George and Barbara Bush Endowment

How It Began

In 1953, the Bushes lost their three-year-old daughter Robin to leukemia. Since that time, they were devoted to helping those affected by cancer and actively supporting visionary cancer research. The former President and Mrs. Bush were involved with MD Anderson Cancer Center since 1977 when they joined the Board of Visitors, the institution’s volunteer advisory board. Mr. Bush served as chairman of the Board of Visitors from 2001 to 2003, never missing a meeting during his term.

Former President H. W. Bush's 80th Birthday Celebration

During a weekend-long celebration June 11-13, 2004, the Bush Forty-One Endowment Celebration attracted thousands of well-wishers to honor George H. W. Bush on his 80th birthday. The fundraising efforts leading up to the event exceeded the $50 million goal for the George and Barbara Bush Endowment for Innovative Cancer Research.

The Research Emphasis

The Bush Endowment focuses on funding cancer research at the molecular and genetic level, as well as other innovative MD Anderson research endeavors. Experience has shown that advancing molecular and genetic research leads directly to more effective options in cancer treatment and prevention. The initial grants awarded to gifted physicians and scientists gave them the means to launch new investigations and to successfully leverage their data into larger grants.

How the Bush Endowment Works

Each year, funds distributed from the endowment support new and innovative avenues of research. Interest and investment income are used for research, allowing researchers to focus on their investigations. Endowment capital remains untouched, providing a long-term, predictable source of revenue for the future.