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Founded on Love and Optimism

Feb 07, 2022 8:00 AM

When I see a tree being planted, I see an act of both love and optimism. Planting that little sapling may not provide immediate rewards, but our children and grandchildren can enjoy its shade and the clean air it contributes for generations to come. It is a loving gesture and a statement about belief in a better future.

When Jon and Karen Huntsman founded Huntsman Cancer Institute, likewise, it also was an act of both love and optimism. They wanted to show Utah and the Mountain West that we deserved something better than the care offered when Jon was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Two and a half decades later, Huntsman Cancer Institute offers the most state-of-the-art cancer research, technology, and clinical care available anywhere in the Mountain West. More patients are offered innovative clinical trials and more patients are surviving this deadly disease today in our region thanks to Huntsman.

Tremendous sacrifices were made by the Huntsman family to begin the cancer center, including borrowing money personally to fulfill commitments during hard economic times. Fortunately, today more than one million others have joined this effort and helped us. WE FEEL YOUR LOVE. Thank you.

Jon Huntsman didn’t live to see all of our accomplishments and he knew he wouldn’t. We lost our dear founder in February 2018. But Karen Huntsman and their children and grandchildren have carried forward with every bit of Jon’s passion and commitment. The cancer institute is advancing research, clinical care, and innovative ways to take care of our patients and community at an even faster pace.

If you haven’t yet supported Huntsman Cancer Institute this year with a donation, please consider doing so this month. During yet another iteration of COVID challenges, our patients, scientists, and doctors could use a little love right now. And if you need to be reminded, I offer this quote from Jon Huntsman, “Cancer moves fast and WE need to move faster.” Thank you, my friend. I miss you.

Read the many ways you can support Huntsman Cancer Institute, or make a donation now.

Susan Sheehan
President and COO
Huntsman Cancer Foundation

Susan Sheehan

President and COO, Huntsman Cancer Foundation