A message from Dr. DePinho

At MD Anderson, we think big. That’s why our goal is to end cancer — not slow it, detour it or delay it, but to end it, for good. We’ve set out to eradicate this complex disease that’s indiscriminately taken our friends and family.  

Our cancer fighters — more than 20,000 employees and 1,000-plus volunteers — strive every day to make this vision a reality. We’re confronting cancer head-on with a message that’s loud and clear: “Cancer, you don’t have a chance.”

You may have seen installments of MD Anderson’s new ad campaign, appropriately named Confronting Cancer, which elevates this message to a new level.  Compelling TV spots showcase the real heroes carrying out our determined fight: donors, volunteers, physicians, researchers, patients, survivors. I’m struck by the emotion, the indefatigable courage and the stalwart resilience reflected in these deeply personal stories. And I’m grateful to have the opportunity to honor them in our journey toward Making Cancer History®.

To end cancer is a bold idea. Some will say it can’t be done. But bold ideas are the hallmark of great institutions. For almost 75 years, we’ve earned our reputation as the world leader in cancer care, research, prevention and education. In July, U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey once again named us the No. 1 hospital for cancer care in the nation. We’re proud to be recognized for our excellence in this national survey. The true measure of our success, however, is the number of lives we’ve positively affected.

Last year, more than 127,000 people came to MD Anderson for innovative care, prevention services, clinical trials, diagnostics, second opinions and consults at survivorship clinics. Our Moon Shots Program and clinical trials engine also had a notable year, providing new hope for our patients who are faltering with today’s standard of care. Our academic achievements reached new vistas, and, with 33 sister institutions in 23 countries, we’re spreading our knowledge to those in greatest need.

This is your impact. This is your legacy. Your generosity makes our world-class research and patient care possible and enables us to provide hope for cancer patients and their families around the world. Thank you for fueling our fight. I am confident that with your continued support and our collective will to succeed, cancer doesn’t stand a chance.