Loyola University Chicago Announces Establishment of the Brian J. Moran, M.D. Radiation Oncology Research & Education Endowment

Loyola University Chicago is honored to announce the establishment of the Brian J. Moran, M.D. Radiation Oncology Research & Education Endowment thanks to a $100,000 commitment from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago. The endowment will support research and education in radiation oncology at the Stritch School of Medicine’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, with a special focus on brachytherapy.

The endowment was created to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Brian J. Moran, a nationally recognized radiation oncologist, educator, innovator, founder of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago, and proud alumnus of both Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine (MD ‘87) and Loyola University Medical Center’s residency program. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Moran advanced the field of prostate cancer treatment and became one of the country’s leading experts in prostate brachytherapy, the placement of seed implants to deliver short-term or long-term radiation treatment. This precise form of radiation was pioneered by Dr. Moran and helped improve outcomes and quality of life for countless prostate cancer patients.

Following Dr. Moran’s passing in October 2024, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center Director Dr. William Small, Jr. and Dr. Moran’s wife, Betsy Moran, discussed ways to meaningfully celebrate his legacy. Together, they envisioned an endowment at Loyola that would advance the areas of research and education that were central to Dr. Moran’s career and passion. Betsy helped connect Loyola and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Moran in 2006 to improve quality of care and quality of life by funding patient support programs, clinical research as well as professional and public education. The Foundation was eager to partner and they generously established the Brian J. Moran, M.D. Radiation Oncology Research & Education Endowment, ensuring enduring support for research and education in radiation oncology at Loyola.

“We could not be more excited to partner with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago as we strengthen the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center’s ability to pursue new discoveries and expand educational opportunities in brachytherapy research and education. To be able to memorialize Dr. Moran’s pioneering work and commitment to advancing treatment options for patients facing cancer is a true honor,” said Dr. William Small, Jr., Director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center.

“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Loyola and its unwavering commitment to advancing prostate cancer research and education. Together, we are honoring our founder, Dr. Brian J. Moran, who worked tirelessly to give his patients and their families dignity, support and encouragement while battling prostate cancer,” said Kelly O’Brien, Executive Director of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago. 

The founding gift represents the first step in a broader effort to grow the endowment’s impact over time. Additional support from colleagues, friends, and members of the community will help honor Dr. Moran and ensure that his commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education continues to influence future generations.

Through this endowment, Loyola and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago are creating a lasting tribute to a physician whose work transformed lives and whose legacy will continue to advance the future of cancer care.

To make a gift to the Brian J. Moran, M.D. Radiation Oncology Research & Education Endowment, please visit LUC.edu/BrianMoranFund.

To learn more about the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, please visit LUC.edu/stritch/cbcc.