• Mayo Clinic cancer researcher Stephen Russell, M.D. Ph.D. with VICE CEO Shane Smith
    Cancer

    VICE on HBO Documentary “Killing Cancer” and Match from VICE CEO Shane Smith Leads to More than $2 million for Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic cancer researcher Stephen Russell, M.D. Ph.D.  with VICE CEO host Shane Smith
Mayo Clinic cancer researcher Stephen Russell, M.D. Ph.D. with VICE CEO Shane Smith

ROCHESTER Minn. – Mayo Clinic today announced that fundraising associated with the VICE documentary “Killing Cancer,” which aired on HBO earlier this year, has exceeded $2 million. This achievement was reached a month earlier than anticipated.

The Killing Cancer campaign also set a record at Mayo Clinic with 30 percent of gifts received online, compared to 10 percent for previous campaigns. Many of the gifts came from new supporters to Mayo Clinic a reflection the younger demographics of the VICE audience and VICE’s strong digital presence.

“The money raised in the Killing Cancer campaign will have impact right away, helping advance cancer research and finding cures for patients,” said John Noseworthy, M.D., Mayo Clinic president and CEO.

The success of the campaign was due in large part to a fundraising match challenge issued by VICE founder and CEO Shane Smith with a total goal of $2 million. Through the challenge, Mr. Smith matched the first $1 million in gifts made by more than 10,000 documentary viewers and loyal Mayo Clinic supporters.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Dangor, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, 
newsbureau@mayo.edu

“I would like to thank everyone who donated, and I hope that it helps in developing the remarkable techniques that are being advanced at the Mayo Clinic,” said VICE founder and CEO Shane Smith. “Going forward VICE will not only remain committed to this type of story but also helping wherever we can. The response to this episode and the fundraising success that came out of it testify to the thirst for this type of programming, and the media's ability to actually do something about it.”

“We are honored and humbled that Shane chose Mayo Clinic for this remarkable gift,” said Dr. Noseworthy. “Shane’s reporting on the emerging field of viral therapies to treat cancer combined with his generous philanthropy will have a positive impact on the lives of many patients.”

About Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
As a leading institution funded by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center conducts basic, clinical and population science research, translating discoveries into improved methods for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. For information on cancer clinical trials, call 507-538-7623. To make a gift to Mayo Clinic, go to philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to medical research and education, and providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit http://mayocl.in/1ohJTMS, or https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/.

 

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