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Celebrating 50 Years

Celebrating 50 Years of Innovative Research and World-Class Care

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, community members gathered at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, N.H., to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dartmouth Cancer Center. Speakers reflected on the Center’s history and accomplishments in research and patient care, and shared their vision of the progress that’s possible in the years ahead.

The Cancer Center was founded in 1972, when thenU.S. Senator Norris Cotton secured federal funding as part of the National Cancer Act of 1971. What began as a two-story underground structure in Hanover, N.H., is now one of the nation’s 53 National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Centers with multiple locations throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. The only one in a rural location.

Fittingly, the 50th anniversary celebration opened with a keynote address from someone who’d attended the Cancer Center dedication in 1973: former CEO and president of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Craig Thompson ’74 MED’75.

His remarks were followed by TED-style research talks from faculty leaders who are working on next-generation immunotherapies, innovations in cancer treatments, and precision prevention: big ideas that have the potential to not only transform how cancer is treated but also stop cancer before it starts. The day concluded with a community-wide interactive celebratory reception featuring inspiring survivor stories and art, staged against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scientific visual displays.

“Our Dartmouth Cancer Center is embarking upon an extraordinary second half-century, one that will build on our rich history and have a major impact on the future of cancer care around the globe,” said Cancer Center Director Steven D. Leach, MD. “We have much to be proud of and much to celebrate.”

The 50th celebration was a moment to recognize the collective support of the community, including the instrumental support of The Prouty, and an opportunity to set an ambitious path for the next 50 years.

Karen Blum shares her inspiring cancer journey at the community celebration on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

BYRNE FAMILY CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS BOLDLY LEADING THE CHARGE TO SAVE LIVES.

With a historic $25 million gift, Dartmouth Cancer Center was honored to launch the Byrne Family Cancer Research Institute earlier this year. Our new institute expands our cancer research program and advances innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

This is a pivotal moment in cancer discoveries worldwide, when durable treatments are emerging, and as we enter a new phase focused on personalized prevention strategies to stop cancer before it even begins. By convening the best scientists and clinicians across Dartmouth, the Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Health through the new Byrne Family Cancer Research Institute, Dartmouth Cancer Center is working to solve one of the world’s biggest challenges. Anyone who missed the talks and would like more information, please contact Bethany Solomon, executive director of development, Dartmouth Cancer Center at Bethany.Solomon@dartmouth.edu or 603-646-5134.

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