Danialle and Pete Karmanos want to flatten a different curve– the curve of bad news in the world about the coronavirus pandemic. And with it, they hope to bring some hope to people afflicted, as well as the millions of Americans who are potentially at risk.
The couple made a $40 million gift to the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan that will be used in a number of ways including immunotherapy and other ways to help build up immunity in cancer patients.
People with cancer are particularly vulnerable to viruses like the coronavirus because of the immune system-suppressing cancer treatments they receive to treat their illnesses.
An estimated 650,000 Americans, annually, use chemotherapy.
“We don’t like bullies in any form – especially diseases and viruses. We will do everything we can to fight back and protect, and empower as many people as we can. We’re focused on helping those struggling to beat this disease in the city we love,” said Pete and Danialle in a statement.
Peter and Danialle Karmanos have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to dozens of local and national organizations over the years, but it’s their commitment and dedication to cancer research that will help to save lives and change the future of how the medical community treats people with cancer.
About the Danialle and Pete Karmanos:
Karmanos Cancer Institute, headquartered in Detroit, understands that beating cancer means bringing together the best. Cancer is a complex disease that demands complex care. With 16 locations throughout Michigan and proudly a part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in the state. Cancer patients have increased access to advanced cancer care in communities throughout the state. This provides an extra level of comfort and peace of mind to patients and their families, knowing they can receive the best care locally.
The couple has invested millions of dollars, along with their time and energy, supporting many causes specifically related to better health, better education and better living within the Detroit community— particularly amongst young people.
They are also active in numerous Greek American community projects, including both having served as board members of the New York City-based Greek America Foundation, where they recently announced an endowed scholarship for students to study abroad in Greece.
Danialle Karmanos is a philanthropist with an entrepreneurial spirit and the founder of the groundbreaking Danialle Karmanos Work It Out. DKWIO uses a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach, including yoga and education about healthy eating, and has helped over 10,000 children reduce anxiety, prevent obesity and increase self-esteem. She also founded the Karmanos Center for Natural Childbirth at Beaumont Hospital, a one-of-a-kind center that combines the comfort of natural home birth with the security of a medical setting.
Peter Karmanos, Jr. is the son of Greek immigrants and believes strongly in education as a tool for success. He is the founder of Detroit-based Compuware, and served as CEO and executive chairman until his retirement in 2013. He is a visionary credited with sparking a downtown Detroit renaissance as the first CEO of a major corporation to move their headquarters downtown. Pete has been a major player in the comeback of Detroit as a world-class city.
His latest business venture is guiding and investing in businesses impacting metro Detroit’s economic landscape through his new enterprise, MadDog Technology as well as other investment vehicles. He was also the owner of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.
