Dr. Theodora Ross, president of the Cancer Prevention Initiative [Photo: CPI]

Stopping cancer before it starts is the aim of a new prevention-first approach from the Dallas-based Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI) and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, which committed a $750,000 matching challenge to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines, such as vaccines and preventive drugs. 

This latest investment is designed to grow philanthropic support for cancer prevention research and draw new champions to the field. Every dollar contributed will be matched, doubling the impact of each gift and propelling CPI’s next wave of discovery, the organization said.

“Lyda Hill Philanthropies shares our belief that high-quality science can replace the fear around cancer with understanding and hope,” CPI President Dr. Theodora Ross said in a statement. “Their visionary investment in CPI’s mission brings us closer to a future where cancer prevention leads to longer, healthier lives for many.”

Founded on the principle that prevention is the most powerful form of cure, CPI funds innovative research aimed at intercepting cancer before it begins. The organization said it focuses on inherited cancers where a “genetic predisposition provides a clear target for early intervention—and uses this lens to unlock insights that can lead to the prevention of all cancers.”

$5M invested in cancer prevention research to date

Since its founding, CPI has invested nearly $5 million in hereditary cancer prevention research, providing critical early support when other funders may not take the risk. These transformative investments enable scientists to generate the early data needed to pursue larger funding opportunities, CPI said, creating pathways for turning bold ideas into life-saving prevention tools.

“For me, this work is deeply personal,” said Howard Janzen, chair of CPI’s board of trustees. “Like so many families, mine has been touched by cancer. Supporting CPI means investing in a future where our children and grandchildren won’t face the same risks. Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ continued partnership is helping make that future possible.”

The commitment from Lyda Hill Philanthropies builds on years of support and shared vision, CPI said. Lyda Hill Philanthropies is known for its belief in “science benefiting humanity” and its focus on advancing breakthrough solutions that improve human health.

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R E A D   N E X T

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—an ideal day for a Dallas nonprofit to align with a Hollywood movie star to celebrate women in STEM in film and television. According to the Dallas Morning News, Dallas-based Lyda Hill Philanthropies is partnering with Reese Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine to produce and distribute movies and TV shows that champion women’s achievements in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics). 

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas offers funding opportunities for promising cancer research, product development, and prevention programs. The state-funded initiative stands as the second-largest public backer of cancer research in the U.S. after the National Cancer Institute.

Funding 25 projects across 17 institutions, the Dallas-founded nonprofit is prioritizing metastatic disease, precision medicine, and closing care gaps.

The IF/THEN initiative from Lyda Hill Philanthropies has had a major impact on spectators who’ve viewed its installation of 3D-printed statues of women “STEM rockstars.” Now a new push is underway to make an impact online through IF/THEN’s website, which has been newly redesigned by Dallas-based Tegan Digital. 

Later this spring, an inspiring work of public art is going up in downtown Dallas, honoring cancer survivors from its placement above the Cancer Survivors’ Plaza. The installation—originally conceived by artist and Aurora co-founder Joshua King in 2016—tells the deeply personal stories of four cancer survivors.