$1 Million Gift Will Support Expanded Cancer Program

We have received a $1 million gift from Roanoke businessman and longtime community benefactor Maury Strauss. He made the gift in honor of his late wife, Sheila, to support the expansion of our cancer program.

The cause is close to Maury’s heart after losing his wife of 65 years to cancer in 2016. Expanding the number and scope of clinical trials available locally was the primary motivation for his gift.

“Health care is one of the most important things in any community, and what Carilion has done to advance care in the Roanoke Valley is remarkable,” said Strauss. “I want to see that continue for generations to come.” 

Maury and his family share their memories of Sheila and their philosophy about to giving back in this video:

We have more than five decades of experience treating cancer. Our program has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer since 1979 and is ranked high performing for colon cancer and lung cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Our current cancer center is operating at capacity with a growing number of cancer patients in our region. It has had a 40% increase in patient volume over the past 10 years and more than 2,000 new cancer patients last year alone.

An expanded program will bring personalized care, advanced technology and treatment options, sophisticated clinical trials and cutting-edge research to patients in our region as well as train the next generation of oncologists.

“I’m inspired by Maury’s selfless generosity. He embodies the true meaning of philanthropy: giving out of love for others and a genuine desire to improve their lives,” said Ralph Alee, vice president for Philanthropy. “We are grateful to be the beneficiary of his transformational gift that will shape the future of cancer care in our region for decades.”