Physicians Mutual, Liz’s Legacy fight women’s cancers

Physicians Mutual officials presented a $20,000 check to the Liz’s Legacy Fund. Participating in the presentation were, from left: Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center; David Karnes; Korey Karnes; William R. Hamsa Jr., M.D., chairman of the board; Robert A. Reed Sr., president and CEO; and Jane Phillips, assistant vice president.

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company and Liz’s Legacy, a fund to advance research and care at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, have announced a new partnership in the fight against women’s cancer.

Physicians Mutual is introducing a new women’s cancer insurance product that revolutionizes coverage for breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer. Unlike other cancer products, Physicians Mutual’s Cancer Insurance for Women pays benefits for cancer prevention, diagnosis and post-diagnosis services.

As part of its Women’s Cancer Care and Recovery Program, Physicians Mutual will make an initial donation to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. It also will donate a portion of the first renewal premium from every Cancer Insurance for Women insurance policy to Liz’s Legacy.

The Liz’s Legacy Fund was established as a means for the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center to conduct outreach activities that educate and bring greater awareness for the need to support cutting-edge cancer research. The program is named in honor of the late Liz Karnes, who passionately supported efforts that would help provide all Nebraskans with access to the best cancer care and treatment possible. Liz’s Legacy will be a part of Physicians Mutual’s national women’s cancer insurance marketing campaigns, helping create greater awareness of its mission and support of Cancer Center research.

Dave Karnes and his daughter, Korey, did a butterfly release at the end of the news conference. The butterfly is the Liz’s Legacy symbol of hope.

“We believe the critical work that is being done at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center will make a difference in women’s lives, and we are pleased that we can help,” said Robert Reed, president and CEO of Physicians Mutual.

Support of this nature is critical to success in the fight against cancer, said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “Support from the Physicians Mutual program will help sponsor the kind of cutting-edge research that will enable us to make great strides in conquering women’s cancers,” he said.

Numerous programs have been established through Liz’s Legacy to accomplish this goal. A relationship with Burger King restaurants produced “Beat Cancer for Kids,” a scratch-card promotion at all area Burger King locations, raising nearly $40,000 for pediatric cancer research. Elisa Ilana Custom Designs also has teamed up with Liz’s Legacy to offer handcrafted ovarian cancer awareness bracelets with the Liz’s Legacy symbol of hope – the butterfly, donating 10 percent of the sales to Liz’s Legacy.

For additional information on Liz’s Legacy visit www.lizslegacy.org and for more information on Physicians Mutual’s Cancer Insurance for Women visit www.pmic.com or call 1-888-932-7642.