Philip H. and Penny Knight have pledged to give $100 million to the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute. The Nike founders gift-the largest in the history of OHSU-represents a critical step toward achieving the cancer institutes ambitious goal to make Oregons cancer death rate the lowest in the nation.
In recognition of the transformational impact the donors generosity will have on the treatment of cancer, OHSU will rename its cancer institute-the states only National Cancer Institute-designated center-the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
The first $2 million of the gift will name the Linda Conant Laboratory Suite, a key component of the Center for Cancer Cell Signaling in OHSUs new Biomedical Research Building. Conant, who died of breast cancer in January, was a close friend of the Knight family. The remaining $98 million will establish the OHSU Cancer Institute Knight Fund for use at the discretion of the institutes director. Acclaimed cancer researcher Brian Druker, M.D., assumed that post in 2007 with the goal of making Oregon the national leader in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
“Brian Druker is nothing short of a genius and a visionary,” said Knight. “Unfortunately, cancer touches all of our lives. Penny and I believe because of the work of Dr. Druker and his talented staff that the Linda Conants of the future will have more quality years to spend with their loved ones.”
Druker said the impact of the gift will be far-reaching. “This is a transformational gift for the cancer institute and OHSU. I am so proud to have Phil and Penny Knights tremendous support in our fight to end cancer as we know it. The Knights understand the urgency of our mission. This gift will save lives.”
In a highly competitive market for top faculty, the gift will help the institute attract researchers from other top cancer centers in the nation while motivating its existing faculty to remain at OHSU.
