OKLAHOMA CITY – Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine announces a $20-million gift from the Stephenson Family Foundation and Peggy and Charles Stephenson, the center’s namesakes and longtime supporters of The University of Oklahoma.

The gift to the OU Foundation will expand the research mission of Stephenson Cancer Center.

To extend the impact of the gift, Stephenson Cancer Center is committed to raising an additional $20 million, bringing a total of $40 million to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

 “Cancer is a malicious foe,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. “One in three women and one in two men in Oklahoma will be diagnosed with cancer during their lives. We are committed to providing tomorrow’s cancer care today through clinical trials, laboratory research and translational research. This gift from the Stephenson family will transform our research efforts.”

The gift will enhance research in a multitude of ways, including recruitment of new scientists, the creation of five new endowed chairs in cancer research and technology.

Standout areas of research include: cell signaling and the tumor microenvironment; cancer nanomedicine, bioengineering and imaging; cancer chemoprevention; tobacco research; and health disparities. The center is nationally recognized for disease-based research in gynecologic, pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. NCI-Designated Cancer Centers like Stephenson are able to accelerate their pace of discovery, thereby increasing the number of cancer survivors and enhancing their quality of life.

Stephenson is one of 30 Lead Academic Participating Sites in NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). For the past two years, the center has ranked No. 1 among all cancer centers in the nation for the number of patients participating in clinical trials sponsored through NCTN. Stephenson is also home to the Oklahoma TSET Early-Phase Clinical Research Program, which provides access to a large portfolio of novel and targeted experimental therapies.

 “When we had the opportunity to give back in a way that would fight cancer, we knew that’s what we wanted to do,” the Stephensons said. “Our entire family is committed to helping the cancer center continue the pursuit of excellence. Research is crucial in creating more effective treatments for all types of cancers. Research excellence, combined with the care and compassion of everyone who works at the cancer center, is what makes it such a special place.

“We are grateful to help make a difference.”

To donate, visit stephensoncancercenter.org/stephensongift.