Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center Receives $500,000 Matching Gift from the Weakley Family Trust

The Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation is proud to announce a $500,000 matching gift from the Weakley Family Trust, supported by longtime community members Ken and Lynne Weakley, to support the purchase of a new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. This generous gift will double the impact of community donations and help ensure patients continue to receive advanced, lifesaving radiation therapy close to home.

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment, with nearly two-thirds of patients receiving it as part of their care. A Linear Accelerator (LINAC) delivers highly targeted radiation to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision enhances treatment effectiveness, reduces side effects, and allows patients to maintain a higher quality of life throughout their cancer journey.

With the Weakley Family Trust’s matching gift, every dollar donated—up to $500,000—will be matched, accelerating the Foundation’s efforts to replace this critical technology. The community has already helped secure nearly 30% of the matching challenge, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving access to exceptional cancer care in the region. This initiative offers a meaningful opportunity for community members, especially those whose lives have been touched by the Cancer Center, to give back and support leading-edge treatment close to home.

The Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center partners with UC Davis to provide comprehensive oncology services, combining compassionate local care with the strengths of an academic health system. This collaboration helps ensure patients have access to world-class cancer care while remaining close to family, friends, and support systems throughout treatment.

“We are deeply grateful to Ken and Lynne Weakley for their extraordinary generosity and vision,” said Karli Bunnell, Executive Director of the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. “Their generous gift is inspiring others to invest in the future of cancer care and helping ensure patients can continue receiving advanced treatment close to home.”

Community members are invited to honor a loved one, recognize a caregiver, or express gratitude for the care received at the Cancer Center through a Grateful Patient gift. By giving in appreciation, you help ensure that advanced, compassionate cancer care remains available close to home for all who need it.

You can find more information or make a gift here.