Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Over 18 years ago, right after his 50th birthday, Orem resident Doyle Mortimer learned he had prostate cancer. It was a grim diagnosis for the former state legislator, but he found help at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Since then, Mortimer has traveled 8,000-plus miles from Orem to Salt Lake for treatments. According to the Huntsman Institute, cancer patients from Utah County make 35,000 trips for treatments each year.

“I’m here to announce no more driving,” said Mary Beckerle, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute.

On Wednesday, the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, a celebrated hospital and research hub, announced plans for a new comprehensive cancer center in Utah County.

The organization’s second headquarters will be in Vineyard, in the middle of Utah’s tech hub, with the hope it will open new possibilities for cancer research, prevention and treatments. The announcement was quickly celebrated by elected officials in Utah County and throughout the state.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Distance is a major healthcare disparity for cancer patients in Utah and surrounding states. A study by Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers, published in Cancer Medicine, found that the five-year cancer survival rate for rural Utah residents was 5.2% lower than metropolitan residents.

“Huntsman Cancer Institute’s vision is to deliver a cancer-free frontier, and we believe that frontier begins right here in Utah,” Beckerle said. “This expansion of Huntsman Cancer Institute will address the monumental population growth in Utah and reduce the travel burden many patients face every day. Located in one of the fastest growing counties in the country, it will provide easier access to comprehensive cancer care, accelerate cancer research, and train the next generation of cancer providers and scientists.”

In addressing a group of medical professionals, elected officials and community members, Beckerle announced that the project includes a matching gift from the Huntsman Foundation of $75 million. The project has an expected price tag over $300 million.

This is the largest single gift by the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The donation came along with a request for the community to join Huntsman Cancer Foundation and raise the matching funds needed to move the project forward.

“This new campus is a game-changer, bringing research and specialty cancer care closer to the people of Utah County and surrounding rural areas. But one family cannot do it alone. Similar to our previous expansions, this state-owned project will only be completed with the matching funds from state and local leaders, institutions, and our generous individual contributors,” said Peter Huntsman, chairman and CEO of Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Located near several higher education and technical training institutions, the second Huntsman Cancer Institute campus will support workforce development, training opportunities and hands-on learning for the next generation of scientists and health care providers, representatives from educational institutions encouraged.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students and community to contribute in profound ways to delivering care and ending cancer,” Astrid Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University, said in a press release. “To believe in what’s possible, no matter the hurdles, is the culture of UVU, which makes training at Huntsman Cancer Institute’s world class research and care facilities an extraordinary opportunity for our students.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute’s signature strength in conquering cancer is research. The institute’s research has resulted in new scientific and technological discoveries that have led to advances in cancer prevention and treatment, extending and improving the lives of patients around the world.

The cancer hospital at Huntsman Cancer Institute is ranked in the top 50 nationally, out of more than 4,500 programs. It is also part of University of Utah Health, which has ranked in the top 10 nationally for care quality each of the last 13 years.

“Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only place in the region devoted to discovering new cancer treatments,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “Research is at the heart of what we do at the University of Utah, and it turns the dream of curing cancer into a reality. Research will be a major focus of the new campus, and it will advance our commitment to eradicate cancer, including through design of better ways to provide comprehensive cancer care to more patients across Utah and in particular residents of rural communities.”

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

The Utah County headquarters will be a significant part of Vineyard’s growth, creating a rare opportunity to simultaneously plan a community and a cancer center — each co-designed for collaboration, discovery and health promotion.

It will be a 10-minute drive from Provo Municipal Airport, adjacent to Vineyard Frontrunner Station and Interstate 15, and neighboring shore of Utah Lake. Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer envisions the center as a prominent part of the city’s future, leading to scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge treatments.

“The possibilities are endless. We are so thrilled, and share in the excitement of local leaders and patients, that the second Huntsman Cancer Institute headquarters is coming to our city and to Utah County’s largest regional development. The work performed here will save countless lives, connect services to communities, and provide greater access and healing,” Fullmer said.

Federal, state, and local leaders have been key contributors to the discussions about this new Huntsman Cancer Institute. U.S. Rep. John Curtis, who’s district includes Vineyard, said in a press release that he is “thrilled” about the plans.

“This state-of-the-art facility, located in the heart of Vineyard, Utah, is not just a hospital, but a beacon of hope for our community. It stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing Utah’s role as a national leader in cancer research and care for rural and frontier communities,” Curtis said.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Part of the decision to build in Vineyard is because of how the city has handled growth. In the 2010 U.S. Census, Vineyard had a population of 139. By 2020, it boasted 12,543 residents. Utah, as a state, has over 3.3 million residents and expects the population to climb past 5.2 million residents by 2060. Thirty percent of this growth is expected to occur in Utah County.

“From the beginning, Huntsman Cancer Institute centered its efforts on addressing the cancer burden in Utah,” states Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson. “That focus has led to game-changing innovations and an extension of care to people across the globe. This next step will bring research innovations to thousands more in our state and region, and will continue to cement Utah’s role as a leader in cancer research and lifesaving care.”

Pete Evans, of Flagship Companies, joined with the Woodbury Corporation to develop not only the cancer institute, but hundreds of acres of Vineyard property into homes and businesses in the surrounding area. The anticipated site in Vineyard is within a development planned by Flagship Companies and Woodbury Corporation called Utah City.

“We are thrilled to be a part of bringing this unparalleled cancer resource closer to home for thousands of Utahns,” Jeff Woodbury, senior vice president of development and acquisitions at Woodbury Corporation, said in a press release.

Evans, in speaking to the crowd, said Flagship’s vision is aligned with the Huntsman Foundation and that the company wants to “create a place on how we want to live.”

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Further details on the project will be outlined in months to come. Construction of the campus is pending further progress in the fundraising effort, and other review processes, including before the Utah Legislature.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall speaks during a celebration announcing the construction of a new Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

People talk in front of a banner reading "Huntsman Cancer Institute" after a celebration announcing the construction of a new Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

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