Earlier this week, the University of Mississippi Medical Center announced it received a $10 million donation from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation in support of its “It’s About Time” campaign. Launched last year, the campaign aims to establish a worldclass cancer center for Mississippians. UMMC’s goal is to raise $125 million, with hopes of breaking ground soon.
“It’s About Time” is the largest fundraising campaign in UMMC’s history.
Tiara Jackson
UMMC receives $10 million gift to support cancer center campaign
Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward said Mississippi currently faces the worst cancer outcomes in the nation, and establishing a designated National Cancer Institute center is critical to improving those numbers.
“We’re raising funds for this cancer facility, but it’s so much more than just a building,” Woodward said. “What’s housed in that building will be cutting edge research, care, resources, clinical trials and specialists. It will be the hope for patients.”
The initial lead gift came from John and Sandy Black of Madison, who donated $25 million, the largest gift ever received by UMMC. Additional contributions were made from C Spire, the Manning family, the Bower Foundation and others.
“We are touched and humbled by the support we have received so far,” Woodward said. “But we’re not surprised because when there’s a crisis, when there is a real issue, when something needs to be tackled, Mississippians come together. That’s what we do.”
With private donations driving much of the progress, the Ford Foundation’s $10 million contribution pushes the project significantly closer to completion. UMMC has now reached 80% of its fundraising goal.
Foundation President Stephen Sims said the organization is committed to doing what is best for all Mississippians.
“We are joining the fight against cancer,” Sims said. “Cancer does not discriminate. Young or old, rich or poor, superstar or homeless — everybody is touched by this. Mississippi needs this center. Mississippians need this center. We should not have to travel hundreds of miles across state lines to get the treatment we need.”
According to UMMC leaders, there are 73 National Cancer Institute centers nationwide, but Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana remain the only states without one. Sims said the foundation supports many hospital initiatives, but cancer affects every community in the state.
“We try to reach the maximum number of people with our donations and do the most good for the most people,” he said.
Dr. John Allan, assistant vice chancellor of health affairs, said the hospital’s mission is to build a healthier Mississippi by addressing the issues that most affect residents. A 2025 report from the Mississippi State Department of Health found cancer is the second leading cause of death in both the state and the nation. Mississippi saw more than 6,700 cancer deaths in 2025. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 32,000 Mississippians died from cancer. The state’s four most common cancer types are prostate, breast, lung and bronchus, and colorectal cancer.
“Today, we’re putting a stake in the ground, and as an institution for the state, we are saying we are going to make a difference,” Allan said. “This new Cancer Center and Research Institute is more than just a building. I would venture to say that everyone in the room has had some personal experience with cancer — whether personally, through a family member or a close friend — and you know that when that diagnosis comes and treatment starts, it’s the scariest day of that person’s life.”
Bill Oliver, a committee member of the campaign and former CEO and president of Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, said both his son and wife were diagnosed with noncurable cancer 10 years ago. He believes expanded research and coordinated care will help Mississippians receive the treatment they deserve.
“We can coordinate the care between all the specialists, all the trips and visits and everything,” Oliver said. “That’s the part people don’t understand about cancer. It’s not just going in and having surgery. You’re involved with this through your life. And that coordination is where better outcomes and better patient satisfaction come from.”
Dr. Rodney Rocconi, director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, said one in six Mississippians will die from cancer. He emphasized the importance of research in improving patient outcomes.
“Every discovery, every advancement we make in cancer is built on the shoulders of prior research,” Rocconi said. “If we know how cancer works, we can hopefully stop it, turn that engine off and get better results.”
UMMC leaders expect to break ground on the new building later this year.
“It’s going to be a place where compassion meets innovation,” Rocconi said. “Cutting edge science will translate into better outcomes. Every meaningful advance in cancer comes from research, and that will be the backbone of what we do — research that improves the lives of Mississippians. With a shared vision, we can change the trajectory of cancer in our state for generations to come.”
UMMC officials said the center will partner with other cancer programs across the state to ensure patients receive coordinated care.