ROANOKE, Va. – Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday that it had reached and exceeded its fundraising goal to build a new cancer center, raising $105 million. It was fundraising feat Carilion Clinic CEO CEO Emeritus Nancy Howell Agee said consultants told them would not be possible to accomplish. The campaign completion marks a historic milestone for Carilion Clinic and the community, providing better access to cancer treatments for people living in Southwest Virginia.
Carilion also announced that it is expanding the project’s vision with an additional $50 million initiative to include proton therapy, the most advanced technology for treating certain cancer types.
“The overwhelming support for the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center demonstrates our community’s shared commitment to ensuring the most advanced care is available right here,” said Steve Arner, Carilion Clinic president and CEO. “Our deepest thanks to Ambassador and Mrs. Taubman for their extraordinary leadership and generosity, which continue to inspire and set the pace for what our community can accomplish together.”
The Taubmans donated $25 million dollars to open the center. Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday they pledged an additional 17.5 million dollars to bring proton therapy to Roanoke. That coupled with a $2 million anonymous donation puts Carilion near the half way mark to completing funding for proton therapy.
Officials hope to open the cancer center by 2028 and the facility would be the only location in Central and Western Virginia, as well as the third in the state, to offer proton therapy. Carilion said there are only about 50 centers within the U.S. that offer proton therapy.
“Cancer is deeply personal for us, and bringing the best possible care to our home community is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” said Ambassador Taubman. “Jenny and I are profoundly grateful to our friends, neighbors, and the entire community for helping make the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center a reality. Your generosity has brought this dream to life, and together we can take the next step by bringing this transformative technology to our region.”
The new building and expanded program will dramatically improve access to cancer care for the region, enlarging space for services from 40,000 to 260,000 square feet, doubling patient capacity, and broadening the range of advanced treatments and clinical trials available. The center will include comprehensive services for adults, pediatric patients, multidisciplinary care teams and wraparound support services tailored to patients and families.
To learn more or make a gift, visit CarilionFoundation.org/givetocancer
On Tuesday at about 10 a.m., Carilion Clinic provided a special fundraising update for its $100 million cancer center campaign, as well as a major announcement regarding facility plans.