Henry Ford Health System in Detroit has announced a $20 million gift from local businessman and philanthropist Mort Harris in support of clinical cancer care and research.

The largest individual gift in the system's hundred-year history is part of a $40 million package from Harris in support of the system's new Detroit cancer building project and its pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, and precision medicine program areas. The planned six-story, 187,000-square-foot building is designed to be a destination for ambulatory cancer treatment, precision medicine, clinical trials, and enhanced support services for cancer patients. A portion of the gift also will support a matching-gifts program of up to $25 million.

In recognition of the gift, the building will be named the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion in honor of Harris's late wife, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2014 and received care at Henry Ford Hospital.

"Mort and Brigitte Harris have been a very special and important couple to Henry Ford Health System with a thirty-year history of leadership and generous support. It is truly an honor to name our new cancer building in Brigitte's memory," said HFHS chief executive Nancy Schlichting. "Her indomitable spirit and interest in others, even during her difficult illness, will inspire our Henry Ford Cancer Institute team members to significantly transform and advance the care of cancer patients and their families."