Invested in Innovation

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A former competitive cyclist, James Kennedy understands what it takes to conquer a tough hill. In the world of medical research, finding a cure for cancer is among the toughest. That’s why Kennedy, chair of Cox Enterprises, and his wife, Sarah, have given $4.7 million to the Winship Cancer Institute. The donation will fund key research priorities, including helping young cancer investigators develop new and potentially groundbreaking ideas that ordinarily would not meet federal funding guidelines.

These young investigators will be called Robbins Scholars in honor of James Robbins, a close friend of Kennedy’s and the former president and CEO of Cox Communications. Robbins died of cancer in 2007. “Jim believed in new ideas,” says Kennedy. “We hope to help carry on his legacy, which was one of innovation in the service of others.”

The gift also will support cancer seed grants, recruitment, and development of Winship’s survivorship program.