Phil and Penny Knight Make $2 Billion Donation to OHSU

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By JohnPosted In: PhilanthropyTagged: , , , , ,

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, have pledged a record-breaking $2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute. The announcement, made on August 14, 2025, marks the largest donation ever to a U.S. university or academic health center. It surpasses the previous record of $1.8 billion given by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins University in 2018.

The gift will accelerate cancer research, expand clinical trials, and reshape patient care. It also creates the Knight Cancer Group, a self-governed entity within OHSU. Leading the group is Dr. Brian Druker, best known for developing the leukemia drug Gleevec. The Knights describe their vision simply: to “end cancer as we know it.”

Funding will support a range of initiatives. These include early detection programs, advanced diagnostics, and new therapies in precision medicine and immunotherapy. A new hospital wing, set to open in 2026, will add 128 beds for cancer patients and four floors of specialized care. Just as important, patients will gain access to wraparound services like nutrition support, genetic counseling, mental health care, and survivorship programs.

The couple’s commitment to OHSU is not new. In 2013, they pledged $500 million in a challenge gift that successfully launched major advances in cancer detection. This new donation, however, raises the stakes dramatically. Officials say it will position Portland as a global leader in cancer innovation and provide hope well beyond Oregon’s borders.

The Prouty: Supporting Cancer Research and Care

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , , ,

The Prouty is an annual fundraising event that benefits the Dartmouth Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in New Hampshire. Launched in 1982 by a group of nurses in honor of a patient named Audrey Prouty, the event began as a cycling challenge and has since grown into the largest charitable athletic event in northern New England.

Now in its 44th year, The Prouty offers a variety of activities, including cycling routes of various distances, walking and rowing events, golf tournaments, and a two-day endurance option known as the Prouty Ultimate. In 2025, the event will also include gravel and mountain bike rides to accommodate a wider range of participants.

The main event is scheduled for July 12, 2025, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $10 million. Contributions are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation.

Since its inception, The Prouty has raised more than $68 million. These funds support cancer research as well as patient services such as transportation assistance, support groups, nutrition programs, and integrative therapies.

In addition to the Hanover gathering, a Community Day & Walk in southern New Hampshire raises funds specifically for local patient needs. The 2025 goal for that event is $200,000, earmarked for services like grocery and gas gift cards.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity, Childrens CharitiesTagged: , ,

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is a charity that raises money to help cure childhood cancer.

Its main focus is on funding research. Although 700 children worldwide are diagnosed with childhood cancer, childhood cancer research receives less than 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s annual budget.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand was founded by Alexandra Scott, who passed away from cancer in 2004. When she was just four years old, Alex set up a lemonade stand in her front yard and raised over $2,000. Alex raised one million dollars before her death in 2004.

Best of all, setting up a lemonade stand and donating the proceeds can be done by anyone, adults and children alike.