Trustmark gives $2M gift to campaign for UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
UMMC’s journey to build a center for cancer care and research took a significant step forward thanks to Trustmark, which announced a $2 million donation to It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute May 20.
"At Trustmark, we believe meaningful impact happens when organizations come together around a shared mission and purpose,” said Trustmark CEO Duane Dewey. “We are proud to support the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute and its mission to create a healthier future for Mississippi families and the communities across our service area. Supporting organizations that improve quality of life and strengthen communities remains central to who we are as a company."
It’s About Time, a $125 million philanthropic campaign, is helping fund construction of a 250,000-square-foot cancer center in Jackson. The five-story building will be home to adult cancer outpatient care and research at UMMC. The campaign has reached 80% of its goal.
Trustmark’s continued support is helping the Medical Center provide a higher level of cancer care and research, said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor of health affairs.
“Trustmark has stood with us for decades, and this extraordinary gift reflects a shared commitment to changing the future of cancer care in Mississippi,” she said. “Their support is helping us accelerate research, expand access and bring hope to families across our state. We are grateful for their dedication to improving the health of our state.”
Art Stevens, president of retail banking at Trustmark, said the gift is part of the financial services company's legacy of philanthropy.
"This is an exciting and important step in the lives of Trustmark, UMMC and so many others who are impacted by cancer," he said. "For 138 years, Trustmark has been committed to making a difference in the communities that we serve. The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute represents exactly the kind of impact that we're proud to be a part of. It strengthens access to care, advances research and brings innovation closer to the people and families who need it most. We are honored to be a part of this effort."
Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and CCRI director, said the generosity of Trustmark’s gift will help bring world-class cancer care and research to Mississippi.
“Cancer takes too many Mississippi lives, and our state consistently ranks among the nation’s worst for cancer mortality,” he said. “Trustmark’s remarkable gift gives us the tools to confront that reality with greater strength. Their support allows us to expand access to advanced care, grow our research programs and bring new treatment options to patients who need them most.”
Construction of a new cancer care and research facility at UMMC directly supports the Medical Center’s goal of earning National Cancer Institute designation.
The National Cancer Institute leads the country’s research efforts to enhance cancer detection, prevention and diagnosis. There are 74 NCI-designated cancer centers in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas are among the states without NCI-designated cancer centers.
“Our goal is simple: to improve survival rates and cure rates for the people of Mississippi and to reduce that burden to as low as possible," Rocconi said. " NCI designation and a building, those are all wonderful things, but we're not doing it for those accolades. We're doing this for saved lives."