As Karen Peterson was dying from a rare form of lung cancer, she and her husband Jeff made a vow to join in the fight against mesothelioma and the other ailments that afflicted their family. Now, with gifts of $725,000 to support UCSF scientists and clinicians, Jeff's keeping that promise.

Karen Peterson died in December 2002 of mesothelioma resulting from exposure to asbestos in the adhesive products used to construct the floors of her childhood home. Earlier that year, the couple was awarded a substantial settlement when a jury found the product manufacturer responsible for her cancer, and Jeff Peterson is dedicating the money to support biomedical research and patient care.

The result has been the establishment of the Jeffrey and Karen Peterson Family Foundation and gifts to UCSF including:

• $250,000 to support the recruitment of a medical oncologist for the UCSF Program in Thoracic Oncology;
  
• $250,000 to fund research in the UCSF Program in Pediatric Leukemia;
  
• $200,000 to fund amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research at the UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and patient care at the ALS Research and Patient Care Center; and
  
• $25,000 to fund pediatric patient care at the UCSF Diabetes Center.

Peterson explains that the Foundation will make annual contributions to worthy researchers and clinicians involved in cancer, diabetes, ALS and leukemia.

"I can't think of a better way to honor Karen's memory than to dedicate myself and my family to making a difference in the fight against these ailments," Peterson says. "In giving to UCSF, I know we're supporting the very best in research and clinical care, and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with the University."