West Cancer Center announced today a personal significant gift from Jack and Betty Moore to The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research, the fundraising arm of West Cancer Center. This generous commitment to the UT/West Institute’s Capital Campaign is in honor of West Clinic’s founder, and the Moores’ brother-in-law, William H. West, MD, who lost his mother to breast cancer. The gift will rename West’s and Methodist Healthcare’s Comprehensive Breast Centers to the Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center.
“Jack and I are thrilled to contribute to West Cancer Center’s vision for helping others in our great community,” said Betty Moore. “After losing his mother to breast cancer, Bill’s mission became very clear: to provide world-class cancer treatment and research in his hometown of Memphis. This remains the foundation of West Cancer Center today, and we are proud to show our love and honor Bill’s meaningful work and legacy with this gift.”
This philanthropic gift will provide much-needed funds to support research and initiatives within the UT/West Institute’s Center of Excellence in Women’s Cancers. According to Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, Executive Director of West Cancer Center, “There is rapid progress taking place in the world of cancer research, but there is much more work to do. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Jack and Betty, we are developing the resources necessary to translate discoveries into impactful treatment, right here in Memphis. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting tribute for Bill, whose vision and legacy continue to shape our work at West Cancer Center, every single day.”
“Bill and I are truly humbled by this generous gift in honor of Bill’s work and in recognition of his mother’s legacy,” said Carole West, Betty’s sister and wife of Dr. West. “We are extremely appreciative of what this gift will mean for those impacted by cancer and all who walk through the doors of West Cancer Center in search of help and healing.”
About The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research
The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research is a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to raising funds for adult cancer research. Located in Memphis, TN, The UT/West Institute solicits grants (from government agencies, foundations and individuals) to be utilized to broaden cutting-edge research programs, develop novel cancer treatments and therapeutics, and strengthen patient-focused care in all sectors of the community. Funds donated to The UT/West Institute are designated for research in four major areas of emphasis: Translational Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Immunotherapy, Women’s Cancers and Community Outcomes. The generous philanthropy of donors and benefactors provides the necessary funding for West Cancer Center researchers to create and produce the most effective therapies for cancer patients, with the collective goal of defeating cancer in its entirety.
About West Cancer Center
West Cancer Center delivers the best comprehensive cancer treatment in the Mid-South, delivering a complete continuum of care to more than 30,000 individuals annually. A true leader in cancer research, West Cancer Center has a longstanding commitment to providing patients access to clinical trials, including Phase I through Phase III studies. Building on the 35-year legacy of West Clinic, West Cancer Center continues to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to the Mid-South area. This commitment is strengthened through a robust partnership with Methodist Healthcare and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In 2014, West Cancer Center established The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to research and development of novel cancer treatments and therapies.
For more information, visit www.westcancercenter.org .