The London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) runs the Archie and Irene Verspeeten Clinical Genome Center, which was set up 18 months ago with another $ 3 million donation from the family. Archie founded the Verspeeten Cartage in 1953 with a single truck, transferring the family business to Ron in 2006. (Photo: Lost family) “Our hearts go out to the entire Verspeeten family,” said John MacFarlane, president and chief executive officer of the LHSF on Ron’s death. “Archie and his family wanted to make this announcement the way Ron would like to do it. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the great pleasure of meeting him “. The donation will fund advanced genetic testing, clinical trials and studies, with the hope of developing new treatment options for patients with genetically complex diseases. “Through visionary philanthropists like Archie and Irene Verspeeten, change is possible, providing hope for a better future for patients with genetically complex diseases,” said MacFarlane. The Verspeeten Clinical Genome Center initially focused on determining the genomic sequence for pancreatic cancer in conjunction with the Baker Center for Pancreatic Cancer. His latest donation allows him to further extend the genetic profile on offer, include other known biomarkers and enhance laboratory infrastructure and epigenomic testing capabilities, the LHSF says. “As I was almost two years ago, I remain humbled by our ability to support a life-changing program, such as the Verspeeten Clinical Genome Center,” said Archie Verspeeten. “I want nothing more than to eradicate cancer and I believe that this center has already brought us one step closer to doing it. However, much remains to be done. “I hope the Verspeeten Clinical Genome Center continues to help patients with genetic diseases live longer, fuller and happier lives.”
