Oregon Health & Science University Foundation

Save the date for the spring OHSU School of Dentistry Alumni Weekend. Registration opens today! New look, new name, same fun. The alumni weekend is now called Bite. There will be milestone reunions, catered lunch, expresso drinks and sweeping city views. https://lnkd.in/gkAapyp4

A new molecule developed by OHSU researchers offers a promising avenue to treat intractable cases of triple-negative breast cancer — a form of cancer that is notoriously aggressive and lacks effective treatments. It could someday also be useful in treating other cancers influenced by same enzyme, such as glioma, pancreatic cancer, thyroid carcinoma. Read more: https://bit.ly/480D3pv

Thank you Vivek Murthy for visiting us in Portland this week and for sharing your important message of hope, healing and growth with our Oregon Health & Science University Foundation audience of more than 650 people. Dr. Murthy was the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s 9th annual Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Address, and over the past few days I have been thinking about all that he imparted and graciously shared with us. I have been thinking about the healing power of relationships, the acts of kindness and community-building that surround us, and the importance of listening to others with your whole heart. These reminders resonate deeply and are good touchstones for us when we navigate more challenging times. To all of you in my network, I want you to know that I appreciate the ways each of you shows up for others and for your communities. In the inspiring words of Dr. Murthy, you are helping to build a brighter, more hopeful future, based on care, kindness, and love.      Pictured with me is Dr. Murthy, alongside Calvin and Mayho Tanabe, the namesake supporters of the annual event, with OHSU President Shereef Elnahal and OHSU Interim EVP for Research Bonnie Nagel.

When University of Oregon faced off against University of Iowa, they joined one of college football’s most touching traditions — waving to the young patients at UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. This time, they made it extra special by inviting Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital patients to take part, too. One of those patients was Oli — a proud Ducks fan whose love for the team even inspired elements of his new Doernbecher Freestyle shoe design. In a full-circle moment, Coach Dan Lanning wore Oli’s design during Saturday’s game. Oli’s journey has been one of courage and resilience. First diagnosed with cancer in kindergarten, he underwent five rounds of chemotherapy and spent countless days in the hospital. When his cancer relapsed in 2024, Oli received a bone marrow transplant — a life-saving procedure that gave him a “second birthday” to celebrate every August. For Oli, designing a Nike shoe was a dream come true — but what means most to him is knowing it will help others. “The fact that it will help save other kids’ lives makes me happy,” he said. “Really happy.” Thank you to Scott Anderson and the entire UO football team for their storytelling.

Join us for a Legacy Society Medical Chat on November 20. The virtual presentation, Dementia Care in Oregon: Update from the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, will be given by Allison Lindauer, Ph.D., APRN, associate professor in the OHSU Neurology Department.

Say hello to Kena'Dee Needham, who's been at the OHSU Foundation for 2 years! She works on our Doernbecher Community Programs team as a development coordinator. When asked what about working at the OHSU Foundation fulfills her, Kena'Dee said, "What really fulfills me about working for the OHSU Foundation is being part of such an incredible team, especially the Doernbecher group. Everyone is so dedicated, compassionate and genuinely committed to improving the lives of children and families. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who care so deeply about the mission and who bring so much heart to everything they do."

Extra Life 2025 is coming up on Saturday, November 8! Extra Life is a fundraising program of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, where members of the gaming community play games and raise funds for children’s health, including Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Learn more about the program in our interview with a patient gaming specialist at Doernbecher: https://lnkd.in/gdCCkdyZ

“Everybody — from the front desk to the providers to the nurses — was just incredibly pleasant, nice, understanding and empathetic to our situation. It was a phenomenal experience.” — Ricki Schoepp Ricki and Nick Schoepp are grateful for the care they received as they navigated their son Zack's premature birth and NICU stay at Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Read their story here: https://lnkd.in/g5_mVCk8

Yesterday, the City of Portland observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month by bringing together civic leaders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit partners, and youth advocates to emphasize the importance of early detection, equitable access to care, and community support for everyone facing breast cancer. We are proud that the director of our breast cancer program, Dr. Alexandra Zimmer was invited to talk about our services for patients undergoing screenings or treatment for breast cancer. “I think it’s important for folks to know that they can get world-class breast cancer care right here in Portland,” Dr. Zimmer said. “The Knight Cancer Institute has exceptional breast surgeons, specialists who tailor care to your needs, nurses who guide you through treatment, advanced options for breast reconstruction, and access to clinical trials.” Learn more about our mammogram services: https://bit.ly/3LnVtrn

Spirit Halloween is an incredible partner to Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and their Child Life team. Every donation made to Doernbecher at checkout goes 100% to the children's hospital. Through this generosity, Spirit Halloween has donated over $2 million to Doernbecher since 2007 to help ensure our patients and families have the care, comfort and joy they deserve — not just at Halloween, but all year long.