A single sunburn can increase the risk of developing melanoma, a deadly skin cancer.

The gift, provided by the The Gibbs Foundation Inc, will fund research staff for three years, and increase capacity for trial participants, according to a news release. 

A small trial in New York focused on just 14 patients, but the results are encouraging.

The five-year grant could be extended to help develop cancer fighting strategies.

Doctors say, thanks to the treatment, a huge population of lung cancer patients will have a better chance at living a full life.

Kurtz was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last year and had surgery in November. 

The Archbishop said he and his doctors remain optimistic about his prognosis, but added that he will remain in North Carolina during the full length of the treatment.