The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah has announced a $75 million matching gift from the Huntsman Foundation in support of a new comprehensive cancer center.

The largest single gift from the Huntsman family to the institute since its founding will support a second headquarters to be located in Vineyard, a growing city embedded in Utah’s tech hub. The center will support workforce development, training opportunities, and hands-on learning.

According to a study conducted by institute researchers, the five-year cancer survival rate for rural Utah residents is 5.2 percent lower than that of metropolitan residents. The center’s Utah County location was chosen with this in mind and will be located a short drive from Provo Municipal Airport, adjacent to Vineyard Frontrunner Station and I-15, and near Utah Lake.

“Huntsman Cancer Institute’s vision is to deliver a cancer-free frontier, and we believe that begins right here in Utah,” said Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO Mary Beckerle.“This expansion of Huntsman Cancer Institute will address the monumental population growth in Utah and reduce the travel burden many patients face every day. Located in one of the fastest growing counties in the country, it will provide easier access to comprehensive cancer care, accelerate cancer research, and train the next generation of cancer providers and scientists.”

“This is a bold step forward, mirroring a similar step Jon and Karen Huntsman took establishing Huntsman Cancer Institute 25 years ago,” said Huntsman Cancer Foundation chairman and CEO Peter Huntsman. “This new campus is a game-changer, bringing research and specialty cancer care closer to the people of Utah County and surrounding rural areas. But one family cannot do it alone. Similar to our previous expansions, this state-owned project will only be completed with the matching funds from state and local leaders, institutions, and our generous individual contributors.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Drazen)