A $1 Million Donation To Support Our Cancer Program

Roanoke philanthropists Bill and Shireen Kirk have donated $1 million to support the expansion of our cancer program that will bring together personalized care, advanced treatment options and cutting-edge research in a single location.

The project is a strategic priority due to the growing number of patients with cancer in the region that has our current Cancer Center operating at capacity.

“The Roanoke area is a great place to grow a business and raise a family, and this project will improve the community’s ability to continue to attract high-caliber employees and their families. In addition, the new Cancer Center will help grow the region as a hub for health sciences innovation and discovery,” said Bill, who is a native Roanoker and chairman of Associated Asphalt.

“We believe strongly in giving back to the community that has done so much for us," said Shireen, a lawyer who came to Roanoke in 1995 and is now retired after 22 years as Associated Asphalt’s general counsel.

Both the Kirks have lost loved ones to cancer; Bill’s mother died from a form of leukemia in 2009 at the age of 82 and Shireen’s mother passed away in 2016 after many years of battling breast cancer. 

“It’s people like the Kirks who make this community great,” said Ralph Alee, vice president for Philanthropy. “I’m deeply touched by their generosity and hope that it will inspire others to support our work to bring the latest, most innovative cancer care to patients in our region.”

Like the majority of health systems nationwide, we operate as a nonprofit entity. The generous support of donors enhances care and accelerates our ability to meet the region’s health needs.