Bank chairman’s $20.4M donation funds life-saving cancer treatment

In 2007, American Momentum Bank Chairman and CEO Donald A. Adam contributed $20.4 million to Moffitt Cancer Center to establish the Donald A. Adam Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence. This year, thanks to groundbreaking research at Moffitt, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new life-saving treatment for advanced melanoma.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL, therapy is a first-of-its-kind cellular therapy for solid tumors that uses a patient’s own immune cells to fight their cancer. This new therapy gives hope to those who once thought there were no other treatment options.

“It is heartwarming and brings deep gratification to have a gift play such a significant role in providing scientists and physicians the necessary funding to effectively treat and, one day, cure a disease that takes the lives of so many diagnosed with melanoma,” Adam said.

Former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack III approached Adam – who had successfully been treated for melanoma – for financial support of a melanoma research center. The initial request was for $5 million, but in the end, Adam contributed $20.4 million. The donation made history as the largest single gift Moffitt has ever received.

Moffitt Cancer Center established the Donald A. Adam Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence to conduct research in melanoma and translate it into innovative patient treatment.

“I was confident this cancer center would become the premier melanoma research and treatment center in the United States,” Adam said.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which can come from sunlight or indoor tanning. Although melanomas only represent approximately 1% of all skin cancers, they account for a significant number of cancer-related deaths.

With the FDA’s approval, TIL therapy is now available to people with advanced melanoma. In clinical trials, 30-40% of patients saw their cancer shrink or disappear. The therapy is called Lifileucel, sold under the brand name AMTAGVI, and is produced by Iovance Biotherapeutics.

About American Momentum Bank

American Momentum Bank, a Texas-chartered banking association with total assets of $2.6 billion as of March 31, 2024, provides comprehensive products and services for businesses and individuals. American Momentum Bank has 18 full-service banking centers in Texas and nine full-service banking centers in Florida. American Momentum Bank's strong capitalization, superior asset quality and experienced management teams position it as one of the premier banks in each state. Visit www.americanmomentum.bank to learn more.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-866-983-5273), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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