Cancer Research Lab Named in Honor of Senator Crutchfield

An Ardmore lawmaker’s battle with cancer more than three years ago inspired those that heard his story. So much so that a research lab at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will now be called the Senator Johnnie Crutchfield Central Research Lab. The Senator was honored at a ceremony at the OU Heath Sciences Center on Thursday, May 18.

“This honor is a truly humbling moment for not only me personally, but for my family also,” Crutchfield, a Democrat from Ardmore, said. “Cancer cuts short the lives of thousands of Oklahomans each and every year. We are here to celebrate the lives lost to this tragic disease and to honor those who have looked cancer in the eye and beat it and to those people who have not yet been diagnosed with the disease.”

Crutchfield beat colon cancer in 2003 and has been a tireless supporter of cancer research. He was one of the driving forces in the Senate behind funding for the OU Cancer Institute, the only National Cancer Institute-funded cancer center within a 450-mile radius.

University of President David L. Boren offered praise for Crutchfield at the ceremony to name the research center after Crutchfield.

“Countless numbers of Oklahomans now and in the future will receive improved treatment for cancer because of the dedicated support given to cancer research funding by Senator Crutchfield, for that he is to be commended.”

The lab named to honor the veteran Ardmore senator is located in the recently opened Phase II of the Stanton L. Young Biomedical Research Center. Laboratories in the Biomedical Research Center are used by multiple biomedical research teams, including teams investigating cancer, kidney disease and diabetes, among other human health challenges.

“The people of Oklahoma truly deserve a world class comprehensive cancer research facility right here in our own backyard,” Crutchfield said. “Because of the passion of the Oklahoma Legislature and the people of Oklahoma who voted to increase the tax on tobacco, we are very close to making this cancer center a reality so that Oklahomans can fight cancer with dignity close to their homes and families.”

Crutchfield also praised his colleagues in the Senate who lost their battles with cancer and vowed to continue fighting against the disease in their honor.

“Senator’s Larry Dickerson, Keith Leftwich and Robert M. Kerr all fought the disease bravely and with humility that rivals nothing I have ever seen,” the Senator said. “I truly miss each of them every day, and the halls of our capitol building certainly aren’t the same without them. But I know if they were here standing with me today, they too be so proud of the progress we are making to give Oklahoma families a place to battle this disease right here at home.”