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Adapted from an original story published in the summer 2026 issue of Investing in Hope
Some conversations never leave us. John M. Couric Jr. (McIntire ’76) vividly recalls a difficult one with his mother decades ago. At the time, his sister Emily Couric, a two-term Virginia state senator, was battling pancreatic cancer. Running out of treatment options, she’d signed up for a clinical trial in Texas. When John’s mom asked if he thought the trial would help Emily, he took a long pause, and then simply said, “I hope so.”
Among John and the extended Couric family’s deep ties to the University is an abiding relationship with UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. Both John and his son, John Martin Couric III (“Martin”)(Col ’07), currently serve on the center’s volunteer advisory board. UVA Health’s main outpatient cancer clinic, the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, is named for John’s sister, who passed away in 2001. Emily was a fierce advocate for healthcare resources, patient support, and cancer research in Virginia, and she was instrumental in establishing UVA Health’s flagship cancer clinic in Charlottesville. She worked with UVA Health leaders to design a centralized facility where patients and families could receive comprehensive care in a warm, dignified environment. Emily also spearheaded efforts to secure state and private funding for the facility.
One of John’s other sisters is Katie Couric, the well-known journalist and UVA alumna. Katie has been an outspoken advocate for and supporter of cancer care and research since losing her husband, Jay, to colorectal cancer in 1998.
Recently, John began thinking about how the cancer center’s nurses, technicians, and other clinic staff could be affected by cuts in cancer research funding and other financial pressures currently facing hospitals and cancer centers across the country.
“Often, the first things reduced in a climate like this are training and resources for staff, and that’s why supporting the cancer center’s clinical operations and personnel became so important to us,” said John. He and his family recently created the Couric Family Oncology Clinical Operations Support Fund to sustain and expand professional development opportunities for the nurses, technicians, and other staff who are vital to UVA Health’s clinical cancer operations.
“People often understand the importance of great facilities, advanced technology, strong physicians, and excellent medical care. But I think people also need to recognize how essential the clinic staff are,” said John.
“Charlottesville is a small, tight-knit community. The cancer center’s staff and their families are a big part of what makes our area a wonderful place to live. We want to make sure they are recognized and feel how much they are appreciated. Providing an opportunity for them to pursue their career goals is one way we can show our support,” said Martin.
According to John, cancer clinic staff in supportive roles—from infusion nurses and radiation technicians to the personnel who manage patient registration, insurance, and admissions—often have the most patient contact and substantially affect how patients feel. That’s critical because “when someone leaves an infusion appointment under very difficult circumstances, it matters that they walk away feeling hopeful,” he said.
Nurses and staff across UVA Health’s cancer service line will be eligible to use resources from the Couric family’s gift to develop new skills, participate in leadership training, or pursue continuing education opportunities. The fund will also support celebrations such as Nurses Week and other initiatives aimed at fostering engagement, recognizing contributions, and maintaining staff morale.
“The Courics have already given so much to UVA and the cancer center. Having John and Martin on our advisory board has been phenomenal. The new fund makes it clear that they’re listening to the stories about our staff, and it’s very meaningful because it allows us to support our staff in ways we otherwise could not,” said Blake Herring, MSN, RN, associate director for clinical administration at UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center.
For John and his family, including his wife, Mary Ann, the fund is another way to sustain Emily’s legacy, support the University, and contribute to the fight against cancer. John, Mary Ann, Martin, and Martin’s wife, Alida, have also included support for UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center in their estate plans. “I like knowing that our support will continue even after I’m no longer here,” said John. “Sadly, more people are developing cancer, and often at younger ages. Philanthropy is more important than ever in helping institutions address those challenges and continue advancing care.”
“It has been an honor for me and my family to advocate for what my Aunt Emily believed in so strongly. The fight against cancer is far from done, but we feel so encouraged by who is leading the way for us and our future generations,” Martin added.
