“The dream is to cure without harm. If we can make people better by improving the quality of their life and extending it, that’s a small step. And 99 percent of medical research is about small steps.” (Kenneth M. Tokita, M.D.)
- Background: The Medici Foundation received its IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1995. Loosely translated, Medici means “good medicine” or “number one medicine” in Japanese. The Foundation makes grants for cutting edge cancer research and treatment, community health initiatives, and state-of-the-art equipment. Kenneth M. Tokita, M.D., is the founder and President of the Medici Foundation. The goal of the Medici Foundation is to improve the health and quality of life in our community through medical research, education, and treatment.
- Board of Directors: A four-member Board of Directors governs the Medici Foundation with advisory assistance from the Founders Society.
- Founders Society: The Founders Society is composed of a special group who donate $10,000 or more annually to the Foundation. Formed in 2011, this group substantially expanded the Foundation’s ability to fulfil its mission.
- Cancer Research: The Medici Foundation’s role in supporting cancer research is ongoing. Recently, it sponsored the study that led to Tissue Spacer Technology to treat prostate cancer. This technology prevents radiation burn by injecting a tissue spacer between the rectum and the prostate. The spacer gives radiation oncologists the ability to increase the radiation dose to the prostate while simultaneously eliminating the risk of radiation burn to the rectum. The Foundation also sponsored research on Partial Breast Irradiation, a shorter and less invasive means of treating breast cancer. The Foundation will continue making grants to support ground-breaking cancer research and treatment. For more information, please visit Research.
- Community Involvement: The Medici Foundation made grants to the Irvine Children’s Health Program (I-CHP) over the last several years. I-CHP is designed to promote the health and wellness of the community by ensuring that all Irvine children under 18 have access to affordable health services.
- Events: The Medici Foundation’s main fundraising event is its annual dinner & auction gala. Other fundraising events include BBQ Luau, concerts and golf tournaments.
The Medici Foundation is a 501(c)(3) #33-0637812
