Suffolk Reporter

The Stony Brook Cancer Center has received a significant financial contribution from the Betty Ajces Trust. The $1.25 million gift is earmarked for the Leon & Betty Ajces Memorial Fund and will be used to enhance clinical trials and research at the center.

This marks the second donation from the Betty Ajces Trust to this institution. Previously, in 2023, the fund was established to support both the Stony Brook University Cancer Center Food Pantry and ovarian cancer research. The current donation aims to advance efforts in preventing, treating, or curing cancer through various clinical trials and research initiatives.

Alan E. Weiner, trustee of the Betty Ajces Trust and a longtime friend of the Ajces family, expressed his admiration for the work being done at the center: “Our scientific medical officer and I are impressed with all of the research being done at the Cancer Center,” he said. “We are pleased to support the work being done at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.”

Yusuf A. Hannun, MD, director of Stony Brook Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of this contribution: “We are grateful for the Betty Ajces Trust’s contribution to fuel the momentum of the Cancer Center,” he stated. “The support this gift provides will have a significant impact on study and practice of cancer medicine — both in Suffolk County and around world.”

The center offers advanced treatment options with innovative therapies for both adults and children through its clinical trials. It also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that cater to privacy needs and special requirements for patients and their families while providing access to cutting-edge technology.

Peter Igarashi, MD, Knapp Dean of Renaissance School of Medicine added: “This gift from Betty Ajces Trust will help build our strengths in cancer medicine research.” He emphasized that investing in research can expedite discovery processes leading to better health outcomes.

Further details on this story can be found in Christine McGrath's article at SB Matters.