The mission of the WVU Cancer Institute is monumental. And its supporters are imperative, raising nearly $950,000 at this year’s Spring Gala for cancer care, research, and outreach.
The WVU Cancer Institute is committed to providing state-of-the-art cancer care and ensuring all West Virginians have access to clinical trials. Over four decades, dedicated donors have made the Cancer Institute’s Spring Gala a signature philanthropic event.
More than 360 people attended the 2025 Spring Gala, held April 25-27 at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, where the benefit’s rich history was honored.
The event was first conceived by supporters Jean DeLynn, Rita Solomon, and Gayle Swanson long before the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center was constructed. Their vision has stood the test of time and provided critical funding to help meet the Cancer Institute’s greatest needs as determined by leadership. Supporters and sponsors have raised nearly $13 million for the Cancer Institute since the formal event’s inception in 1985.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have supported our mission over the past four decades. It is remarkable that the vision for cancer care in West Virginia sparked so many years ago has not only come to fruition but continues to expand, reflected by our pursuit of NCI designation and plans to build a new cancer hospital,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said.
“The Spring Gala is no small part of our forward momentum. Funds raised through the event enable our team to accelerate research and to expand educational and clinical initiatives that ultimately result in lower incidence and better outcomes for those in the Mountain State and across our region.”
The WVU Cancer Institute, with more than 350 community partners, saw close to 185,000 patients in 2024. Regional sites, critical access hospitals, and community hospitals offer medical oncology, surgery, infusion services, and highly advanced radiation oncology services.
President E. Gordon Gee, First Lady Laurie Erickson, and longtime Cancer Institute supporter Sharon Rowe were honored as the 2025 Betty Puskar Winged Victory Award winners at this year’s Spring Gala. The award recognizes recipients for their tireless dedication and leadership efforts to advance health care in Appalachia.
The Gala consistently hosts impressive performers and speakers. Guests were treated to discussions and entertainment by acclaimed chef Elizabeth Heiskell, world-renowned pianist Barbara Nissman, international opera star James Valenti, WVU football coach Rich Rodriguez, and WVU Vice President and Athletic Director Wren Baker.
Visit Cancer.WVUMedicine.org/Giving for more information about supporting the WVU Cancer Institute.
All gifts are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.
