Director's message

CCRI groundbreaking is Oct. 22 

A few years ago, plans for a new cancer center weren’t even on a drawing board yet. Now, in less than a couple of months, we’ll be breaking ground on what will become a world-class center for cancer care and research. 

The groundbreaking ceremony, set for 10 a.m. Oct. 22 on the grounds adjacent to the American Cancer Society Gertrude C. Ford Hope Lodge, will be a historic day for UMMC and the state of Mississippi. 

The idea that a state with some of the worst cancer outcomes in the nation could be home to a facility built for collaboration in care and research was a dream that philanthropists around the state shared. It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute was launched in early 2025 with a $25 million gift, the single largest in UMMC history, from Sandy and John Black. 

The generosity of Mississippians and the businesses of the state, something that never ceases to amaze me, helped that total grow to more than 80% of the campaign’s $125 million goal in about 18 months. 

Mississippi’s leaders, showing their commitment to easing the cancer burden of the state’s residents, appropriated $100 million toward the cost of construction. 

The vision of our leaders and the state’s spirit of giving, combined with the excellence in cancer care and research that each of you bring to UMMC, have brought us to this moment. We hope you’ll be there to celebrate this milestone.