The gift will go towards clinical trials on a vaccine for melanoma, as well as vaccines for lung, ovarian, breast and colon cancer.
Specifically, the money will buy proper research laboratory equipment and the materials used to make the vaccines.
The University research team has made serious headway in their quest for a vaccine for melanoma.
"The U.Va. Cancer Center is breaking ground on a daily basis," said University President John T. Casteen III in a University press release. "The Goodwins' generous commitment will speed clinical trials of new cancer vaccines by giving researchers access to eligible patients more quickly and therefore allow more rapid collection of information about how the vaccines are performing."
In 1994, the University research team was able to identify a molecular cancer marker. After this discovery, six more peptides or markers were found.
The second phase of the research is being conducted at U.Va., Duke University, the University of Pittsburgh and clinical centers in Europe and Australia.
The vaccine trials now have the capability of being conducted at these other medical centers because of the gift.
"That collaboration will bring great minds together, which only can speed our progress toward a cure for melanoma," said Dr. Craig Slingluff, U.Va.research team head and melanoma specialist.
The University is starting their search for a medical oncologist to oversee the trials immediately.
"We are glad our gift will help U.Va. advance new cures for cancer, as Alice and I have decided to significantly support research for new cures for cancer over the next seven to ten years," Goodwin said.
-Complied by Dierdre Erin Murphy
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