Thursday, February 19, 2009

Former Sen. Robert Dole has given $150,000 to the University of Kansas Hospital and the KU Medical Center for spinal research.

The gift will be used for clinical projects involving spinal cord research at the Marc A. Asher, M.D., Comprehensive Spine Center at the Hospital, which opened in November. The spinal cord research projects could begin as soon as this year.

Dole said Wednesday that he feels a personal connection to the spine center due to a spinal cord injury he suffered in World War II. The Russell native said he's also donated to other causes in Kansas, including the Washburn University law school and the Hays Medical Center.

In late 2008, Dole gave $150,000 to the Kansas Historical Society to help the William Allen White State Historic Site in Emporia and the Fort Hays State Historic Site.