The Cook Family Foundation has established the Cook Family Brain Tumor Research Fund to help the University of Michigan enhance its work in treating patients with brain tumors.

The gift came about after Tom Cook, executive director of the foundation was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018. Cook was treated by the neurosurgery team at Michigan Medicine and underwent brain surgery.

“We have long been fans of the University of Michigan,” Cook said. “But after this experience we are even bigger advocates and supporters. We are fortunate to have world class medical research and care here in our state.”

 The Cook Family Brain Tumor Research Fund will support the research of the neurosurgery team in the use of novel tumor imaging to improve surgical outcomes.

Cook’s tumor was discovered using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). But at U of M, more advanced forms of imaging are being explored and used not only for diagnosis, but also to guide the surgeon during surgery. The research team is at the cutting edge of developing and using new technology to better care for brain tumor patients.

The team recently developed a new technology called stimulated Raman histology (SRH). Now in use at leading cancer centers across the United States, SRH is an imaging method that provides microscopic images of tumor cells in the operating room. SRH allows surgeons to understand what type of tumor they are operating on and reveals the margins of the tumor that would otherwise be invisible. To simplify the interpretation of SRH images, the team has developed artificial intelligence-based methods for diagnosing and detecting brain tumors.

 “I was fortunate that my tumor was benign and could be removed,” Cook said. “Most brain tumor patients face more serious challenges. I am pleased that we can help Michigan Medicine extend and improve its care to them."