Phil and Penny Knight have announced a transformative $2 billion donation to the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute, aimed at revolutionizing cancer care globally.
Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, has a history of breaking records and driving innovation. The Knights’ philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on the fight against cancer, facilitating the integration of advanced treatments and exceptional patient care.
They have long partnered with Dr. Brian Druker, a key figure at the Knight Cancer Institute and the developer of Gleevec. This drug has significantly improved survival rates for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. This partnership previously led to a $500 million pledge that sparked the successful $1 billion Knight Cancer Challenge, establishing one of the first large-scale programs for early cancer detection.
The Knights’ latest investment is inspired by Dr. Druker’s vision for an integrated cancer care model. This model will enhance diagnostics, provide access to innovative clinical trials, and simplify the patient experience, offering comprehensive support resources, including counseling and survivorship care.
To effectively implement this mission, the Knight Cancer Institute will operate as a self-governed entity within OHSU, with the Knight Cancer Group managing its services, and Dr. Druker serving as its inaugural president.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the next stage of the Druker-led revolutionary vision of cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, care, and some day, eradication. We couldn’t be more excited about the transformational potential of this work for humanity. We are confident that establishing the Knight Cancer Institute as a self-governed entity within OHSU will help the Knight and OHSU reach these goals.”
Phil and Penny Knight
“Penny and Phil Knight have always challenged us to do what no one else is doing. It can seem impossible to navigate the health care system after being diagnosed with cancer. We’re going to change that. We have revolutionized the way we detect and treat cancer. Now we are going to transform the way we care for patients while continuing to develop innovative treatments.”
Dr. Druker
“This gift is an unprecedented investment in the millions of lives burdened with cancer, especially patients and families here in Oregon. It is also a signal of trust in the superlative work that our clinicians, researchers and teammates at the Knight Cancer Institute do every day. Dr. Druker’s vision around a multidisciplinary system of care — focused squarely on making the patient’s experience seamless from the moment they receive a diagnosis — will now become reality. And thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Knight, Oregon will be the place to do it.”
OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A.
“OHSU is Oregon’s only academic health care center, and thanks to the generosity and foresight of Mr. and Mrs. Knight, the nation will get to experience life-saving benefits from innovations and expertise in cancer treatment and care as the institution continues to push new boundaries. And this gift sends a signal to the world that Oregon is a place where amazing people make amazing things happen.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek
“This monumental gift is a game-changer, and not just for the Knight Cancer Institute. This is an investment that will elevate OHSU and our entire state, give Oregonians another reason to be proud, and most importantly, provide unparalleled support to those with cancer.”
Steve Stadum, J.D., who served as OHSU’s interim president until earlier this month and served as the Knight Cancer Institute chief operating officer during the Knight Cancer Challenge
