The Tamil Chair, Inc., a philanthropic organization committed to promoting higher education and biomedical research, has made a pledge of $1.5 million to the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. This funding is intended to establish the Thirumoolar Tamil Chair for Integrative Therapies (TACIT) Endowed Chair in Radiation Medicine, which is designed to support both basic and clinical research in integrative oncology interventions. The initial contribution of $100,000 from the Tamil Chair will serve as a catalyst for the establishment of this significant chair, which aims to integrate innovative therapeutic approaches within the field of radiation medicine. By promoting advanced research, TACIT will facilitate the development of new integrative therapies, such as yogic breathing, to enhance patient outcomes and further solidify the Hollings Cancer Center’s reputation as a leader in cancer research and care. “We are proud to support MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in advancing the radiation medicine field with integrative therapies,” stated Vijay Janakiraman, M.D., president of the Tamil Chair, Inc. “This contribution is in line with our mission to back pioneering initiatives in biomedical science and higher education on a global scale.”
Mr. Janakiraman further noted that the foundation was motivated to make this commitment after learning about the research conducted by Hollings Cancer Center investigator Sundar Balasubramanian, Ph.D., a cell biologist exploring the molecular mechanisms of yogic breathing. The benefits of this practice may include enhancing the immune system, alleviating pain and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and mitigating adverse side effects during cancer treatment. The Thirumoolar Tamil Chair for Integrative Therapies will concentrate on research that merges traditional and contemporary approaches to oncology, providing a holistic and patient-centered perspective on radiation therapy. This chair will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the development of innovative, integrative therapies that can improve the effectiveness and quality of life for cancer patients.We express our profound gratitude for this support, which will advance innovative research in the field of radiation medicine,” stated Raymond N. DuBois, M.D., Ph.D., the director of Hollings Cancer Center. “This represents an exhilarating progression for our institution, the discipline, and ultimately, for patients. Tamil Chair, Inc. is an international philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing higher education, scientific inquiry, and social initiatives, with a particular emphasis on fostering research into the Tamil language, recognized as one of the seven classical languages globally, as well as its culture.
