cancer

“I spent my professional career in pharmaceutical research,” says Ken Williams, who retired as a senior vice president from Quintiles, the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services. “So I’ve always been interested in new, cutting edge treatments and therapies. That’s one of the things UNC Lineberger is known for – being a world-class leader in cancer research – so Cheryl and I were very interested in finding a way we could support the cancer center’s mission. We both have personally suffered loss due to cancer, so we’re passionate about the quest for cures. We have faith that researchers will eventually unlock the mysteries behind cancer, and there’s no reason those discoveries can’t be made right here in Chapel Hill.”

Read the complete Carolina Story from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center…

Ken and Cheryl Williams made a $10 million gift to UNC Lineberger to fund cancer research initiatives that hold the greatest promise for cures. With the memories of the pain they experienced when their son Tony passed away, they hope the research will result in clinical advances and save other families from losing a loved one. The gift is unrestricted, giving leaders of the cancer center the greatest flexibility with research opportunities that can make a massive impact against cancer.

This is story number 96 in the Carolina Stories 225th Anniversary Edition magazine.

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