Unveiling ceremony celebrates the Michels family’s $27 million investment in the future of cancer research and personalized care
Milwaukee, Wis., October 12, 2026 — Today, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) celebrated the dedication and official unveiling of the exterior signage for the Michels Center for Cancer Discovery, honoring Tim and Barbara Michels and the Michels Family Foundation for the transformational $27 million gift announced by MCW in June 2026 to advance cancer research and personalized cancer care.
“We’re honored to have our family’s name associated with the groundbreaking cancer discoveries taking place at the Medical College of Wisconsin,” said Tim and Barbara Michels. “While we don’t know where exactly the next cancer research breakthrough will come from, we do know it takes exceptional scientists with access to state-of-the-art resources to find it. We believe in the cancer researchers here and want to help accelerate their relentless pursuit of more answers, more treatments, and more hope for patients and their families.”
Members of the Michels family gathered with MCW leaders, cancer researchers, and clinicians for the dedication ceremony on MCW’s Milwaukee campus, marking a lasting tribute to the Michels family’s investment in translating cancer research breakthroughs into improved patient care.
“The Michels family shares our belief that a brighter future for cancer patients and their families is within reach. Their generosity gives us the courage and the means to pursue that future with even greater ambition and with a focus on precision medicine,” said Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, MCW president and chief executive officer. “We’re deeply grateful for the enduring legacy the Michels family is helping create at the Medical College of Wisconsin – it’s one that will not only advance science but also shape its future.”
The Michels family’s $27 million gift, the largest personal gift ever to the MCW Cancer Center, was inspired by their personal experience. Their daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed at age 11 with choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. Nearly 15 years later, Sophie is healthy and thriving – a testament to the renowned precision oncology expertise and research-driven care of MCW’s physicians and scientists.
With a focus on precision oncology – the science of tailoring cancer prevention, detection, and treatment to a patient’s unique genetic and biological profile – the Michels’ gift will enable bringing additional world-class talent and technology to MCW and expand access to the most advanced personalized cancer care in Wisconsin, including novel clinical trials.
The 161,000-square-foot Medical College of Wisconsin Michels Center for Cancer Discovery is home to more than 300 scientists and staff and is the only facility in eastern Wisconsin exclusively dedicated to cancer research.
