Rep. Foster Announces $6 Million For NIU's Cancer Research and Treatment Programs

Press Release

Rep. Foster Announces $6 Million For NIU's Cancer Research and Treatment Programs

Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) announced a combined $6 million in funding for two Northern Illinois University programs that will focus on treatment and research for fighting cancer.

"With the Proton and Neutron therapy programs, Northern Illinois University will continue to be a leader in 21st Century cancer research and treatment," Rep. Foster said. "I am proud to have worked with Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Danny Davis in securing this $6 million in funding that is vital to saving lives and creating jobs."

$4.8 million of the funds will be allocated to the Proton Therapy program at the Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center, and $1.2 million will be allocated to the Institute for Neutron Therapy, which is managed by NIU in cooperation with Fermilab and Nuclear Oncology Medical Care.

"Congressman Foster and I worked closely to increase funding for science programs that kept important jobs at Fermi and Argonne labs," Sen. Dick Durbin said. "Working together with Representative Foster and Representative Davis to secure $6 million in federal funding for NIU's cancer research and treatment programs will help attract top researchers and create even more jobs in Illinois. Not only will the Center contribute to the advancement of medical science in the United States, but it will also have the capacity to treat 1,500 patients each year with cutting-edge treatment and technology."

"We're very grateful to Representatives Bill Foster and Danny Davis and to Senator Dick Durbin for their efforts and support of the Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center," said Northern Illinois University President John G. Peters.

"They clearly recognize the benefits that this center will bring to cancer patients in this region and beyond," Peters added. "The center also will create new jobs and, as a place of learning and research, serve to train the next generation of medical professionals and spur new technologies aimed at improving quality of life."

The Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2010. The Institute for Neutron Therapy is one of just two of its kind in the nation. The specialization of these facilities will continue to bring high-tech jobs to Illinois and the 14th District.

"Because of the obvious benefits to the 14th District, Illinois, cancer patients and scientific research, securing this funding is a big step forward in working to save lives and create jobs that will provide enormous dividends for a long time," Rep. Foster said.

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