Local office makes a big impact through its work in helping to cure brain cancer
A Seattle medical center that specializes in treating brain cancer is receiving new support from Northwestern Mutual. Through its Foundation, Northwestern Mutual is awarding its Seattle office with the company’s 2012 Community Impact Award for its work with The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment. To honor the office’s outstanding volunteer efforts, the medical center will receive a $50,000 grant that will be put into an endowment with the interest generated by the fund will help fund research.
The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment is the first multidisciplinary treatment and research center in the Pacific Northwest dedicated solely to the treatment of brain tumors.
Northwestern Mutual’s Seattle office began supporting cancer research in 2011 with its participation in the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk, raising more than $32,000 dollars for the cause. After their initial success, the Northwestern Mutual team committed to raising money for new, innovative treatments for brain cancer.
“Having lost both a colleague and a family member to brain cancer, this cause hits very close to home,” said Eric Aslakson, managing partner, Northwestern Mutual - Puget Sound. “This grant will help the Ivy Center continue its work with both treatment and research, and in turn, it will help give patients one of the most valuable, intangible feelings – hope.”
Northwestern Mutual’s Community Impact Award annually recognizes offices that have demonstrated exemplary volunteerism in their own communities. The team in Northwestern Mutual’s Seattle office volunteers an average of 60 hours per month with the nonprofit.
“Few things are more rewarding than being able to help protect people from unexpected adversity,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center’s efforts to rally the community to treat and cure brain cancer are powerful, and it’s an honor for us to help mobilize their movement.”
The newly created endowment will provide an important source of revenue to support research and clinical trials at the Ivy Center. With support from Northwestern Mutual’s Seattle office, the Ivy Center has developed two new trials in the past year alone. These new trials, based upon the unique genetic makeup of each patient’s tumor, ensure patients have access to innovative and novel approaches to fighting their disease.
“Gifts from the community are vital to our progress in the fight against brain cancer. All of us at the Ivy Center—especially the patients we serve—are grateful for the generosity of Northwestern Mutual. We are inspired by both the volunteer efforts of their employees at the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk and the recent $50,000 grant. Their support has a direct and positive impact on our patient’s lives,” said Dr. Greg Foltz, director, The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment.
John Kordsmeier presented the award at its 2012 Western Regional Meeting, held in San Diego.
Watch a YouTube video about The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment and the Northwestern Mutual Community Impact Award winners here.
About the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment
The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment is the first multidisciplinary treatment and research center in the Pacific Northwest dedicated solely to the treatment of brain tumors. Located adjacent to world-class research facilities at the Cherry Hill Campus, the outpatient clinic provides instant access to promising new therapies, offering hope for patients diagnosed with brain cancer.
About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation – the largest corporate foundation in the state of Wisconsin – is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation's giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2012, the Foundation will contribute $16.7 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.
About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) – among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2012 according to FORTUNE® magazine – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 155 years. As a mutual company with $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.
