Campaign surpasses $1.2 billion goal
Ambitious fundraising effort destined to transform cancer care
MD Anderson has completed its largest fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of supporters across the globe, Making Cancer History®: The Campaign to Transform Cancer Care has raised $1.215 billion for:
- research initiatives in cancer prevention and risk assessment, basic science, cancer care excellence, personalized cancer therapies, early detection and targeted treatments
- an endowment to educate and train the next generation of cancer research specialists
- a new 600,000-square-foot research facility to support personalized cancer care and accelerate the pace of pancreatic cancer research; and
- support of other key areas within the institution.
The campaign reached its original $1 billion mark in August 2010, more than two years ahead of schedule, during the tenure of John Mendelsohn, M.D, who stepped down as president of MD Anderson in August 2011. To fund still-unmet needs, a 19-member campaign executive committee chaired by Harry J. Longwell of Dallas recommended increasing the goal to $1.2 billion, with a shortened target date of Dec. 31, 2011.
“The campaign’s early completion gives MD Anderson researchers and clinicians the means to make significant progress in the fight against cancer,” says Ronald DePinho, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “With the philanthropic support of those who share our passion, we’ll make major progress in preventing, detecting and treating cancer. Together, we have the opportunity to do great good for humanity.”
Barbara and George H.W. Bush, both members of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, were honorary chairs of the campaign. President Bush chaired the Board of Visitors from 2001 to 2003.
Some 200 donors contributed more than 70 percent of the total, said campaign chair Longwell.
“Philanthropy is a key component in the lifeblood of MD Anderson,” says Longwell. “We all are proud to have been a part of this pivotal effort to transform cancer care and truly make a difference in the lives of cancer patients everywhere.”
Philanthropic support generates an invaluable return on investment for each dollar donated, said Patrick Mulvey, MD Anderson’s vice president for development. It often provides seed money that enables researchers to pursue novel ideas, gather data and successfully compete for federal funding.
“The generosity of all who supported our efforts, regardless of gift size, translates to enormous benefits for thousands of patients, their families and friends, now and for generations to come,” says Mulvey. “Every gift plays a significant role in bringing us closer to a future free from cancer.”
