HOPE donates $50,000 to IU Simon Cancer Center to support the IU Health Survivorship Program and promote pancreatic research

Contribution to support care for survivors and help develop targeted treatments to improve likelihood of survival

News provided by

Washington National Insurance Company

May 26, 2015, 07:20 ET

CARMEL, Ind., May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HOPE, in partnership with Washington National Insurance Company, is donating $50,000 to the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center to expand the IU Health Survivorship Program and support the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at Indiana University.

The gift will fund the hospital's survivorship program, which helps individuals in cancer remission achieve the highest possible quality and length of life. The program provides a roadmap for physical and mental wellbeing during cancer remission, offering post-cancer treatment planning, screening recommendations, symptom-management information and support with exercise, nutrition, finances and relationship counseling.

The gift also will benefit the university's Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, which works to understand the connections between genetics, tumor type and therapy type. The goal of this project is to develop more targeted treatments and increase the likelihood of survival in those with pancreatic cancer.

The HOPE nonprofit organization, founded in 1982, works to promote good health, encourage scientific research and disseminate information to prevent, detect and treat cancer and other serious diseases and accidents. HOPE has long been associated with Washington National, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc., headquartered in Carmel, Ind. HOPE members and Washington National certificateholders—more than 175,000 in all—contribute to HOPE to support its mission and partner with established nonprofit organizations such as the IU Simon Cancer Center.

"We are honored to assist the IU Simon Cancer Center in improving the quality of life for survivors and contributing lifesaving cancer research," said Barbara Stewart, president of HOPE and Washington National. "Generous contributions from Washington National customers and HOPE members make this gift possible."

"We are so grateful to Washington National for this gift as it will further help us to develop better treatments for those with this disease, one of the most lethal cancers facing us today," said Patrick Loehrer, director of the IU Simon Cancer Center. "Patients who have survived cancer but have long-term effects from the treatment are on the other end of the spectrum of care. The gift will enable us to help them both physically and emotionally."

About HOPE
HOPE is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1982. HOPE, which stands for Health Opportunity Through Partnership in Education, has a mission to promote good health, encourage scientific research and disseminate information to help prevent, detect and treat cancer and other serious diseases and accidents. For more information, visit HopeMembers.com.

About Washington National Insurance Company
Washington National Insurance Company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc., has helped Americans since 1911 to protect themselves and their families from the financial hardship that often comes with critical illnesses, accidents and loss of life. The company's supplemental health and life insurance products are designed to help policyholders and their loved ones achieve peace of mind. Policyholders can depend on Washington National to be a strong, caring partner as they seek financial security for themselves and their families. To learn more, visit WashingtonNational.com.

About the IU Simon Cancer Center
Established in 1992, the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center is a partnership between the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Health. The name was adopted in 2006 to reflect the philanthropic support of the Melvin and Bren Simon family.

Health care providers at the IU Simon Cancer Center offer the highest level of patient care, and many engage in research. As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated cancer center, the center's research is recognized for meeting rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research. NCI–designated cancer centers put significant resources into developing research programs, faculty and facilities that will lead to better approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

SOURCE Washington National Insurance Company