Gift empowers research to deliver better outcomes for colorectal diseases

Although highly treatable if detected early, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world according to the World Cancer Research Fund International.

A $100,000 gift from the Iacobelli family, founders of Sun-Brite Foods Inc., launched the Colon and Rectal Surgery Research and Academic Fund at Henry Ford Health. This generous gift will empower research investigations into the evaluation, treatment and outcomes of patients with colorectal diseases, especially colon and rectal cancers, that will directly guide our clinical practice and help us provide even better care for our patients.

Under the direction of Craig Reickert, M.D., Chair of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Director of Research, the division will use this funding to support work in data collection, biostatistics and clinical trial design. Special areas of interest include addressing technical issues related to surgical treatment, care outcomes, barriers to successful treatment in at-risk communities, and the optimization of trainee education in colon and rectal surgery.

The fund will help create and analyze patient-reported outcomes specific to colorectal cancer and expand support with Henry Ford Cancer resources to improve patient well-being during and after colorectal cancer care. The fund also supports the costs for any resources needed to successfully perform this research – including equipment, recruitment and retention of staff, physical space, and education.

This remarkable gift will enable Henry Ford Health to expand its role as an international destination for the care of colon and rectal diseases. Aided by philanthropic support from the Iacobelli family, Henry Ford Health is leading bold efforts to improve colorectal disease prognoses, strengthen treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.