More than 2 years ago, Dartmouth Cancer Center (DCC) began preparations for a critical mission: to renew our status as one of the nation’s 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. This distinction is more than a title; extending NCI designation means extending a legacy of making discoveries that are truly practice-changing, paradigm-shifting, and policy-influencing.
The application—spanning 1,850 pages of dedication, innovation, and collaboration—was followed by an April 2024 site visit, during which clinical and research experts showcased what makes DCC unique: our deep integration across the entirety of Dartmouth and Dartmouth Health, our groundbreaking research that transcends disciplines, and, most importantly, our unparalleled bond with the communities we serve.
That bond is made even stronger by the tireless efforts of one incredibly special group: the Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center. Over the past 47 years, the Friends have raised $65 million to support patients and to help scientists discover new and better ways to treat cancer and enhance survivorship.
Now the world will know
The Friends’ signature event, The Prouty, has grown from a humble beginning in 1982 to northern New England’s largest family-friendly fundraising event, generating approximately $8 million annually—equivalent to the income from a $160 million endowment. On average, every $1 the Friends invest in research leads to a 12-fold return on investment through additional funding from other sources.
"We've known for a long time what a major impact the Friends have on leveraging philanthropy to advance cancer research. Now the world will also know," says Steven D. Leach, MD, director of Dartmouth Cancer Center.
For over six decades, the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) has been instrumental in promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and advocating for cancer research and care. Each year, the AACI gives out a prestigious award called the Champion for Cures, which goes to the philanthropist who has made the most significant contributions to advancing cancer research, prevention, and patient care through innovative fundraising and community engagement efforts.
This October, the AACI has recognized the exceptional contributions made by our community through The Friends' leadership by announcing that The Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center are the 2024 Champion for Cures Award winners!
“This is a truly inspirational organization that is devoted to doing good for cancer patients in northern New England and around the world,” says Leach.
A truly dedicated community
Despite lacking access to a major urban donor base, The Friends have achieved remarkable success through a grassroots approach to fundraising and outreach. Doing so has fostered a passionate and dedicated community across rural New Hampshire and Vermont, uniting thousands with a common goal of ending cancer as we know it.
The Friends’ impact extends far beyond fundraising; they serve as ambassadors for Dartmouth Cancer Center, raising awareness of its world-class research and treatment capabilities throughout rural New England. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center not located in a major urban hub, this outreach is crucial.
The AACI award specifically recognizes the Friends’ innovative approach to community engagement. Their volunteer Board of Directors comprises 18-22 community members, including current and former patients and family members. An additional 15 volunteer committees work year-round to support philanthropic strategies and initiatives, the latest of which aims to raise over $10 million to support DCC’s new Precision Cancer Prevention program.
“In our small village up here in the woods of New Hampshire, being recognized on par with visionary donors and organizations from major cancer centers nationwide is truly impressive,” Leach says, as he encourages teams to be bold and double down on our commitment to research, clinical trials, community outreach, and developing a diverse cancer care workforce. “If not us, who? If not here at Dartmouth, where?”