$2 billion gift from Phil and Penny Knight becomes largest in U.S. university history, poised to transform cancer care — boosting their philanthropy beyond $5.6 billion

Phil and Penny Knight announced a record-breaking $2 billion gift to the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute to transform the future of cancer care and set a new standard globally:

“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.”

Phil Knight is no stranger to pushing boundaries and breaking records.

Known for his bold and competitive leadership, Mr. Knight co-founded Nike. He grew it into the world’s most extensive footwear, apparel, and equipment company, and one of the most recognizable brands on the planet.

In the same way that Nike has impacted and shaped the sports world, the Knights have supported a revolution in the fight against cancer through their philanthropic efforts.

With this pledge, they acknowledge that there is still more to be done and that this gift will enable the seamless integration of the best treatments with the best care.

The Knights have a long history of teaming with Brian Druker, M.D., and the Knight Cancer Institute’s team to end cancer as we know it. Dr. Druker holds the JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research and was the lead developer of Gleevec. This drug transformed the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia from less than five years to a diagnosis for which a normal lifespan can be expected.

Gleevec specifically targets cancer cells without harming normal cells.

It received FDA approval in record time in 2001 and helped to usher in the era of precision medicine.

In 2013, the Knights pledged a $500 million donation to the Knight Cancer Institute if the university could match it within two years.

In one of the most ambitious feats in fundraising history, the $1 billion Knight Cancer Challenge was successfully completed, thanks to $200 million in bonds from the Oregon Legislature, $100 million from Gert Boyle, chair of Columbia Sportswear, and donations from 10,000 individuals from all 50 states and 15 countries.

These funds were used to establish one of the first large-scale early cancer detection programs, spurring the development of numerous blood tests for the early detection of cancer. The investment enabled the Knight Cancer Institute to continue leading in targeted therapies and precision medicine.

The Knights’ investment of $2 billion was inspired by Dr. Druker’s vision to integrate the benefits of scientific discovery they have supported in the past with unmatched cancer care.

This fully integrated cancer care model will expand and accelerate diagnostics, ensure access to innovative clinical trials informed by Knight researchers, and simplify the patient and family experience.

Every patient will have access to a comprehensive range of essential support resources, including nutritional support, psychological, genetic, and financial counseling, symptom management, survivorship care and support, and other complementary therapies.

“Penny and Phil Knight have always challenged us to do what no one else is doing,” Dr. Druker said. “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.”

With the magnitude of this mission, the Knight Cancer Institute will become self-governed within OHSU. To accomplish this, the Knight Cancer Group will be created to lead the Knight Cancer Institute and manage OHSU’s cancer services. It will have its board of directors, and Dr. Druker will be the inaugural president of this new organization.

“This gift is an unprecedented investment in the millions of lives burdened with cancer, especially patients and families here in Oregon,” said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A.

“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.”

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said the gift will be groundbreaking for the state.

“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.”

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, worked with Dr. Druker and the Knights to bring this gift to fruition.

“This monumental gift is a game-changer, and not just for the Knight Cancer Institute,” said Mr. Stadum. “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.”