Portland, Oregon – In a move set to redefine the landscape of cancer research and patient care, Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny Knight have announced an unprecedented pledge of $2 billion to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute. This monumental donation, unveiled on Thursday, August 14, 2025, marks the single largest gift ever made to a U.S. university, college, or academic health center, immediately becoming trending news across the nation. [3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 23]
The Knights’ latest act of philanthropy, to be distributed over the next decade, promises to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics, enhance access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and fundamentally transform the patient experience. [4, 6, 11]
A Legacy of Transformative Philanthropy
Phil and Penny Knight are renowned for their extensive philanthropic endeavors, with estimated lifetime giving totaling billions, largely directed towards education and community initiatives. [8, 9] Their deep commitment to OHSU’s cancer fighting mission is not new; it extends back decades. In 2008, a $100 million gift from the couple led to the renaming of the OHSU Cancer Institute in their honor. [5, 13, 17]
Perhaps most notably, in 2013, the Knights issued a highly ambitious $500 million challenge grant to OHSU, conditional on the university matching the sum within two years. This audacious goal ignited the “Knight Cancer Challenge,” which saw an outpouring of support, including $200 million in bonds from the Oregon Legislature, a significant $100 million from Columbia Sportswear chair Gert Boyle, and contributions from approximately 10,000 individuals across all 50 U.S. states and 15 countries. The successful completion of this challenge raised a total of $1 billion, which was instrumental in funding early cancer detection research, leading to advancements in blood tests. [3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16]
Empowering a New Era of Cancer Treatment
The driving force behind the Knight Cancer Institute’s scientific advancements and a key figure in this latest pledge is Dr. Brian Druker. Dr. Druker, a distinguished cancer research expert, is celebrated for his pivotal role in developing Gleevec, a groundbreaking drug approved by the FDA in 2001 that revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by targeting cancer cells specifically, rather than indiscriminately harming healthy cells. This achievement ushered in the era of precision medicine, forever changing the outlook for CML patients. [6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 22]
With this new $2 billion commitment, Dr. Druker will assume the role of inaugural president of a newly formed self-governed entity within OHSU, to be known as the Knight Cancer Group. This restructuring grants the institute enhanced autonomy, allowing it to more effectively recruit top talent, set competitive compensation rates, and accelerate its research agenda. [4, 5, 7, 10, 18, 23]
Revolutionizing Patient Care Beyond Research
Beyond scientific discovery, a core tenet of this historic gift is the revolution of comprehensive patient care. OHSU President Shereef Elnahal emphasized the gift’s “unprecedented investment in the millions of lives burdened with cancer, especially patients and families here in Oregon.” [3, 18] The funding will expand vital patient support services, including nutritional assistance, psychological, genetic, and financial counseling, symptom management, and long-term survivorship care. A key objective is to provide every patient at the Knight Cancer Institute with a dedicated navigator to simplify the often-complex journey of cancer treatment. [3, 4, 6, 7, 11]
The Knight Cancer Institute, already recognized as the only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center between Sacramento and Seattle, is poised to nearly double its size thanks to this infusion of capital. [10, 11, 14, 20, 24] This expansion will allow for an even greater focus on advanced diagnostic methods and innovative clinical trials in areas like immunotherapy and targeted therapies, further solidifying Oregon’s position at the forefront of cancer fighting initiatives. [6, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22]
A Beacon of Hope for Oregon and Beyond
This latest act of profound generosity from the Knights sends a powerful signal, not only within the state of Oregon but across the global scientific community. As Oregon Governor Tina Kotek noted, “The nation will get to experience life-saving benefits from innovations and expertise in cancer treatment and care as the institution continues to push new boundaries.” The timing of this donation is particularly impactful, offering crucial stability to the research environment at a time when federal funding for institutions, including those from the National Institutes of Health, faces potential challenges. [7, 11, 21]
The $2 billion pledge from Phil and Penny Knight is more than just a financial contribution; it is a profound affirmation of belief in the power of scientific innovation and compassionate care. It serves as a catalyst, propelling the Knight Cancer Institute toward its ambitious mission: to truly end cancer as we know it, impacting lives in Oregon and far beyond. This major news underscores a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against a disease that affects countless individuals and families worldwide.
