University of Chicago Medicine, which is building a micro-hospital in Crown Point and has offices in Schererville and Calumet City, received a $20 million donation for its new cancer center in Hyde Park.
The health care system is pursuing an $815 million project to build Illinois’ first and only freestanding facility dedicated to cancer care and research on its main campus on Chicago’s South Side. The 575,000-square-foot cancer pavilion is slated to open in 2027.
“The new cancer pavilion represents the future of oncology,” said Mark Anderson, executive vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. “Philanthropic partners like the Rustandys bring this future closer for the physicians and scientists in their pursuit to find cures for cancer and for the countless number of people across the globe who will benefit from their achievements.”
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Susan and Tandean Rustandy, who are major donors to the University of Chicago, gave the substantial gift.
Tandean Rustandy, who earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, founded PT Arwana Citramulia Tbk, an Indonesian manufacturer of ceramic floor and wall tiles. He serves as CEO of the company and also on the boards of the University of Chicago and UChicago Medicine.
“Susan and I are honored to contribute to the University of Chicago’s mission and initiatives to pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges,” Rustandy said. “We believe in the power of collaborative efforts to effect transformative change, and the new cancer pavilion holds immense potential to impact not only the local community, but also the broader landscape of patient care globally.”
He noted cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States with 2 million cases diagnosed last year. It’s expected cancer cases will rise by 49% by 2050.
“These statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of advancing research and treatment options to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families,” Rustandy said. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, and I am steadfast in my belief that we must work together to make a significant and positive impact for patients and the field of cancer research.”
The donation will go to research new cancer treatments like new cellular therapies and radiotheranostics that leave healthy cells in tact while attacking cancer cells.
“The new cancer pavilion will bring together more than 200 of my colleagues ― all of us working across disciplines — to reduce the burden of cancer on patients and families, as well as the communities we serve,” said Kunle Odunsi, Director of the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We are building a cancer program of the future and are very grateful for Susan and Tandean Rustandy’s support and dedication to helping us prevent, diagnose, study, treat and, ultimately, save more lives.”
Construction is now underway on the project.