$20M Behring Donation Is Single Largest In John Muir Health History

WALNUT CREEK, CA — John Muir Health has received a $20 million donation from the Behring Global Educational Foundation and will use the extraordinary gift for the Behring Pavilion, the home of the future UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center.

In an announcement Thursday about the contribution, which was made to the health system's Campaign to Conquer Cancer, John Muir Health officials said it marks the single largest in the history of John Muir Health and is a significant milestone in the fight against cancer within the East Bay and wider Bay Area communities.

The founder of BGEF, the late Kenneth E. Behring, was a successful businessman, investor and philanthropist. He previously owned the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team and developed the Blackhawk and Canyon Lakes communities in the San Ramon Valley.

BGEF has a distinguished history of supporting health care, educational initiatives and community development projects, both locally and globally, including the Wheelchair Foundation —also founded by Mr. Behring—through which nearly 1.2 million wheelchairs to date have been distributed to mobility-impaired people worldwide.

The donation to John Muir Health underscores BGEF’s commitment to championing exceptional cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and clinical research.

"We've had family and friends who've received excellent care at John Muir Health for cancer and many other medical issues," said David Behring, Ken Behring’s son as well as president of the Wheelchair Foundation and a BGEF board member. "John Muir Health has been there for our community, and now it’s time to support this state-of-the-art facility and to invest in optimal outcomes for all regional cancer patients."

The new 155,000-square-foot building is currently under construction at John Muir Health's Walnut Creek Medical Center campus. It is expected to open in February, offering cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care coordination in one facility provided by top cancer specialists who are teaming up for patients as part of the UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Network.

Patients will also have access to clinical trials and receive extensive support through nurse navigator and survivorship programs, genetic counseling, cancer nutrition and more as part of a comprehensive cancer care program.

"We are profoundly honored to collaborate with John Muir Health in funding the Behring Pavilion," said Steve Beinke, BGEF president. "Our Foundation's mission has always been centered on creating a positive impact through education and health care, and this donation represents our commitment to supporting world-class medical care in the local community. Together, we will lead the charge against cancer by providing a comprehensive and healing environment for cancer patients and their families living in the East Bay."

Mike Thomas, president and CEO of John Muir Health, expressed his gratitude.

"The Behring Pavilion will undoubtedly become a symbol of healing and hope in the face of adversity," Thomas said. "This extraordinary gift enables us to advance our vision of providing world-class cancer care in our community. With BGEF’s support, patients will benefit from the expertise of top cancer specialists from John Muir Health and UCSF Health, as well as have access to the latest treatment advances close to home."