The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received a $2.2 million donation from longtime supporters Energy Transfer and its family of partnerships, including Sunoco and USA Compression, to benefit pediatric cancer research. This year’s contribution marks the highest-ever gift amount from the Dallas-based company’s annual employee giving campaign.
“The commitment our employees have shown to UT MD Anderson over the years reflects a shared belief in the power of innovation to change lives,” said Tom Long, co-Chief Executive Officer of Energy Transfer. “Breakthroughs happening at UT MD Anderson and the hope they bring to patients and their families reinforces the importance of this incredible collaboration.”
Since 2014, employees of the Energy Transfer family of partnerhsips have led fundraising efforts that have resulted in more than $20 million donated to UT MD Anderson. The annual campaign included more than $766,000 from employee contributions, which was matched by corporate funds at 50 percent.
“Energy Transfer, Sunoco and USA Compression employees continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to children and families facing cancer,” said Richard Gorlick, M.D. , division head and chair of Pediatrics at UT MD Anderson. “Their generosity helps our researchers pursue new discoveries and translate those advances into better treatments and outcomes for patients across the country.”
Pediatric lymphoma patient's journey demonstrates the power of research
This year’s employee giving campaign patient ambassador, Braeden Cochran, was diagnosed as a college freshman with a rare sub-type of blood cancer called non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma.
The now 21-year-old began treatment at UT MD Anderson in 2024, a turning point for him.
“I didn’t really have that same confidence in my own healing until I came to UT MD Anderson. That was where things really started to turn around for me,” Cochran explained.
Cochran benefited from an immunotherapy-based clinical trial, enabling him to better tolerate comprehensive treatment protocols. The unique research environment found at UT MD Anderson was a source of confidence during his treatment.
“To be in my hospital room and see the research buildings on the same campus, just outside – that was definitely very encouraging to know that that work was being done all the time,” Cochran said.
Today, Cochran is cancer free and back in school. He said this is a testament to the advanced lifesaving treatment options and the expert care he received at UT MD Anderson.