Inspired by our mission to end cancer as we know it, Phil and Penny Knight issued a $1 billion challenge on Sept. 20, 2013. The Knights will give OHSU $500 million if we raise an additional $500 million by February of 2016.

Over the last year, nearly 6,000 individuals from 48 states have stood alongside Phil and Penny by donating to the Knight Cancer Challenge.

And today, an anonymous donor has made the largest single gift to The Challenge to date. With a wish to remain unnamed, one visionary has gifted the Knight Cancer Institute with $100 million to fuel our ambitious vision. This tremendous pledge brings the current total raised to nearly $419,000,000.

So, how will OHSU use these gifts to cure more cancers?

Along with dollars already raised, the most recent $100 million gift will be used to support a full range of Knight Cancer Institute initiatives focused on early detection of cancer, including the hiring of 20 to 30 top scientists and their teams.

The best and the brightest cancer researchers will collaborate on improving methods to identify cancer at its earliest and most curable stage. The $1 billion investment will enable these scientists to focus on discovery and moving the most promising new detection methods and treatments from the laboratory to clinical trials as quickly as possible.

Funds from the state of Oregon in support of The Challenge will also help build new clinical trials and research space for the Knight Cancer Institute on Portland’s South Waterfront.

What can you do?

Learn more at OneDown.org. We’re attacking cancer on a molecular level. We’re looking for ways to detect cancers earlier, before they become deadly, giving more patients the chance to survive more cancers. It’s a better approach, and it works.

Pledge your support. Give online to help end cancer as we know it. Give in honor of a loved one. Or be inspired by these Knight Cancer Challenge heroes to start fundraising in your own community.