Paving the way for trailblazers

To that end, she’s pledged an astounding $50 million to MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program.

“It represents a different direction for research that crosses disciplines and offers new hope for breaking cancer’s codes,” Hill says. “I’m pleased to offer my support to this historic effort.”

In recognition of Hill’s enormous generosity, the institution will name the Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center in her honor.

A senior member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, Hill is a longtime proponent of scientific research and biomedical advancement. She’s president of LH Holdings and the Lyda Hill Foundation, which supports initiatives that increase the understanding of nature and science.

The breast cancer survivor says her family has been impacted tremendously by cancer. And she’s encouraged by today’s strengthened focus on prevention.

“Since my first mastectomy more than 31 years ago, we now have the word ‘prevention.’ Prevention was never in the same sentence with cancer back then,” she says. “It’s our hope for the future. I’m honored that the Cancer Prevention Center will carry my name.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors such as Lyda Hill, the Moon Shots Program received significant private philanthropic commitments in its first year. Other major gifts include:

• Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, $10 million
• Marathon Oil Corporation, $3 million
• The Cullen Trust for Health Care, $2 million
• Bosarge Family Foundation, $2 million
• Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kyte, $2 million
• The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation, $1.5 million

Lyda Hill talks about her commitment to the Moon Shots Program at Lyda Hill's Gift.