MOBILE, Ala. — It was Mayer “Bubba” Mitchell’s dream long before he died last year at age 74 to bring a cancer research and treatment center to the area he called home so that no one would need to go to distant cities to receive the best care medical science has to offer. The philanthropist had in his 30s traveled hundreds of miles to be treated for a rare and often fatal form of the disease, and his wish was finally fulfilled Monday when the 125,000-square-foot USA Mitchell Cancer Institute officially opened.

Mitchell’s widow, Arlene, and his brother, Abraham, were on hand along with civic and political leaders to cut the ribbon opening the facility, which represents a total investment of more than $135 million, including the $75 million cost of construction and equipment.

The Mitchells donated $22 million to the building effort in March 2006, and the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees voted to name the center after the family. The Mitchell family has given a total of more than $36 million to the university over the years.

“The best use of philanthropy is to reduce human suffering,” said Abe Mitchell. “It’s my desire to reduce human suffering, and help those in my home region prolong life. Today is not a destination, but a beginning.”

USAMCI opened in September, but the ceremony reminded those attending how it all began, while stressing that more needs to be done.

“It’s so wonderful to see his (Mayer’s) dream come true,” Arlene Mitchell said while holding back tears during a brief interview prior to the opening ceremony. “Mayer loved South Alabama, and wanted everything to be the best. It’s the thing he wanted most for Mobile and the surrounding area.”

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) agreed, saying, “It’s the answer to a dream come true that we will be a part of the overall mission of finding a cure.” Bonner noted he and his wife, Janée, both lost loved ones to cancer in 1992 — his mother and her father.

Around 800 gathered outdoors under virtually cloudless skies to see history made, and to tour the state-of-the-art center. Those who addressed the crowd spoke of hope in the fight against all forms of one of the nation’s biggest killers.

“Cancer — There’s nothing else like it that causes us to flinch,” said Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. “I know lives will be saved because of the investment each one of you made in this center. Finally, the southern part of the U.S., the southern part of Alabama and the northern part of Florida are going to have a place to go.”

Riley spoke fondly of Mayer Mitchell, saying “Bubba’s not here. He’s here in spirit, but I would give anything if he were here today. He inspired each of us to do better, and to give back. No one gave USA more. Bubba knows this is his reality, as well as ours.”

Bob and Patsy Riley lost an adult daughter, Jenice, to cancer in 2001, after she waged an inspiring battle against the illness. The governor said, “We have a long way to go. Today we take a great step toward making those dreams and goals a reality.”

USA President Gordon Moulton said the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute will employ 700 upon maturity, and treat as many as 35,000 patients each year. USA officials hope it will one day carry the designation of National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. He credits federal, state and local funding, money from the USA Foundation and private donations for making the center a reality.

The facility is expected to eventually have an annual economic impact of $1 billion. Bonner said during an interview, “When you combine a university with a research mission and build a facility like this, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be a significant economic boost for years to come.”

USAMCI is the first academic cancer research institute in the upper Gulf Coast region. It was first proposed by Moulton in 2000 as a much-needed health care initiative for the area. The USA Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support the vision and make the necessary long-term institutional commitment of time and resources.

Dr. Michael R. Boyd came on board six years ago as the center’s first director. He was at the time an accomplished researcher and administrator at the National Cancer Institute.

“In the 37 years since the National Cancer Act of 1971, research is paying off and more people are living with cancer with a better quality of life than ever before,” Boyd said. He pointed out each of us have rogue cells in our body that are already programmed to form cancer, but researchers are well on their way to learning how to reprogram those cells before they become deadly.

Moulton called the institute’s opening “a great milestone” for the Gulf Coast region. Considered the single most ambitious research endeavor in the school’s 45-year history, he said it will go a long way toward helping residents here live longer, healthier lives.

For more information about the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, visit www.usamci.com.