Advocates say Knight's record-breaking donation to cancer research could be life-changing
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — There’s good news for those who have loved ones with cancer. Billionaire CEO Phil Knight and his wife Penny are donating $2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute.
It's the largest donation ever made to an educational institution. Researchers and advocates on the ground say this money could be life-changing.
“The buzz is everywhere. The excitement is everywhere. And I think everyone is just so excited,” said Kelsey Richards, the senior director of human resources of the Children’s Cancer Association. “We see the impact of kiddos that are missing out on kindergarten first day, their first birthday parties. We see all of those kind[s] of sad moments. So any opportunity to bring joy, which is funding, which is research, which is support, it's just amazing for us to see.”