Expanding Cancer Care Access: A Legacy of Gratitude and Innovation at MSK

Friday, June 20, 2025

Three people standing in a photo-filled room, each holding a book, with a screen displaying a message in the background. — Nathan and Marilyn, right, longtime supporters of MSK, whose generous gift helped launch the new Mobile Health Unit bringing cancer care directly to underserved communities.

How gratitude is expanding access to care

Nathan and his wife, Marilyn, credit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) for saving Nathan’s life almost 20 years ago. To show their appreciation and honor his doctor, Lewis Kampel, MD, Nathan and Marilyn are helping MSK change the lives of countless people, today and in the future. In recognition of Dr. Kampel’s recent retirement, Nathan and Marilyn made a generous gift to the MSK Ralph Lauren Center (RLC), where Dr. Kampel served as medical director for many years. Those funds were applied to the purchase of a new MSK Mobile Health Unit (MHU). This crucial resource brings cancer screenings, services, education, and counseling to neighborhoods in New York City with less access to healthcare and transportation.

The investment in this tangible and vital step in eliminating barriers to cancer screening would not be possible without Nathan and Marilyn.

–Lewis J. Kampel, MD

A late diagnosis

Nathan first came to MSK after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his home state of Delaware, a diagnosis that came “a couple of years too late,” says Marilyn. At MSK, Nathan received an innovative treatment plan that required immediate surgery. That leading-edge care saved his life, and it inspired Nathan and Marilyn to get involved in ways that were meaningful to them.

Taking an active role

Nathan and Marilyn have been active members of the MSK community ever since. As Cullum Society members who have included MSK in their wills, their commitment to MSK’s mission extends well into the future. Honoring his doctor’s service Nathan still recalls meeting Dr. Kampel as a bright spot following his diagnosis, saying: “It was joyous. He was so nice and so understanding, and his first question to me was, ‘Are you ready to help me? Because we’re going to do this together.’ That’s exactly what happened. I knew instantly that Dr. K was going to be the person to help me get through this.” It was this personalized, tireless care that compelled Nathan and Marilyn to support MSK, in recognition of Dr. Kampel’s long service to our local MSK community. “The investment in this tangible and vital step in eliminating barriers to cancer screening would not be possible without Nathan and Marilyn,” says Dr. Kampel.

Education and care on wheels

The new MHU offers more space, an improved design, and the latest technology. The design of the van was customized to meet the specific needs of our patients and offers a range of health services, including biometric screenings, cancer risk reduction information, and cancer screening navigation. The MHU routinely visits communities in and around New York City and partners with local organizations to reach people where they live, work, shop, and worship.

Advocating for others

Nathan and Marilyn are often asked about their experience by others who are just starting on their own cancer journeys. Marilyn says, “Nathan’s first question is always, ‘Have you been in touch with MSK?’ We certainly recommend that the best level of care is at MSK.

Help fuel a future of new firsts

Every day, MSK brings courage and creativity to answering cancer’s biggest questions, and we have set an ambitious goal to create more hope, possibility, and cures for every person with cancer.