Few names carry the same weight in Texas as Nolan Ryan. Known to generations as a baseball legend, Mr. Ryan is also known today for his resilience off the field as a skin cancer survivor. Together with his wife, Ruth, he has transformed a personal challenge into a mission to help others. Through a generous $2 million gift from the Nolan Ryan Foundation to Baylor College of Medicine, the Ryans are advancing research, education and prevention in skin cancer and melanoma.
The gift will be directed under the leadership of Ida F. Orengo, M.D., chair of the Department of Dermatology, who has dedicated her career to helping patients and families facing skin cancer. For Ruth and Nolan Ryan, supporting her work was not only an act of philanthropy but also an act of gratitude.
“Skin cancer is a personal battle we’ve faced, and we’re fortunate to have had Dr. Orengo’s expertise and care,” Mr. Ryan shared. “Ruth and I want to ensure that others benefit from the enhanced research, education and treatments we found at Baylor College of Medicine. Their work in this field is world-class, and we are proud to support it.”
“Raising awareness about melanoma and skin cancer isn’t just about education—it’s about empowerment,”
— Ida F. Orengo, M.D.
For Dr. Orengo, the gift represents both responsibility and an opportunity.
“My gratitude to the Nolan Ryan Foundation is immeasurable,” she said. “My dream as a dermatologist has always been to make a tangible difference in the lives of my skin cancer patients and the broader community, and this partnership brings us closer to realizing that dream.”
The Nolan Ryan Foundation’s support will fuel several initiatives, including recruiting and retaining leading researchers, expanding education campaigns to promote prevention and early detection, advancing basic science studies that lead to new treatments and providing specialized training for future dermatologists and fellows.
These efforts come at a critical time when skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Melanoma, its deadliest form, claims thousands of lives each year, yet many of these cases are preventable.
“Raising awareness about melanoma and skin cancer isn’t just about education—it’s about empowerment,” Dr. Orengo emphasized. “The more people understand the risks and recognize the signs, the more lives can be saved.”
The Nolan Ryan Foundation’s investment ensures that Baylor College of Medicine will not only continue to lead in research and care but also extend its reach into communities where awareness and prevention can make all the difference.
For Ruth and Nolan Ryan, this gift is about creating a legacy that goes beyond baseball. It is about giving families across Texas and beyond a better chance at a healthier future. For Baylor College of Medicine, it is a reminder that when personal experience and philanthropy come together, remarkable changes are possible.
