Cleveland Browns Owners Donate $12.5 Million to Fight Blood Cancer
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have pledged $12.5 million to advance research and treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other rare blood cancers, marking a significant step in the fight against the disease.
The donation includes $10 million for the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre in England, funding drug development and research initiatives. An additional $2.5 million will support Cleveland’s University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, establishing an endowed chair in CLL research and an innovation fund to accelerate breakthroughs in care.
A Personal Mission
Dee Haslam, diagnosed with CLL in 2021, emphasized the importance of the donation in a statement. “I’m grateful to be living a full, healthy life after my diagnosis,” she said. “By partnering with UH Seidman and Oxford-Harrington, we hope to deepen understanding of CLL, develop new treatments, and empower patients with the knowledge they need.”
CLL, the most common form of leukemia in adults, currently has no cure. However, advancements in therapy have transformed it into a manageable condition for many patients.
Expanding the Fight Against Rare Diseases
The Harrington Discovery Institute, founded in 2021, has already made strides in medical innovation, with 227 potential medicines in development, 75 supported institutions, and 15 pharmaceutical licenses. The Haslams’ contribution aims to further accelerate progress in blood cancer research.
Beyond their NFL ownership, the Haslams hold majority stakes in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, MLS’s Columbus Crew, and an upcoming NWSL expansion team in Columbus. Their latest philanthropic effort underscores their commitment to health initiatives beyond the sports world.
— Reported by Nexio News
