The parents of Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos are donating $10 million to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle for research into using the immune system to cure cancer.
Jackie and Mike Bezos are giving a challenge grant to help the cancer research center raise $28 million for its immunotherapy program.
Scientists hope to boost the body's immune response to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact. The idea holds the potential to defeat cancer without toxic side effects.
Center Director Lee Hartwell says the donation will help them recruit and retain researchers, develop new immunological drugs and support clinical trials.
The Bezos Family Foundation had assets of $30.2 million in 2008, including $15 million in Amazon.com stock. Jeff Bezos and his siblings are directors of the Mercer Island-based foundation, which was established by their parents.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com