“We are grateful to the Khan family for their compassionate vision of helping pets with cancer and the people who love them,” said Dr. Garrett, shown here in the Khan’s home with Louie.
Business leader Shahid Khan, his wife Ann Margaret Khan, and their children Tony and Shanna Khan made a gift of $15 million that will transform the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s oncology service.
The Khans’ dogs, Louie and Shanelle, both received cancer treatment at the hospital. Laura Garrett, DVM, DACVIM (oncology), who heads the service, oversees the care of the Khans’ dogs.
The Khan gift establishes three endowed faculty chairs in oncology, as well as additional support for nursing staff.
“With this gift, in addition to two current open positions, the oncology faculty can grow from four to nine,” she said. “Ultimately, our service will have two oncologic surgeons, two radiation oncologists, and five medical oncologists.”
The Khans’ generosity will be matched with $15 million from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to build a cancer wing, featuring a dedicated entrance for oncology clients, oncology exam and treatment rooms, and space devoted to clinical trials for cancer patients. The new wing is slated to open in 2025.
The gift was inspired by Shanna Khan, whose love for animals – and Louie and Shanelle in particular – is unconditional. Shanna’s personal care and attention for her family pets during their medical challenges brought her closer to the oncology department at U of I, where she and her family learned of opportunities to enhance and extend the care for pets with cancer.
“We are beyond touched by the heroic team of oncology,” Shanna Khan said.
“Families travel from near and far to receive this team’s unparalleled care, and we are honored to be a part of a mission to elevate the breadth of research and treatment offerings within the college.”
