Seven years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The gift will support research in the Department of Biology, home to the Center for Cancer Research. I believe in being very charitable, and since I got so much benefit from MIT, I thought it was important for me to repay the favor. You don't really appreciate what it means to have a medical problem like this until you have it yourself. I've become extremely sympathetic to people who have cancer and realize what a horrible disease it is.
People can be strong and brave in every way, but when they get cancer, it's devastating.
I get a great deal of pleasure from giving away money to worthy causes. You get psychic satisfaction that it's something worth doing. I mean, I'd rather give money away than spend it to buy bigger and better paintings. It's more worthwhile to use the funds to support meaningful charitable activities. Koch also has given millions to human service organizations, educational, and cultural groups.