The Elizabeth Hamilton Cullum Society is dedicated to the encouragement of "scientific and humane" cancer care. The Society traces its origins back to the late 19th century, when a prevailing fear of cancer meant that patients suffering from the disease were often turned away from hospitals. Mrs. Cullum, however, was a visionary. A granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton, she combined a firm belief in the importance of public service with a personal interest in fighting cancer: Mrs. Cullum lost her only son to the disease in 1882 and, a year later, learned that she herself had cancer.

In 1884, Elizabeth Hamilton Cullum gathered several friends and discussed plans for the opening of a hospital devoted exclusively to the treatment of cancer. Her philosophy was that cancer should be confronted, not feared.The friends pooled their resources and founded the New York Cancer Hospital, the forerunner of what is now Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The Elizabeth Hamilton Cullum Society celebrates this spirit of generosity and public service by conferring membership on individuals who have chosen to support Memorial Sloan-Kettering through their financial and estate plans. Benefits of membership include invitations to educational events led by MSKCC doctors and researchers, updates on research activities and patient care, and information about tax-related and legal matters.

For more information on the Cullum Society or on financial and estate planning, please contact us by phone at 1-800-688-1827, or via email at bennettp@mskcc.org.