Kure It Cancer Research, a nonprofit dedicated to funding kidney cancer and other underfunded malignancies, has reached a $6 million milestone through continued support from self-storage organizations, including national and state industry associations as well as individual operators.

Kure It presented a $100,000 check last week to Dr. Richard Van Etten, director of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Irvine. The funds will support two projects, one focused on kidney-cancer therapy development and another on gastro-esophageal carcinomas. Both involve research in patient treatment and therapies, according to a press release.           

Now in its 10th year, Kure It has provided grants to leading medical institutions across the country and internationally for research projects that can be translated into new treatments and better understanding in the fight against cancer. “The $6 million milestone is a huge achievement for Kure It, and has allowed us the ability to make a significant contribution to fund innovative research,” said Todd Perry, president of the board of directors. “However, Kure It has only scratched the surface of what can and needs to be done. Our team remains committed to raising funds that will eventually lead to a ‘Kure.’"

Kure It was launched by self-storage industry veteran Barry Hoeven, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1998. In April 2007, Hoeven partnered with cancer center City of Hope to create the Kure It! Kidney Cancer Research Fund, which raised more than $400,000. Kure It Inc. was established in January 2010 to grant funds to cancer researchers investigating progressive treatments and cures.

Hoeven, who passed in June 2016, was a member of the California Self Storage Association and founder of Westport Properties Inc., which operates more than 100 facilities in 13 states under the US Storage Centers brand.

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