The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation (RLCF), formerly known as the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation, has established a major, multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine focused on cancer care, research, and patient support. This collaboration, highlighted by a major announcement in January 2026, represents one of the most significant philanthropic investments in cancer equity in the United States and reflects Ralph Lauren’s long-standing global commitment to reducing disparities in cancer outcomes.
The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will offer cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support services across two locations one at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey and another within the health system’s forthcoming cancer pavilion in Hyde Park. Photo
The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center: A 2026 Milestone
In January 2026, RLCF awarded UChicago Medicine a substantial grant to establish the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center, a new cancer center designed to expand access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services for underserved communities in Chicago, particularly on the South Side and in the Southland region. This center is the first Ralph Lauren–named cancer center in the Midwest and the fourth in the United States, following earlier centers at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Harlem, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles.
Part of a $25 Million National Cancer Commitment
The UChicago investment is part of a broader $25 million national commitment by The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, described as the largest single funding pledge in the Foundation’s history. This initiative supports the creation or expansion of five Ralph Lauren–named cancer centers across underserved U.S. communities, all within National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The initiative has been recognized by the White House as a leading example of public–private collaboration within the Cancer Moonshot effort to accelerate progress against cancer and reduce inequities.
NEW YORK, New York – February 12: Designer Ralph Lauren walks the runway at the Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2018 fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 12, 2018. Photo: Depositphotos
Two Sites, One Mission: Serving Chicago’s South Side and Southland
The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will operate across two complementary locations designed to meet distinct community needs. One site will be based at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, serving residents of the Southland and southern suburbs, where cancer remains a leading cause of death. This location is designed as a community-centered hub emphasizing cancer screening, early diagnosis, coordinated treatment, and patient navigation, supported by community health workers and partnerships with local organizations.
The second site will be located in Hyde Park within the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion at UChicago Medicine’s main academic medical campus. This 575,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in April 2027, will serve as the institution’s central hub for cancer care and research. The center will house advanced clinical services, including the Carole Bransky Breast Center, a rapid assessment clinic for immunocompromised cancer patients, and dedicated spaces for nutrition education, fitness programs, support groups, and music therapy.
Addressing Cancer Disparities Through Community-Centered Care
A central mission of the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center is to address the cancer disparities that disproportionately affect residents of Chicago’s South Side and Southland. These communities experience higher cancer incidence and mortality due to social determinants of health, lower screening rates, delayed diagnoses, and barriers to accessing high-quality care. The Center’s model integrates cancer prevention and education, early detection through personalized screening and genetic testing, timely treatment across the UChicago network, and comprehensive supportive services. A mobile medical unit is also planned to deliver preventive care and education directly into neighborhoods, helping to overcome barriers related to transportation and access.
Leadership and Program Implementation
The initiative is anchored within the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, has described the grant as a transformative step toward shared goals of improving access to cancer care and reducing inequities. Dr. Nita Lee, MD, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, serves as Program Director of the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center at both the Harvey and Hyde Park sites. The program is implemented in collaboration with UChicago Medicine’s Urban Health Initiative, Ingalls Memorial’s oncology leadership, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s clinical and research faculty.
A Decade of Patient-Focused Support at UChicago
The relationship between RLCF and UChicago Medicine predates the 2026 center announcement by nearly a decade. The Foundation has provided sustained support for cancer patients and families, particularly during periods of acute need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, RLCF made a significant gift to UChicago Medicine to support cancer patients facing food insecurity, financial hardship, transportation challenges, and social isolation. This funding strengthened programs such as Feed1st and expanded access to supportive oncology services including social work, mental health care, nutrition counseling, and palliative care.
Beyond clinical and emergency support, RLCF has focused on improving patient dignity and comfort through donations of high-quality clothing and support for patient-centered events and initiatives. These efforts reflect a holistic approach to cancer care that recognizes quality of life as a critical component of treatment and survivorship.
Advancing Cancer Research at UChicago Medicine
RLCF has also played a significant role in advancing cancer research at UChicago Medicine, particularly in breast cancer. Past donations have supported specific research projects and funded leading-edge science through the UChicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board. The Foundation is a major sponsor of the annual Breakthrough Ball, which supports innovative cancer research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center. In recognition of its sustained contributions, RLCF received the Partners in Discovery Award in 2015.
Part of a 30-Year Global Commitment to Fighting Cancer
The partnership with UChicago Medicine is part of Ralph Lauren’s broader 30-year global commitment to the fight against cancer, coordinated through The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation and its Pink Pony Fund. This mission focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, equitable access to care, and research. In addition to its U.S. centers, Ralph Lauren has supported international cancer research initiatives in the United Kingdom and beyond, alongside strong employee engagement through volunteerism and matched donations.
Together, the partnership between The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation and UChicago Medicine represents a comprehensive model of how philanthropy, academic medicine, and community engagement can converge to advance cancer equity, research, and patient-centered care. It stands as a powerful example of how targeted, long-term investment can reshape access to cancer care and improve outcomes for underserved populations.
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Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD, Editor at OncoDaily Intelligence Unit
FAQ
What is the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center?
The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center is a new cancer center established in 2026 with a major grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. It aims to expand access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services for underserved communities on Chicago’s South Side and in the Southland, operating across two sites: UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial in Harvey and the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion in Hyde Park.
How much money is Ralph Lauren investing, and where is it going?
RLCF is investing $25 million nationally to create or expand five Ralph Lauren–named cancer centers in underserved U.S. communities, all within NCI‑designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center is one of these five and represents a multi‑year, multi‑million‑dollar grant to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Who will benefit from the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center?
The center is specifically designed to serve underserved communities on Chicago’s South Side and in the Southland, where residents face higher cancer incidence and mortality due to social determinants of health, lower screening rates, and access barriers. It will offer screening, early detection, treatment, and supportive services (including navigation, transportation, nutrition, and mental health support) tailored to these populations.
Where are the two locations, and what services will they provide?
Hyde Park site (AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion): A 575,000‑square‑foot cancer tower opening in April 2027, serving as the central hub for advanced clinical care and research, including the Carole Bransky Breast Center, a rapid‑assessment clinic for immunocompromised patients, and spaces for nutrition, fitness, support groups, and music therapy.
How does this partnership fit into Ralph Lauren’s broader cancer‑equity work?
The UChicago partnership is part of Ralph Lauren’s 30‑year global commitment to fighting cancer, coordinated through The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation and its Pink Pony Fund. The Foundation has previously supported centers at Memorial Sloan Kettering (Harlem), Georgetown Lombardi (Washington, D.C.), and USC Norris (Los Angeles), as well as breast cancer research and patient‑support programs at UChicago, including during the COVID‑19 pandemic.