$15 Million Donation to Enhance Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke

The donation was announced on Saturday, September 12, during an open house at the center, located on the Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology Campus. The Animal Cancer Care and Research Center is part of the veterinary college’s three clinical teaching hospitals, alongside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg and the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg.

Waldron stated their goal was to ensure the clinic becomes a leading research center for cancer treatment in the U.S. She highlighted the advanced equipment and ongoing research at the center, which alleviated her fears associated with cancer. Waldron, who serves as CEO of Fralin & Waldron Inc., said their motivation stems from gratitude towards the staff at the center and a desire to support pets suffering from cancer.

Both Waldron and Ricci have experienced the center's impact firsthand, having had two of their pets receive successful treatments. Ricci emphasized the importance of having access to advanced care locally, reducing the burden for pet owners who previously had to travel considerable distances for treatment.

The donation will be split evenly between clinical and research support, with $7.5 million allocated to each. For clinical support, $4.12 million will endow three key professorships—medical oncologist, radiologist, and surgical oncologist—while an additional $3.38 million will cover staffing, equipment, and faculty recruitment costs. The research portion includes $4.65 million for a fund supporting translational cancer research and $2.85 million for research proposals, administrative support, and supplies.

Beatrix Manning, chief medical officer at the center, commended the donors for their understanding of the importance of investing in both technology and personnel to provide exceptional care. The gift will enable the center to expand its patient capacity, which currently sees seven to ten new consultations each week.

The research conducted at the cancer center focuses on translational medicine, meaning breakthroughs in animal treatment can inform human cancer therapies. Joanne Tuohy, an associate professor at the center, noted that similarities between cancers in pets and people allow for mutual learning, benefiting both fields.

M. Daniel Givens, dean of the veterinary college, acknowledged the significance of the donation in enhancing care for pets and fostering long-term improvements in cancer treatment research. The center is situated in a growing biomedical corridor near other research facilities, highlighting its potential for future advancements.

Waldron and Ricci have a long-standing relationship with the Virginia Tech veterinary college, including a previous $4 million donation to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for enhancing emergency and critical care services. Their commitment has personal resonance, as they have had pets undergo successful treatments at the center, showcasing the effectiveness of its collaborative care.

Both donors expressed their admiration for the center's staff, noting their compassion and expertise. Waldron concluded that their substantial gift reflects their passion for animal welfare and the hope to contribute to fighting cancer.