In 2015, The University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Cancer Institute led by John L. Bell, MD, identified the need to build an endowment to fund cancer research on the campus of the medical center and its academic partner, the UT Graduate School of Medicine. In collaboration with the Development Office and led by volunteer fundraising co-chairs, Steve and Becky South, a campaign was launched to raise at least $3 million to support promising research.

The campaign exceeded its stated goal, raising $5.5 million. The endowment has continued to grow to the point that the first grant applications were accepted and funded in early 2020. All funds were raised in the East Tennessee community with over 1,191 donors supporting the endeavor. Below are audio recordings of the three grant recipients for the 2020-2021 grant cycle.

Read More