The Archie and Irene Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has received another generous donation from its namesake.
It was announced on Wednesday, Archie Verspeeten and his late wife Irene have given the centre that treats patients with genetically complex diseases $3 million. That is on top of the $3 million the local couple previously donated to the facility.
“It is through philanthropic visionaries like Archie and Irene Verspeeten that change is possible, providing hope for a better future for patients with genetically complex diseases,” said John MacFarlane, president and CEO of the London Health Sciences Foundation. “The Archie and Irene Clinical Genome Centre has already had a profound impact on patients at LHSC, and with this transformational gift, it will continue to do so for years to come.”
The Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, a state-of-the-art genetic diagnostics centre, opened in October 2020. It blends translational research and clinical practice. It initially focused on genomic sequencing for pancreatic cancer.
The newly donated funds will expand genetic testing, clinical trials, and studies and will further expand the genetic profiling offered to include other known biomarkers, as well as ramp up laboratory infrastructure, and epigenomic testing capabilities
This could potentially lead to additional treatment options for patients.
“I want nothing more than to wipe cancer out, and I believe this centre has already brought us one step closer to doing so,” Verspeeten said. “However, there is still much to do. My hope is for the Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre to continue helping patients with genetic diseases live longer, fuller, and happier lives.”
Verspeeten’s wife and their son Alan passed away from cancer.
Expanded testing at the centre means patients with brain, hematologic, breast, and ovarian cancers will be able to have genomic sequencing completed and participate in clinical studies.
