With the recently passed state budget, our state's leaders have made a remarkable investment, one that will no doubt touch every life in North Carolina.

By establishing the University Cancer Research Fund, North Carolina is now one of only a few states with a dedicated comprehensive cancer research fund. This transformative investment of $25 million this year, growing to $50 million per year beginning in 2009, will help us become the nation's best public cancer center.

Cancer afflicts one in three North Carolinians. Now our loved ones, friends and neighbors can be assured that the best research and care in the world will be available here in North Carolina. It won't be available only to those of means. It will be available for all of our citizens.

It is unfortunately inevitable that someone you know will someday battle cancer. This monumental step for our state is an investment in the pursuit of a cure and in the knowledge that the best cancer care in the world will be available right here at home.

H. Shelton Earp III, M.D.

Director, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology

William L. Roper, M.D.

CEO, UNC Health Care

Dean, UNC School of Medicine

Chapel Hill

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