Nurse Lauren Shea was on the front lines of MSK’s response to COVID-19.
The MSK COVID-19 Fund was established in April in response to the desire of so many in our community to help during the crisis. Thanks to more than 3,000 donors, Board members, and MSK employees, the fund has raised more than $6.2 million — making a crucial difference for MSK patients and staff. Every gift is driving research and treatment forward, supporting our staff, and allowing MSK to continue providing exceptional care to our patients.
We’re grateful for this outpouring of generosity and are proud to report on the impact of these donations across three funding areas.
Greatest Needs
As global demand for critical supplies accelerated, some prices for medical supplies rose to nearly 40 times their standard cost. Philanthropy helped MSK purchase personal protective equipment and other essentials needed to keep patients and staff safe. At the height of the crisis in New York City, MSK was using record numbers of masks, gloves, gowns, and more.
Research and Innovation
Donors helped MSK quickly shift certain aspects of our research infrastructure in order to understand and combat COVID-19 in the context of our patients with cancer. Contributions also helped expand digital technology capabilities so that thousands of people could receive care at home through telemedicine, and hospitalized patients could stay connected to loved ones.
Employee Relief
MSK employees — our healthcare heroes — are living with many effects of the pandemic, including financial hardship. Donations have allowed more than 3,000 MSK staff members to receive grants for essential expenses.
To learn how you can join the MSK Giving community and make an impact, visit giving.mskcc.org.
Society Announces 2019–2020 Fundraising Efforts, Looks Ahead to 2020–2021 Campaign
The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering announced that its 2019–2020 net fundraising efforts totaled more than $5.6 million, which is consistent with recent years. Over the next year, the group expects to provide more than $2.7 million in support of MSK’s various research needs — specifically, in furthering the institution’s pediatric precision medicine initiatives and providing funding for new ideas pursued by junior investigators and Sloan Kettering Institute researchers. Additionally, The Society’s patient care initiatives totaled more than $1.2 million; the largest portion of this budget benefits access to care as well as provides emergency financial assistance to patients in need.
The 2020–2021 Society Campaign will focus on supporting patient care, research, and education at MSK. “Now, more than ever, Society funding is needed to accelerate leading-edge research at MSK,” says Kate Allen, President of The Society. She also notes the need to support MSK’s patients when they are most vulnerable and to enable their access to MSK’s standard-setting care: “The focus of our 2020–2021 campaign acknowledges the circumstances our patients and staff face and highlights how The Society is uniquely positioned to help.”
The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering, founded in 1946, is a volunteer-led organization within MSK dedicated to promoting the well-being of patients, supporting cancer research, and providing public education on the early prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.
