Western Connecticut Health Network Gets $1 Million Endowment for Ovarian Cancer Research

The Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) just received a big help for ovarian cancer research.

The Abraham and Mildred Goldstein Charitable Trust gave WCHN a $1 million gift, according to the Danbury Daily Voice. The intention of the gift is to start the Abraham and Mildred Goldstein Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research.

Recently, nationally known gynecologic oncologist Thomas J. Rutherford, MD, PhD started working with WCHN as the network physician director of cancer services. Dr. Rutherford is one of the nation's leading authorities on gynecologic cancers.

The article goes on to say that ovarian cancer is the cause of more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. There are approximately 20,000 new cases every year and approximately 75% of those diagnosed will die from the disease. Dr. Rutherford said the endowment will help with the research,

“As we transform cancer care for our communities and look to eradicate this silent killer, the Goldstein Fund supports educational and research initiatives that will bring new insights and create new care pathways for women,” said Dr. Rutherford. “This new endowment helps ensure our focus on ovarian cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. I can’t underscore its importance to the future of women’s health.”

Connecticut has some very good cancer centers: Danbury Hospital's Praxair Cancer Center, New Milford Hospital's Diebold Family Cancer Center, and Norwalk Hospital's Whittingham Cancer Center. They have all been nationally accredited as Academic Comprehensive Care Programs by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).