Where the Money Goes

Every mile. Every step. Every ask. Every dollar Fred Hutch Obliteriders raise fuels groundbreaking research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center — discoveries that improve lives and redefine what’s possible in prevention, detection, treatment, and cures  for cancer and infectious disease. In the last 13 years, Obliteriders have raised more than $67 million for urgently needed  advances. 

Together, we are unstoppable. We set our goals high because we know that every dollar we raise goes directly to work, thanks to our generous event sponsors and supporters. Explore where the money goes.

Fundraise for What Matters to You

Every participant has the option to fundraise for the specific disease area, program, researcher, or clinician that is the most meaningful to them, or for our areas of cancer research greatest need.

Because of Obliteride:

There are immunotherapies for more cancers
Fred Hutch researchers are harnessing the immune system to stop prostate, pancreatic, skin, blood, and kidney cancers — with more on the horizon.

Big data = big insights
We’re using new tools to advance diagnosis, improve treatments, and understand why some cancers resist therapies.

Prevention is possible
Fred Hutch scientists have identified lifestyle and environmental factors that increase risks — so we can help people take action.

We’re advancing precision oncology
Fundamental research from our labs is unlocking new personalized treatments.

In 2025, Obliteriders supported:

28

Disease areas

92

Researchers and clinicians

28

Programs and specialties

Researcher and Program Highlights

Fred Hutch researchers, clinicians, and programs are advancing science and changing lives in Seattle and around the world. Here are three examples.

Elizabeth Swisher, MD

Researcher: Elizabeth Swisher, MD

Professor, physician, and researcher; Fred Hutch and UW Medicine
Torkelson Family Endowed Chair, Fred Hutch

With support from Obliteride and other donors, Dr. Swisher is discovering genetic risk factors for gynecologic cancers and using precision oncology approaches to provide unique treatments for each patient and each cancer, saving lives. For example, she and her colleagues identified the connection between hereditary ovarian cancer and gene mutations beyond BRCA1&2, unlocking critical screening for people at high risk. “I love the fact that I can do research that improves our understanding of the diseases I treat and then translate those discoveries into benefits for patients on a day-to-day basis,” says Dr. Swisher.


Science Education Partnership at Fred Hutch.

Programs: Education and Training

Our future relies on young scientists. With support from Obliteride, Fred Hutch is educating new generations.

Obliteride funding helps Fred Hutch strengthen the pipeline that makes future discovery possible by training and mentoring rising scientists. Right now, more than 400 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are supporting discoveries in our labs. Each year, we invite more than 200 high school and college students to participate in research through our education programs. And our Science Education Partnership has paired more than 600 teachers with scientists and reached tens of thousands of students across Washington state and more nationwide.


Dr. Folashade Otegbeye interacts with participants at the Friday Night Party.

Researcher: Folashade Otegbeye, MBChB, MPH 

Associate Professor, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine
Facility Director, Therapeutic Products Program, Fred Hutch
Fleischauer Family Endowed Chair in Cell and Gene Therapy Translation

Once treatments are developed, it takes special expertise to ensure they reach patients. With support from Obliteride and other donors, Dr. Otegbeye makes it happen. As director of our Therapeutic Products shared resource, she helps colleagues translate immunotherapy innovations into clinical products, such as genetically modified blood cells for immunotherapy. As a researcher, she studies transplant and immune cell therapy to improve patient care. “We have a lot of ongoing, frequent interactions with patients and their family members or caregivers,” said Dr. Otegbeye. “I’ve always been inspired and touched by those relationships.”

Sarah Mahan pumps her fist as she crosses the Obliteride finish line
“Obliteride reminds me that real change happens when community comes together. For Fred Hutch, these efforts translate into funding innovative scientific breakthroughs.”

— Sarah Mahan; Research Project Manager, Cord Blood Transplant Program, Fred Hutch; 100-mile Obliterider

About Fred Hutch

Fred Hutch Cancer Center unites individualized care and advanced research to provide the latest cancer treatment options while accelerating discoveries that prevent, treat, and cure cancer and infectious diseases worldwide.

Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit organization and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. We have earned a global reputation for our track record of innovation in cancer, infectious disease and basic research, including important advances in bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, HIV/AIDS prevention, and COVID-19 vaccines. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy, and related services. Fred Hutch also serves as UW Medicine’s cancer program. Learn more about Fred Hutch.

Beyond 50 mark

For more than 50 years, Fred Hutch has been looking beyond what’s possible today to a new era of discovery. With your partnership, our Campaign for Fred Hutch is transforming the pace and scale of innovation so we can redefine cancer and infectious disease for generations to come.

Fred Hutch Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that also serves as the cancer program for UW Medicine. Our relationship allows for enhanced care coordination between a top-ranked cancer center and a leading integrated health system and accelerates the latest scientific breakthroughs in cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Fred Hutch is proud to raise funds that fuel the adult oncology program on behalf of both Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

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Obliteride Is for Everyone!

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