KU News Release

Driven to Cure license plate commitment forms now available

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Commitment forms for the Driven to Cure breast cancer research and outreach license plates benefiting the University of Kansas Cancer Center are now available on the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute’s Web site. The license plates will be available Jan. 1 for a $50 annual fee in addition to other, normal vehicle registration costs.

Designed by Greg Thomas, cancer survivor and chair of KU’s Department of Design, the distinctive plates incorporate a pink ribbon, a yellow Kansas sunflower and the words “Driven to Cure.”

Royalties from the specialty plates will support a statewide coordinator for the Midwest Cancer Alliance at the KU Cancer Center. The coordinator will serve as a liaison between the cancer center and hospitals, physicians and clinics across the state to ensure the latest information on cancer prevention, early detection and treatment is being shared with cancer care professionals and patients all over Kansas.

Additionally, funds raised from the distinctive plates will help the KU Cancer Center obtain National Cancer Institute designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Championed through the Kansas legislature by breast cancer survivor Senator Barbara Allen, R-Overland Park, and the Kansas Medical Society Alliance, the law requires that commitment forms for at least 500 plates be secured and $10,000 is raised from private sources prior to the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles beginning production of the plates.

“We are delighted women and men throughout Kansas will have the opportunity to purchase this license plate to show their support and raise awareness for breast cancer,” said Allen. “I am confident the specialty plate will be a significant and permanent source of funding for breast cancer research and outreach for years to come.”

KU Cancer Center Director Roy Jensen said the awareness and funds raised by these plates will be invaluable for the cancer center in its quest to obtain NCI designation.

“The KU Cancer Center vision is unique in that we intend to bring the latest cancer information and care to individuals in their community through the MCA. With this dedicated funding to support the MCA, we are one step closer to becoming a Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

As efforts continue to collect commitment forms, more information on the plates’ availability will be made public on the Kansas Department of Revenue Web site and on the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute Web site.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.