DALLAS, TX — [December 3, 2025] — Underscoring the growing momentum behind the prevention-first approach to cancer, the Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI) today announced a $1.5 million funding opportunity made possible by a commitment from Lyda Hill Philanthropies. The commitment fuels CPI’s mission to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines—such as vaccines and preventive drugs—to stop cancer before it starts.
This latest investment will help launch a $750,000 matching challenge, designed to expand philanthropic support for cancer prevention research and attract new champions to the field. Every dollar contributed will be matched, doubling the impact of each gift and propelling CPI’s next wave of discovery.
“Lyda Hill Philanthropies shares our belief that high-quality science can replace the fear around cancer with understanding and hope,” said Dr. Theodora Ross, President of the Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI). “Their visionary investment in CPI’s mission brings us closer to a future where cancer prevention leads to longer, healthier lives for many.”
Founded on the belief that prevention is the most powerful form of cure, CPI funds innovative research aimed at intercepting cancer before it begins. The organization focuses on inherited cancers—where genetic predisposition provides a clear target for early intervention—and uses this lens to unlock insights that can lead to the prevention of all cancers.
“For me, this work is deeply personal,” said Howard Janzen, Chair of CPI’s Board of Trustees. “Like so many families, mine has been touched by cancer. Supporting CPI means investing in a future where our children and grandchildren won’t face the same risks. Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ continued partnership is helping make that future possible.”
Since its founding, CPI has invested nearly $5 million in hereditary cancer prevention research, providing critical early support when other funders may not take the risk. These catalytic investments enable scientists to generate the early data needed to pursue larger funding opportunities—creating pathways for transforming bold ideas into life-saving prevention tools.
The commitment from Lyda Hill Philanthropies builds on years of support and shared vision. Lyda Hill Philanthropies is known for its belief in “science benefiting humanity” and its focus on advancing breakthrough solutions that improve human health.
To learn more about the Cancer Prevention Initiative or to contribute to the matching challenge, email info@cancerpreventioninitiative.org, or visit www.cancerpreventioninitiative.org.
About the Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI)
The Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery and development of new medicines that prevent cancer. CPI invests in early-stage, high-impact research that brings bold prevention ideas to life—supporting the scientists and innovations capable of stopping cancer before it starts. By focusing on inherited cancers as a model for all cancers, CPI partners with leading researchers and philanthropists to build a future where prevention is the norm, not the exception. To learn more, visit www.cancerpreventioninitiative.org.
About Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Lyda Hill Philanthropies encompasses the charitable giving for founder Lyda Hill and includes her foundation and personal philanthropy. The organization is committed to funding transformational advances in science and nature, empowering nonprofit organizations, and improving the Texas and Colorado communities. Because Miss Hill believes that “science is the answer” to many of life’s most challenging issues, she has chosen to donate the entirety of her estate to philanthropy and scientific research. For more details, visit lydahillphilanthropies.org.
Media Contact:
Contact: Marion Stewart–Thomas
Cancer Prevention Initiative (CPI)
Email: info@cancerpreventioninitiative.org
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