The John Wayne Cancer Institute

Since 1981, the John Wayne name has been committed by the Wayne Family to leading-edge cancer research and education, in memory of their father who died of stomach cancer in 1979. The Institute, previously known as the John Wayne Cancer Clinic at UCLA, was formed by the Wayne Foundation and headed by eldest son Michael. Over the next decade, Michael Wayne served as Chairman of the Board – a position he held until his death in 2003. Patrick Wayne, Michael’s brother, now serves as Chairman of the Board and provides continued determination toward the family’s goal of curing this dreaded disease.

In 1991, the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) launched a successful affiliation with Saint John’s Health Center and opened in Santa Monica, California. Combined with the exceptional quality of Saint John’s medical staff and hospital, a unique cancer institute was created, outstanding in the areas of translational research, and the treatment of solid tumors including surgical oncology, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.