A Giant Step Closer
Good morning.
The theme for today’s column is simple but powerful: appreciation.
Over the past 14 months, we’ve shared stories of extraordinary generosity from individuals, foundations and businesses supporting our campaign to build a new home for the Cancer Center and Research Institute. In that short period of time, through the hard work of our development team and CCRI leadership, we’ve reached $100 million raised of our $125 million philanthropic goal. This happened MUCH quicker than we expected, which is a testament to the compassion of these donors and how, when times call for it, Mississippians heed the call to stand up and help their fellow Mississippians.
Reaching this milestone alone would be enough to label our progress toward a world-class home for UMMC’s cancer programs a success, but news this week pushed that level of success even higher.
The Mississippi Legislature and statewide elected officials frequently champion the Medical Center and our many endeavors to improve Mississippians’ health and well-being. Work across each of our three mission areas has been strengthened through government investment, including contributions from our state’s federal delegation in D.C. That support reached another level a couple of weeks ago when both chambers of the state Legislature, led by Speaker of the House Jason White and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, passed a bill that included a $100 million appropriation for our cancer center building campaign. I was elated when I heard that news and filled with pride in my home state. Time and again, the thoughtfulness of people of Mississippi – and its leaders – inspire me.
On Monday, the news got better when Gov. Tate Reeves signed the appropriations bill, making it law and finalizing the process.
We are incredibly grateful for this commitment from our state elected officials and leaders. Members of the Mississippi legislature from all across the state supported this effort recognizing it is an urgent statewide need. This appropriation, along with the money we’ve raised so far, helps make a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Mississippi closer to reality. And, really, “It’s About Time” this is done, and we’re honored to be the institution that will do it. Because of the foundational core of research required to achieve the designation, we are, in fact, the only organization in our state that can tackle this goal. It’s time Mississippians have access to the most advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials right here close to home. The care and research that will be done in the new facility will have an impact on patient outcomes for generations. Our state and federal government and the generous and dedicated people who have donated to the campaign understand this effort is more than constructing a building. It is about improving cancer outcomes in a state with the highest cancer mortality in the nation. Its about changing what a cancer diagnosis means in Mississippi.
We anticipate breaking ground on the new center later this year, thanks in part to $8.5 million from the federal government for site preparation. And efforts to bolster our cancer research continue as we gear up for submitting a grant application to earn the NCI designation, which is the highest level achievable nationally. When granted, our NCI center will be the only one in a three-state area including Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.
When I reflect on the generosity of our donors, the leadership of our state and federal partners and the dedication of Medical Center teams, I’m filled with gratitude and confidence in what lies ahead. This moment reflects what’s possible when we come together with shared purpose, and it reinforces our responsibility to deliver on this promise for the people we serve. All of this moves us closer to our shared goal: A Healthier Mississippi.
