Richard (Dick) Levy has made a transformative gift to write a new chapter in cancer care at 91°µÍřĘÓƵ, honoring the life and legacy of his late wife, Susan. Levy’s gift will establish the Susan Lewis Levy Whole Health Cancer Program, a pioneering new program rooted in compassion, healing, and hope, designed to transform the patient and caregiver experience at the UVM Cancer Center.
“The Levy Program is a tribute not only to one woman’s legacy but also to the enduring belief that compassionate, evidence-based care can change lives,” said Cara Feldman-Hunt, director of the Osher Center."
- Cara Feldman-Hunt, MA, NBC-HWC, Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM
“Inspired by a deep commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, the Levy Program represents a significant leap forward in whole-person, integrative oncology care,” said interim UVM Foundation President and CEO Kathleen Kelleher. “Thanks to Dick Levy’s extraordinary generosity and vision, UVM will be positioned at the forefront of a national movement toward whole-person survivorship care.”
The Levy Program builds on the strengths of two nationally recognized programs at UVM—the Osher Center for Integrative Health and the UVM Cancer Center—to deliver a new model of care for cancer survivors and their loved ones. By prioritizing quality of life, long-term wellness, and caregiver support, the program advances a vision of care that extends beyond the treatment of disease to embrace the full physical, emotional, and psychological needs of individuals and families affected by cancer.
Addressing a Critical Need in Cancer Care
“Thanks to advances in screening and treatment, more people are surviving cancer than ever before,” said Randall Holcombe, director of the UVM Cancer Center. “But survivorship brings its own challenges—lingering fatigue, cognitive impairment, emotional strain, and difficulties reintegrating into family and work life. Caregivers, too, often face burnout and isolation, while clinicians and staff must meet increasing demands in emotionally complex settings.”
The Susan Levy Program will fill a critical gap in the cancer care continuum by creating a comprehensive eight- to twelve-week survivorship program for patients who have completed chemotherapy or radiation treatment within the past year. Through an integrative approach that combines clinical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions, the program is designed to optimize health outcomes and empower survivors and their caregivers with the tools and support they need to thrive.
A New Standard of Whole Health Care
Integrative oncology is a growing field that blends conventional medical treatment with practices like mindfulness, restorative yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and culinary medicine to support patients’ whole health. The Levy Program will offer survivors access to a wide range of these services—many of which are not typically covered by traditional insurance —within a coordinated, trauma-informed framework.
Each participant will receive an individualized care plan guided by a dedicated case manager and a collaborative clinical team. Group medical visits and mental health support are core components of the experience, helping survivors build community and resilience as they navigate life after treatment.
Cancer affects more than just the individual patient—it impacts families, loved ones, and healthcare teams. Recognizing this, the Levy Program will also include caregiver support, offering group sessions, personalized support, and access to community resources; an alumni program with ongoing support groups for past participants and caregivers; and a provider and staff wellness program designed to foster collaboration, reduce burnout, and strengthen a culture of holistic, compassionate care at the Cancer Center. These elements ensure that the support system surrounding each survivor is also nurtured, educated, and empowered.
“The Susan Levy Program is a tribute not only to one woman’s legacy but also to the enduring belief that compassionate, evidence-based care can change lives,” said Cara Feldman-Hunt, director of the Osher Center. “Through this program, Vermont’s cancer survivors—and their caregivers—will receive the tools and support they need to reclaim their well-being, rebuild their lives, and flourish in the aftermath of cancer.”
A Legacy of Healing and Hope
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dick Levy graduated from Dartmouth College and earned his PhD in nuclear chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. He and Susan were married in 1964, and Dick began his career with the Varian companies in 1968. He served as CEO of Varian Medical Systems, a leading producer of radiation oncology equipment and software, from 1999 to 2006, and as chairman of the company’s board of directors from 2002 to 2014.
Susan Lewis Levy, a native Vermonter born in Rutland, began her educational journey at the 91°µÍřĘÓƵ in the fall of 1959 as a student in the College of Arts & Sciences. Growing up in Vermont, Susan and her family shared a deep connection with the state and its communities, fostering a lifelong bond with UVM. In 1961, Susan transferred to join Dick at UC Berkeley, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Despite leaving Vermont, Susan carried her love for her home state and UVM throughout her life. Her energy, passion, and unwavering commitment to family and community defined her character. Whether it was in the classroom as an educator or volunteering with countless organizations, the joy Susan received from helping others was always a motivation for her.
“It is in that spirit that I established this program, to honor Susan’s enduring legacy at UVM and within Vermont,” said Dick Levy. “It celebrates her compassion, care for others, and dedication to community—a reflection of the vibrant and meaningful life she led. Through this tribute, Susan’s spirit will continue to influence better quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients, their families, and the critical caregiver network that supports them.”
Fundraising for the Larner College of Medicine and the UVM Cancer Center is a major focus for the 91°µÍřĘÓƵ Foundation, a nonprofit corporation established to secure and manage private support for the benefit of 91°µÍřĘÓƵ and the UVM Medical Center. To inquire about making a gift to these areas, or to support the Levy Program or the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM, contact Lindsay Longe at Lindsay.Longe@uvmhealth.org. More information about the impact of donors like Dick and Susan Levy and the work of the UVM Foundation can be found at .
