More than 4,700 participants, volunteers, donors, and supporters came together on July 11 to raise a record-breaking $12 million for cancer research and patient support programs at Dartmouth Cancer Center (DCC). The milestone marks the most successful Prouty in the event's 45-year history and reflects the extraordinary commitment of a community united by a shared determination to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure cancer.
”The most significant goal in Prouty history was met with incredible engagement by our amazing community,” said Pat McBride, Director of the Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center, who organizes and hosts the multi-day event. “Reaching our $12 million goal is a historic testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community, and ensures that Dartmouth Cancer Center remains at the forefront of groundbreaking research and world-class patient care."
This year’s event also welcomed DCC’s new Director, Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, who dove headfirst into the spirit of The Prouty by forming his own team, “Herbst for Hope” Joined by Konstantin Dragnev, MD, who has served as interim Director of DCC since October 2025, their joint walk not only gave Herbst a firsthand view of the collective passion, celebration, hope and remembrance that define the day, but served as a symbolic passing of the leadership torch, as Herbst begins his tenure at DCC.
"Seeing this community in action at my first Prouty and hearing their stories of healing, loss and love, gave me such insight into their extraordinary commitment to rally around our mission and the patients we serve. The inspiring day showed me how hope really does start here at Dartmouth Cancer Center, and I could not be more excited about what we'll accomplish together in the years ahead."
Backed by Prouty support and decades of experience defining modern cancer research, Herbst now turns his full attention to priorities centered on bold, collaborative leadership that drives transformative innovation, expands equitable access to world-class care, and accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into meaningful improvements for patients.
“Together with Dartmouth, Geisel, Dartmouth Health, and our partners, we will continue to elevate Dartmouth Cancer Center’s impact as a national leader, shaping the future of cancer care and delivering lasting advances for our communities and beyond," said Herbst.
Steadfastly at its core, the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation has once again provided extraordinarily generous support for The Prouty through the Byrne Match.
The impact of The Prouty extends far beyond a single weekend. Every dollar raised helps get promising new research projects off the ground by providing the critical early funding needed to generate data, attract national grants, and advance discoveries toward patient care.
Some of the newest Prouty-funded research projects underway at DCC include exploring ways to reduce cancer-linked PFAS "forever chemicals" in the body, the development of AI technology to help surgeons more precisely remove cancerous tissue during head and neck cancer operations, efforts to improve access to life-saving lung cancer screening for women in rural communities, and a novel approach to delivering chemotherapy for aggressive brain tumors.
These projects and more represent only a small sample of the research made possible by the dedication of thousands of participants, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters who continue to make The Prouty one of the nation's most successful community-based cancer fundraising events.