The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center began operations in 1941, in temporary quarters on the estate of Captain James A. Baker. Eighty years later, we are one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.
Celebration to honor MD Anderson's legacy and share vision for future
R. Lee Clark, M.D., first president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, famously urged colleagues and stakeholders to "make no small plans" during his tenure from 1946 to 1978. MD Anderson continues to embrace Clark’s mantra, advancing discoveries in a mission to end cancer as it prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in monumental style. Plans are underway for a star-studded concert, in-person as allowed by COVID-19 safety precautions, next spring at Houston’s Toyota Center to mark eight decades of Making Cancer History®.
Executive event chairs are Houstonians Suzie and Don Sinclair, a member of the MD Anderson's Board of Visitors, and Diana and Jeffrey Foskett. Jeffrey Foskett is a singer, songwriter and record producer who worked for decades as a touring and studio musician for the Beach Boys. Formerly of California, the Fosketts recently moved to The Woodlands, north of Houston, to be closer to MD Anderson, where Jeffrey is in treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare cancer diagnosed in less than 2% of all thyroid cancer patients.
Foskett sees the concert, scheduled for March 24, 2022, as a vehicle of hope for patients with rare cancers like his, and he is enlisting his friends and industry contacts to be a part of the evening's entertainment.
Actor John Stamos is confirmed as emcee, and a lineup of musicians is in the works, including the Beach Boys; Christopher Cross; The Commodores; and the Generation Radio band, featuring Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and Jason Scheff of Chicago.
Funds raised from will benefit the institution's Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Program and other rare-cancer research initiatives at MD Anderson.
How to take part in the 80th Anniversary event
For information about the 80th anniversary concert, including how to be a sponsor, visit mdanderson.org/80celebration or call 1-866-262-9029 (press #1 to leave message).
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, MD Anderson's leadership will regularly evaluate evolving COVID-19 and public health guidelines. MD Anderson's events team will reach out to all sponsors and guests regarding any required changes to the program.
Then and Now
Doctors with a model of the 1000-Curie Cobolt-60 irradiator at our Proton Therapy Center, which opened in ‘06.
The R. Lee Clark Clinic, named for our first full-time president, was completed in 1978 and expanded in 1987.
A photo of our temporary quarters on the James A. Baker estate in 1942 in front of our Mid Campus Building 1.
A photo of our original lab in the former stables of the Baker estate, held aloft at the Zayed Building.
The Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital, under construction and today. The facility opened in 1998.
The Freeman-Dunn Chapel outside the Main Building opened in 1978 and is one of several worship locations.
Our logo has changed over 75 years. Pictured are our past three logos in front of a sign with our current one.
A photo of our namesake and the man whose gift made MD Anderson possible is held in front of our Donor Wall.