Rush University System for Health, one of the leading academic health systems in the nation, today announced a major philanthropic gift from the Harold B. Smith Foundation, the family philanthropic organization of one of Chicago’s pioneering civic leaders and lifetime Rush trustee, Harold B. Smith. This gift will help establish a new cancer research and treatment center, creating the infrastructure necessary to discover and deliver breakthrough cancer treatments — most notably enabling Rush to triple its clinical trial capacity to approximately 150 within five years, well above the national average.
Establishing the center will also help to strengthen Rush’s cancer research efforts by enabling it to hire additional translational research staff and accelerate the timeline it takes new treatments to move from laboratory research to approved therapies. These expanded capabilities will benefit Rush’s medical education mission by providing students, residents and fellows with more direct research experience.
“Supporting Rush was a lifelong passion of our father’s, who served as a dedicated trustee for more than half a century,” the Harold B. Smith Foundation’s trustees said. “To honor his legacy, we are proud to partner with Rush to advance medical innovation. The Harold B. Smith Family Cancer Research Center will enable Rush to further cancer research and treatment by offering more phase 1 clinical trials — which are crucial to developing new therapeutics. Our hope is that through this collaboration, our father’s enduring commitment to medical progress will continue and impact the lives of generations to come.”
Harold B. Smith, former president, chief operating officer and member of the board of directors of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and member of the board of the Northern Trust Co., brought to Rush the same vision and leadership that helped shape two of Chicago’s most influential institutions — both founded and guided by the Smith family for generations. Their corporate expertise and commitment to the community made and continue to make them invaluable civic leaders and steadfast philanthropic partners.
This tradition of support dates to the 1870s, when family members served as founding board members of Presbyterian Hospital and faculty of Rush Medical College. As Rush evolved over the decades into today’s Rush University System for Health, members of the Smith family have continued that commitment, serving on the board, volunteering in other leadership roles and advancing initiatives that strengthen Rush’s mission.
“I am humbled and deeply grateful when I reflect on the Smith family’s six generations of leadership and generosity to Rush. Harold was more than a visionary — he was an inspiration, a mentor of extraordinary leadership and a dear friend. His boldness, compassion and commitment to innovation will continue to shape Rush’s future and will be felt by every patient who turns to Rush for hope and healing when faced with a cancer diagnosis,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center.
Clinical trials: Translating research into lifesaving therapies
Clinical trials drive progress in cancer care, turning scientific discoveries into treatments that save lives. They require significant investment — often costing millions of dollars — to support expert staff, specialized facilities, essential supplies and the rigorous regulatory work required to bring new therapies to patients.
The first step in this process is phase 1 trials, which determine safety and dosage while also revealing how treatments work and which patients may benefit most. Far from being a last resort, phase 1 trials are increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment option for patients, offering promise in comparison to standard treatments.
If successful, trials advance to phases 2 and 3, which measure effectiveness. This process can take years and requires even greater resources before the new therapy is made widely available.
“Clinical trials create hope — not just for the patients who join them, but for countless others who will benefit from the discoveries they make possible,” said Amina Ahmed, MD, director of RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center and The Sheba Foundation Director of the Rush Cancer Program. “The Harold B. Smith Family Cancer Research Center at Rush represents a transformative moment for our patients, our researchers and our cancer care teams. With this support, every patient who participates will help shape the future of cancer care.”
Because of Rush’s partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rush patients also have access to that renowned institution’s advanced cancer treatments, clinical trials and care protocols. By combining the growing number of clinical trials underway, the new cancer research center empowers Rush to cement its reputation as one of the Midwest’s leading cancer research institutions.
“The Smith family’s gift accelerates Rush’s ability to convert research into better care for patients,” said Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president and chief academic officer of Rush University, chief clinical and academic officer and senior vice president of Rush University System for Health, and the James A. Campbell, MD, Presidential Chair. “By expanding our clinical trial capacity and deepening our translational research expertise, we can ensure that discoveries in the lab lead to better treatments and outcomes for those who need them most. This investment reflects our shared commitment to making innovation matter where it counts — in our patients’ lives.”
Setting new standards and expectations in clinical trial participation
What inspires Ahmed most is the Smith family’s desire to see more patients take part in phase 1 clinical trials to expand the number of available therapies and their ability to reach patients faster. Currently, about 6% of RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center patients join a clinical trial — above the 3% to 4% national average. But the family wants to push that number higher.
“The Smith family’s commitment to expanding clinical trials is deeply motivating,” Ahmed added. “Their emphasis on broader patient participation reflects our shared belief that innovative treatment should be accessible to everyone. The Harold B. Smith Family Cancer Research Center at Rush will help us set new standards in terms of the life-changing impact we can make for patients and their loved ones.”
