$4.25 Million Gift Supports Innovative Leukemia, Lymphoma Research

The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a $4.25 million gift through the Anita Palmer Corbin Trust. The gift established endowed funds to support WashU Medicine researchers — $3 million for leukemia research and $1.25 million for lymphoma research. The funds augment two spendable funds previously established by Corbin, who died in 2023, to support leukemia and lymphoma research.

Corbin enjoyed a more than 20-year career at St. Louis-based Ralston Purina Co., starting as a senior accountant in 1979. After holding several positions of increasing responsibility, she was named vice president and controller in 1994, becoming the first female officer in the company.

Corbin’s husband, Daniel E. Corbin Jr., said that while his wife championed many causes throughout her life, she was passionate about supporting Siteman after family members received outstanding care at the cancer center. The Daniel E. Corbin Lymphoma Research Endowed Fund recognizes the many years of lymphoma treatment Daniel experienced at Siteman. The Trevor Stuart Palmer Memorial Leukemia Endowed Fund honors Corbin’s nephew, who died from the disease at a young age shortly after his diagnosis.

“We are deeply grateful for Anita’s generous contribution to our research efforts,” said Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, director of Siteman Cancer Center, the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor and senior associate dean for cancer programs at WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare. “These endowed funds will accelerate our ability to understand the molecular underpinnings of these diseases and advance new treatments that will extend patients’ lives and provide cures more quickly.”