The Now & Ever Impact: Historic $25 Million Gift from Sandy and John Black to Fund New Cancer Center and Research Institute in Mississippi
In a transformative moment for healthcare in Mississippi, philanthropists Sandy and John Black have made a record-breaking donation of $25 million to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) — the largest single gift in the institution’s history. The contribution will fund the creation of a new Cancer Center and Research Institute, a pivotal development aimed at improving cancer outcomes in a state that consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for cancer mortality.
This extraordinary act of generosity is part of UMMC’s broader “Now & Ever: The Campaign for the University of Mississippi,” a comprehensive fundraising effort to elevate academic, research, and healthcare excellence across the state. The gift represents a powerful statement — not only in its size but in its intent to tackle Mississippi’s most pressing public health challenge head-on.
A Lifesaving Vision: The Why Behind the Gift
Mississippi has long battled with some of the highest cancer mortality rates in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state ranks at or near the top in deaths from lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Limited access to preventive screenings, delays in treatment, rural healthcare disparities, and socioeconomic barriers have all contributed to a system that often fails patients when they need it most.
Sandy and John Black, both Mississippi natives and longtime supporters of UMMC, have seen the impact of cancer on individuals and families — including within their own community. Their gift is a call to action, a message that Mississippi deserves world-class care, cutting-edge research, and the same hope afforded to patients in more resource-rich regions.
“We want to give Mississippians a fighting chance,” said Sandy Black in a statement. “Too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones are dying because they don’t have access to early diagnosis, effective treatment, or the latest clinical trials. We believe this new center will save lives — not someday, but soon.”
A Center Built on Excellence and Equity
The new Cancer Center and Research Institute — whose name will honor the Black family’s landmark contribution — will be designed not only to offer comprehensive care under one roof but also to integrate clinical services with robust research and education.
According to UMMC officials, the facility will include:
- Advanced treatment suites for chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical oncology
- Multidisciplinary clinics where specialists collaborate on personalized patient care
- Research laboratories focused on cancer genetics, immunotherapy, health disparities, and drug development
- Patient navigation services to assist rural and underserved populations with transportation, financial counseling, and education
- Clinical trial access, with a focus on ensuring that rural and minority populations are represented in research
Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine at UMMC, praised the Black family’s donation as a “game-changing investment.”
“This is more than just a building,” said Woodward. “It is a promise — that no matter who you are or where you live in Mississippi, you will have access to high-quality cancer care close to home. Sandy and John’s vision will make that promise a reality.”
The Broader Impact: Jobs, Innovation, and Hope
The Cancer Center is also expected to bring significant economic benefits to Mississippi. Construction of the facility will generate hundreds of jobs, and once operational, the center is projected to attract top-tier researchers, clinicians, and trainees from around the country.
More importantly, the focus on research and clinical trials will place Mississippi at the forefront of national and global efforts to fight cancer. Scientists at UMMC will be better positioned to apply for federal research grants, collaborate with other leading institutions, and contribute to breakthroughs that benefit patients well beyond state borders.
“This is how we change the narrative,” said John Black. “This is how Mississippi moves from having the highest mortality rate to becoming a leader in saving lives.”
A Legacy That Will Live On
Sandy and John Black’s $25 million gift is about more than prestige or recognition. It’s a legacy rooted in compassion, courage, and conviction. The couple has expressed a deep belief that philanthropy should address urgent needs — and few are as urgent as Mississippi’s cancer crisis.
As UMMC launches the planning and design phase for the new center, there is already a palpable sense of hope — among medical professionals, cancer survivors, and community members alike.
“This gift will touch generations of lives,” said Dr. Stephen Wilson, interim director of UMMC’s current cancer programs. “It’s not just about a building or equipment. It’s about giving people a chance to fight, to live longer, and to know they are not forgotten.”
Conclusion: The Power of Giving, The Promise of Health
In a time when healthcare inequities are under increasing scrutiny, the Blacks’ monumental donation is a shining example of what targeted philanthropy can achieve. With a vision for a healthier Mississippi and a deep belief in the transformative power of education and medicine, Sandy and John Black have set in motion a movement — one that will change lives, redefine cancer care in the South, and make hope tangible for those who need it most.
Their gift is not just historic. It is life-affirming.
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