Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, and his wife Penny Knight are pledging a combined $2 billion to Oregon Health and Science University, marking a record-setting philanthropic push toward cancer research. The announcement came at a press conference held at the Knight Cancer Center on the OHSU campus.
The Knights have a long history of backing OHSU, including the establishment of a cardiovascular research institute. They are also behind the Knight Cancer Challenge, launched in 2013 to marshal donations and help raise $500 million for cancer research at OHSU by matching gifts from supporters.
Penny and Phil Knight are why the initiative has a distinctive national profile, with leaders emphasizing the goal of turning groundbreaking science into real-world patient care. Dr. Brian Druker, who has led leukemia research at OHSU and holds the JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research, praised the Knights’ commitment: “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.”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also spoke at the event, calling the gift a groundbreaking milestone 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,” Kotek said.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more details about the gift’s allocation and goals become available.
Additional value and context:
– The gift could accelerate translational cancer research at OHSU, speeding from lab discoveries to clinical trials and patient therapies.
– It may help recruit and retain top scientists and clinicians, bolster patient-centered care initiatives, and expand research infrastructure at the Knight Cancer Center.
– The philanthropic model—significant, multi-year commitments tied to a named center and challenge—demonstrates how high-net-worth philanthropy can shape regional innovation ecosystems and potentially influence national cancer research priorities.
– While large gifts can catalyze progress, ongoing success will depend on strategic program planning, independent oversight, and effective translation of research into accessible treatments for patients.
Summary:
– Phil and Penny Knight team up to donate $2 billion to OHSU for cancer research, the largest philanthropic gift of its kind to date.
– The gift supports the Knight Cancer Center and builds on the Knight Cancer Challenge, launched in 2013.
– Leaders praised the Knights’ vision to transform cancer detection, treatment, and patient care.
– Oregon’s governor highlighted the gift’s impact on the state and national stage.
– This is a developing story with anticipated details on how the funds will be allocated and executed.
Hopeful take:
– The donation has the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer care, attract premier researchers to Oregon, and strengthen OHSU’s role as a national hub for innovative cancer treatments, offering renewed hope to patients and families.