44th annual Prouty fundraiser breaks records in show of unwavering community support for Dartmouth Cancer Center

The 44^th annual Prouty, the cornerstone fundraising event for the Dartmouth Cancer Center, once again breaks records. Earning a phenomenal $10.1 million, the event drew more than 4,300 participants and 750 dedicated volunteers who came together to demonstrate a profound community commitment to fighting cancer. 

The $10 million goal this year was the most ambitious ever, achieved by our inspirational community and an extremely generous dollar-for-dollar match from presenting sponsor the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation. Funds go directly into groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials, as well as important patient and family support programs. By achieving the $10 million goal, we are pleased to announce that $1 million of new funds this year will be allocated to support the expansion of vital mental health services for patients and families at Dartmouth Cancer Center.

This year's Prouty was particularly meaningful for several significant reasons. In a time when historically reliable federal funding for vital medical research–including cancer–faces increasing uncertainty, philanthropic and community support through events such as The Prouty is more important than ever. 

"Community support is absolutely critical in advancing cancer care. While we have always known this and are always grateful for our community’s compassion, we feel it now more deeply than ever," said Steven D. Leach, MD, director of Dartmouth Cancer Center, who has biked the  Prouty Ultimate 100-mile route each year since becoming director in 2017. "Every dollar raised is valuable and ensures that our work can continue uninterrupted, regardless of external funding fluctuations."

Another spot of uncertainty followed challenges faced at last year’s event, when the 50-mile cycle route had to be canceled due to construction. This year, after a hopeful request from event organizers, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) agreed to pause their work to stabilize a rock ledge on southbound Interstate 91 between exits 15 and 16 until July 14. Their exceptional cooperation allowed the beloved cycle portion of The Prouty to utilize Route 5, which serves as the detour when I-91 is closed. 

"We are just so grateful," saidd Olive Isaacs, The Prouty’s senior director for community fundraising and engagement. "Last summer, we had to forgo our most popular 50-mile cycle route. This year, VTrans' generous willingness to work with us meant that all our cycle routes could go on as planned, bringing back the full spirit of The Prouty for 1,200 cyclists who cherish this event."

This year's Prouty marks the first event since the Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center, the dedicated organizers behind The Prouty, were honored with the prestigious Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Champion for Cures award. This national recognition celebrates philanthropists who have made the biggest impact on cancer centers nationwide. 

"Receiving the AACI Champion for Cures award was an incredible honor, and it truly reinvigorated our team heading into this year's Prouty," said Jaclynn Rodriguez, executive director of development at Dartmouth Cancer Center. "Our team may have received the award, but it represents a symbol of the tireless efforts of our team, volunteers, and the collective impact of our entire amazing community. Hope really does start here."

Visit theprouty.org for the latest updates.