Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, alongside his wife Penny, has taken a monumental step forward in the fight against cancer by making an extraordinary charitable contribution to the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. Their generous gift of $2 billion marks a historical moment as the largest donation ever made to an American university, reflecting their deep commitment to advancing cancer research and treatment.

This remarkable contribution will enable the Knight Cancer Institute to double its capacity, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in cancer detection and therapies. Just as Nike has transformed the world of sports, the Knights are playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing cancer care.

In a previous initiative, the Knights had pledged $500 million to OHSU, contingent upon the university matching that amount through fundraising efforts. This challenge inspired the Knight Cancer Challenge, which successfully raised an impressive $1 billion. These funds have been instrumental in enhancing research on early cancer detection techniques, leading to a variety of innovative blood tests.

Dr. Brian Druker, M.D., the director of the Knight Cancer Institute, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on Gleevec, a medication that has significantly improved survival rates for patients facing chronic myeloid leukemia. The Knights’ recent investment is a testament to Dr. Druker’s vision of merging scientific advancements with unparalleled patient care. This new model of integrated cancer care will expand diagnostic capabilities, facilitate access to innovative clinical trials, and streamline the patient experience for families and individuals alike.

Patients will benefit from comprehensive support services, including nutritional guidance, psychological and genetic counseling, financial advice, symptom management, and survivorship care, ensuring that they receive holistic assistance throughout their journey.

Dr. Druker expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.”

The magnitude of this gift empowers the institute to evolve into a self-governing entity within OHSU, enhancing its autonomy and focus on revolutionary cancer care.

In a heartfelt statement, the Knights expressed their enthusiasm for this next chapter, stating, “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 someday, 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.”

This incredible act of generosity exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and the positive impact that individuals can have on society. Together, the Knights and the Knight Cancer Institute are poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals battling cancer.