UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute announces public phase of $125M campaign
It’s About Time: The Campaign for the Cancer Center and Research Institute, a $125 million philanthropic drive to help build a state-of-the-art cancer center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has reached $100 million – 80% of its $125 million goal – propelled by a $10 million gift from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation.
With this milestone, the campaign now enters its public phase, expanding beyond early leadership support to invite participation from individuals, families, employees and communities across Mississippi. Building on strong early momentum, this next phase focuses on broad engagement to complete the campaign and bring this transformative vision to life.
“Cancer has touched nearly every family in Mississippi, and we believe our state deserves access to the very best care and research available anywhere,” said Stephen Sims, director of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation. “The Ford Foundation, over the years, has had the chance to participate in a lot of worthwhile projects, but this one has a special meaning. It will be impactful for everyone in the state. We are joining in the fight against cancer. Cancer does not discriminate – everybody is touched by this. Mississippi needs this center. We should not have to travel hundreds of miles across state lines to get the care we need. On behalf of the directors of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, we are honored to be in this fight and in this project.”
The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation has been a longtime supporter of UMMC, most recently presenting a $2.5 million gift that, in 2022, completed the capital campaign to fund construction of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi.
That support is essential in the fight against cancer, said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs.
“Changing Mississippi’s cancer outcomes will take all of us working together,” she said. “It’s About Time began with a transformational $25 million gift from Sandy and John Black, and many other generous donors including the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation have helped bring us to this pivotal moment. But reaching our full goal — building a state-of-the-art center for advanced cancer care and research — will require continued partnership and support from individuals, families and communities across our state. Together, we can create a future where Mississippi patients have access to the most innovative treatments and lifesaving discoveries close to home.”
Advancing cancer care is part of the Medical Center’s five-year strategic plan, said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs.
“UMMC’s mission is to build a healthier Mississippi, and we can’t do that without addressing the cancer challenges of our state,” he said. “Advancing cancer services and fostering National Cancer Institute‑level research are key parts of the Medical Center’s five‑year strategic plan. Access to state‑of‑the‑art care today and the infrastructure to support tomorrow’s breakthroughs are essential to improving Mississippians’ cancer outcomes.
Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and CCRI director as well as a native Mississippian, said reaching this milestone is meaningful.
“Mississippi has the worst cancer rates and outcomes in the country,” he said. “Some areas of the state, such as the Delta, where I’m from, have worse rates than some third-world countries. The need for a higher level of cancer care in Mississippi is urgent and undeniable."
The new five-story home for CCRI will combine advanced collaborative cancer care with convenience and comfort for patients. The advanced 250,000-square-foot center will include research labs and clinical trials, offering hope closer to home for cancer patients in the state.
“Our patients deserve access to the same advanced treatments, clinical trials and cutting-edge research available anywhere in the nation — without having to leave home,” Rocconi said. “Improving cancer care here isn’t optional; it’s essential to the health and future of our state.”
To join the It’s About Time campaign, visit abouttime.ms. As the campaign enters its public phase, every gift — at every level — will help bring advanced cancer care and research closer to home for Mississippians.