The following appeared as a Letter to the Editor in The Indianapolis Star on Sept. 17, 2009.
Cancer doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about gender, race, political or religious leanings. Cancer affects bicyclists, teachers, musicians and physicians; and, cancer affects philanthropists. Melvin and Bren Simon did not dream it would affect their lives when they made a major contribution in support of cancer research and the new cancer hospital at Indiana University; they made this contribution to help others, not themselves.
In so doing, they created a remarkable legacy, one that benefits the citizens of Indiana and has impact on cancer treatment worldwide The physicians, nurses, therapists and researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center will continue to honor the vision of the Simons by devoting their lives to providing compassionate care and developing better therapies and programs for their patients and families.
We know that our physicians and staff, patients and families share our heart-felt appreciation for Melvin and Bren's generosity and share our deepest condolences to Melvin Simon's family on his passing.
Patrick Loehrer, M.D.
Interim Director & Medical Director
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center
D. Craig Brater, M.D.
Dean
Indiana University School of Medicine