In memory of a man whose determination and kindness left an indelible mark on those around him, BSI Engineering has channeled over $1.2 million into the fight against pancreatic cancer. The company's efforts, working with the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, stem from a deep-rooted homage to Bryan Speicher, an influence on BSI's founders and an exemplar of courage. Bryan's battle with pancreatic cancer, which he ultimately lost in 2003, set the foundation for a partnership aimed at eradicating the disease that claimed his life.
David Speicher, Bryan's son, recalled his father's generous spirit, telling the University of Cincinnati, "My dad was always giving," and it is this ethos that propels BSI's philanthropic endeavors. In 2011, the company's relationship with the Cancer Center began with a $10,000 donation, which was not just a financial contribution but also a salute to Bryan's memory and a beacon of hope for advancements in pancreatic cancer research.
The partnership between BSI and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has funded over 15 research projects and enabled groundbreaking work by researchers like Krushna Patra, PhD; Mathieu Sertorio, PhD; and Davendra Sohal, MD. It's a collaborative effort that has gained traction beyond the initial investment, securing additional major grants from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, and the Department of Defense. These funds have bolstered studies that are not only theoretically profound but are making strides toward clinical applications.
David Speicher expressed his enthusiasm for the progress made, noting in an interview with the University of Cincinnati how "It’s amazing to see how the UC Cancer Center has grown over these years," and how excited he is to witness the translation of research into promising clinical trials. Beyond pancreatic cancer, BSI has also contributed to the Beirne Family Leukemia Research Scholarship Endowment Fund at UC, honoring the memory of Phil Beirne’s brother John, who succumbed to leukemia at a young age.
