To date the institute, which broke ground May 27, 2003, is on time for its scheduled completion and under-budget, thanks to many contractors providing in-kind donations or reduced pricing for their items. The Murrens have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of assistance from Nevadans. In the short two-year’s time since NVCI’s inception, it has raised $37 million dollars, the Nevada State Legislature designated it as the official comprehensive cancer care effort for the state and it has established collaborative relationships with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno.

NVCI’s future is dependent upon further support to pay off a construction bond, secure staff and operations, and to care for every patient regardless of his or her ability to pay (one of Heather’s passions). Determined for the institute to prevail, the Murrens created Bond for the Cure—NVCI’s first annual fund-raiser, which was held at MGM Grand in 2002 and themed around the year’s mega-hit Die Another Day. The following year’s gala, Rock for the Cure, was held at The Mirage and featured The Eagles, who donated themselves for the entertainment. 2004’s Rock for the Cure promises something even more spectacular, but plans are top-secret. Whatever the theme, hopes are high that the event will exceed last year’s phenomenal $2.6 million-dollar proceeds.

If Heather could deliver only one message to everyone ever touched by cancer, it would be, “You’re not alone. We’re all working together to, one day, eradicate this disease completely.” Thanks to the Murrens and their conviction to enable every facet of hope into the Nevada Cancer Institute, the future of Nevada’s cancer community looks more promising than ever before. Through persistence, hard work and forward thinking, we can all expect to see dramatic accomplishments toward cancer’s demise. Hope is on the way, and even better, hope will be here to stay.

For more information on the Nevada Cancer Institute, please call (702) 821-0000.