Arthur L. Irving believed in the power of medicine — and the power of Mass General Brigham. Over the course of his 30-year relationship with Massachusetts General Hospital, the Canadian businessman and philanthropist, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 93, supported numerous hospital efforts, including initiatives to advance patient-centered care, fuel innovation, strengthen research, and expand educational opportunities.
“Arthur Irving believed deeply in the power of groundbreaking patient-centered clinical care, and this extraordinary gift in his honor will help us meet patients at moments of greatest need.”
Now, Irving Oil, the company he led for more than 50 years, is honoring Mr. Irving’s dedication and commitment to Mass General Brigham by funding the creation of two new spaces within the Phillip and Susan Ragon Building. The gift of $35 million — which was announced on February 4, World Cancer Day — establishes the Irving Oil Limited Center for Urgent Cancer Care in honor of Arthur L. Irving and the Irving Oil Limited Healing Garden in honor of Arthur L. Irving. These spaces will serve as centerpieces in the new Ragon Building: The Center for Urgent Cancer Care in the Cancer Institute space in the Herb Chambers Tower, and the healing garden in the New Balance Foundation Tower, which will anchor the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute.
“Arthur Irving believed deeply in the power of groundbreaking patient-centered clinical care, and this extraordinary gift in his honor will help us meet patients at moments of greatest need,” says David Ryan, MD, president of Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. “The Irving Oil Limited Center for Urgent Cancer Care and Healing Garden in his honor will fundamentally shape how patients and families experience cutting-edge cancer care at Mass General Brigham.”
Previous gifts provided by the Irving family itself include the establishment of three endowed chairs in cardiology and cancer research, multiple research awards to advance cancer immunology, and the annual Arthur and Sandra Irving Cancer Immunology Innovation Retreat and Arthur and Sandra Irving Cancer Immunology Symposium, the only conference in cancer immunology dedicated to research career development.
Jeff Matthews, President & CEO of Irving Oil, says the energy company’s latest gift reflects the values and priorities that have guided the company for more than 100 years.
“At Irving Oil, we believe in the importance of making a difference in the communities where we operate and New England has been our home for more than 50 years,” says Matthews. “This gift honors Mr. Irving’s legacy, underscoring his deep commitment to the value that people matter. Supporting initiatives that positively impact life and wellbeing is among the most profound ways we can make a difference in our communities.”
Meeting an Urgent Need
The Ragon Building — which will begin its phased opening in 2027 — is designed to offer unparalleled levels of care and support for patients, families, and the communities we serve. The Irving Oil Limited Center for Urgent Cancer Care, in honor of Arthur L. Irving, embodies this new level of commitment.
Around the world, cancer rates are on the rise. Today, one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer during their lifetimes. And yet, cancer mortality is declining. That juxtaposition means that cancer will soon be the world’s leading chronic disease.
The Center for Urgent Cancer Care is designed to meet that rising demand. The center will provide round-the-clock access to specialized care for patients with cancer in a private, comfortable setting that reduces their exposure to other illnesses and accommodates health complexities that may impact their unique cases.
“On any given day, we have oncology patients seeking emergency care because they’re in a lot of pain, have uncontrollable nausea, or are feeling unwell,” says Cassandra McIntyre, RN, nurse director for the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies. “From the minute a patient arrives in this new space, oncologists who know that patient, their history, their medications and clinical trials can triage their needs. Think about how much better it will feel as a cancer patient to know that you have a place to go where you will immediately be surrounded by people who know your case.”
Taking Healing to Heart
The Ragon Building’s New Balance Foundation Tower will anchor the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute. Scheduled to open in 2030, the New Balance Foundation Tower will bring cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular medicine, imaging, and other related services together in a centralized location — allowing patients to experience, under one roof, the continuum of care from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and follow-up. Still, no matter how seamless the patient experience, clinical environments can be stressful places, and patients, families, and caregivers need a place to step away.
There, patients and families will be able to take advantage of the Irving Oil Limited Healing Garden in honor of Arthur L. Irving. This greenspace overlooking Cambridge Street will be a welcoming outdoor environment where patients, visitors, and staff can share a meal, have a quiet conversation, or enjoy a tranquil moment of fresh air.
“Mass General Brigham has always been dedicated to healing; and improving the lives of our patients and community, and this gift from Irving Oil aligns with our longstanding vision,” says David F. M. Brown, MD, president of academic medical centers for Mass General Brigham. “We are grateful for their inspired generosity and proud to help honor the legacy of our friend, Arthur Irving.”
To learn more about how you can support care and research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, contact us.
