The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre was unveiled at London Health Sciences Centre today.

LHSC’s London Regional Cancer Program was renamed after the late Archie Verspeeten, a fervent champion for cancer research who donated $20 million to London Health Sciences Foundation last November. The donation marks the largest gift ever in the history of hospital foundations in southwestern Ontario.

“The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre will ensure we continue pushing the boundaries of cancer care at London Health Sciences Centre, setting new standards for others to follow,” said John. H MacFarlane, LHSF president and CEO. “This is only made possible by the generosity of selfless donors, like Archie and Irene.”

The gift includes $10 million for improving patient care, $5 million to establish the Verspeeten Chair in Translational Cancer Research, $3 million to enhance the Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre and $2 million to support medical oncology and radiation oncology fellowships to attract the next generation of specialists.

“We are immensely honoured to see how our parents’ legacy will inspire future generations to embody their spirit of generosity and resilience,” said Dennis Verspeeten, son of Archie and Irene.

“Dad understood this donation wouldn’t single-handedly eradicate cancer, but he believed it could win a couple battles and maybe contribute to the larger war. His greatest wish was for no other family to have to endure the loss we have experienced because of this disease.”

Feature photo: From left to right: Dianne, daughter-in-law of one of Archie’s sons who passed; Mark Verspeeten and wife Julie; Brian Verspeeten and wife Marlene; and Dennis Verspeeten and wife Nancy.