Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago has announced that its Northwestern Memorial Foundation has received a $19.5 million bequest from local philanthropist William W. Wirtz to help advance cancer research and care.

The gift will establish the William W. Wirtz Cancer Innovation Fund, which will support research and clinical advancements within the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, including better patient access to essential cancer care services, the recruitment of leading physicians and physician-scientists specializing in cancer research and treatment, and staying on top of emerging technologies.

"We are grateful to Mr. Wirtz for his profound generosity," said Northwestern Memorial HealthCare president and CEO Dean M. Harrison. "His gift, coupled with the vision of his family, will play an important and lasting role in helping to identify and develop novel new therapies and advance the care we provide to patients living with cancer."