A million dollar donation Thursday morning kicked off “Destination Cancer Care,” a comprehensive capital campaign to raise $5 million for the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center. This capital campaign will support cancer-fighting technology, research, and patient assistance programs right here in Savannah.

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson were on hand to announce their $1 million gift as Memorial Health Team Members, hospital supporters, physicians, and grateful patients gathered outside the entrance to the comprehensive cancer care center that bears the philanthropic couple’s name.

Anderson said he and his wife hope their donation will kick-start the latest campaign, reviewing their goal of making world-class cancer treatment available locally. “Hopefully you can join us in this campaign,” said Anderson.

“The Andersons’ vision of creating a comprehensive cancer center has allowed tens of thousands of patients to receive world-class cancer treatment right here at home,” said Maggie Gill, president and CEO of Memorial Health. “Today, we kick off Destination Cancer Care, a new capital campaign to support the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute. Our goal is to raise $5 million to continue our mission of providing leading-edge technology and advanced research and patient support.”

Guy Petruzzelli, M.D., Memorial vice president and physician-in-chief of the ACI, told the crowd that the facility treated nearly 1,300 patients last year.

To support the Destination Cancer Care campaign, contact the Memorial Health Foundation, please contact Anne Cordeiro, ACI development director, at 912-350-8934 or [email protected].