View Larger Image
This is the ninth year that Subaru of Little Rock has made donations to UAMS.
Image by Nathan Tidwell
Subaru of Little Rock, Blood Cancer United Show Support for UAMS Blood Cancer Patients
| Subaru of Little Rock and Blood Cancer United continued their long-standing collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute with donations for patients undergoing blood cancer treatment.
The Cancer Institute received 80 blankets and 30 patient care kits on June 19 as part of the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. Subaru partners with Blood Cancer United in a nationwide effort to distribute blankets and encouraging messages to hospitals and cancer treatment centers in support of blood cancer patients and their families.
Myeloma Center Clinical Director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., gives remarks.Image by Nathan Tidwell
“This partnership reflects Subaru’s deep commitment to supporting patients and families affected by blood cancer,” said Myeloma Center Clinical Director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., at a ceremony at the Cancer Institute’s Patient Support Pavilion. “We offer our heartfelt appreciation to Subaru of Little Rock for the commitment to helping our patients. These blankets bring not only warmth and physical comfort to our blood cancer patients, but also emotional comfort to let them know others are thinking of them.”
This is the ninth year that Subaru of Little Rock has made donations to UAMS.
“We are very grateful for Subaru’s continued support of UAMS and our patients,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and vice chancellor. “Small acts of kindness, like a warm blanket, can mean the world to someone who is battling cancer. These blankets serve as a reminder to our patients that they matter, and that someone outside their families and friends and medical team is supporting them.”
Subaru of Little Rock received the 2026 Subaru Love Promise HEART Award, which recognizes Subaru retailers who use the principles of HEART: Honesty, Empathy, Appreciation, Respect and Trust.
Subaru of Little Rock and Blood Cancer United have partnered for 11 years in support of blood cancer patients.Image by Nathan Tidwell
“Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do,” said Subaru of Little Rock general manager Landon Montgomery. “Through the Subaru Loves to Care initiative and our partnership with Blood Cancer United, we’re honored to deliver blankets and patient care kits to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.”
“Our visit to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute was a meaningful reminder of the compassion and dedication shown by the physicians, nurses, and staff who care for patients every day. It’s a privilege to thank them personally and support their efforts,” said Sydney Parr Lee, public relations manager for Winrock Automotive, Subaru of Little Rock’s parent company.
The Cancer Institute’s Patient Support Pavilion hosted the event.Image by Nathan Tidwell
Subaru and Blood Cancer United have supported more than 550,000 blood cancer patients nationwide through a partnership that began 11 years ago.
“We hope these items provide comfort and encouragement to the brave patients undergoing treatment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the important work being done by the Cancer Institute and its dedicated healthcare teams,” Montgomery added.
Van Rhee highlighted Blood Cancer United’s contributions to UAMS and the organization’s history in the area of blood cancer treatment.
“Blood Cancer United donated more than $253,000 in financial assistance to UAMS blood cancer patients in 2025,” he said. “They’ve invested more than $1.8 billion in groundbreaking research since 1949 and have funded nearly 200 research grants worldwide.”
Van Rhee noted the impact the donations have on UAMS’ blood cancer patients.
“Our patients appreciate the emotional and physical support these blankets provide during their treatment and rehabilitation,” he said.
