Self Storage Industry Turns Everyday Operations Into Cancer Research Funding

(June 18, 2026) – Phoenix, AZ. Charity Storage, the official charity of the self storage industry and official charity partner of the Self Storage Association (SSA), was built on a simple idea: the everyday business of self storage can be a vehicle for life-changing impact. Nowhere is that more evident than in the industry’s ongoing dedication to funding research that saves lives. 

That support has roots in Kure It Cancer Research, another nonprofit founded in 2007 by Barry Hoeven after he recognized that many of the most critical areas of research were going without sufficient funding. As part of that legacy, a portion of Charity Storage auction proceeds go directly to Kure It, directing funds raised through everyday storage operations toward patients and families across the country. Operators and tenants can also further get involved directly through Round Up for Research, a Kure It program designed to make giving simple with every transaction. 

That same spirit is reflected in the story of Spencer Kirk, a respected industry veteran, and his wife Kristen, who were lead donors for the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The couple named the building in honor of his mother, who lost her life to the disease. It is in the spirit of Hoeven’s legacy that Charity Storage is now proud to shine a spotlight on Huntsman Cancer Foundation, another organization making an extraordinary difference in the fight against cancer and one that industry members are already rallying around. 

This spotlight is also a reminder that Charity Storage operators have the ability to direct proceeds to the charitable cause of their choosing. Huntsman Cancer Foundation is a powerful example of the kind of organization operators can choose to support, right alongside the communities they serve every day. 

Ryan Rogers of Store Here Self Storage, whose family has personally experienced the life-saving care provided by Huntsman Cancer Institute, is one such operator. Rogers partnered with Tom Hanratty, director of development at Huntsman Cancer Foundation, around exactly that idea. 

“At Huntsman Cancer Foundation, we know that progress happens when passionate people come together around a common cause. The generosity of the self storage industry is making a real difference, and we are deeply grateful for every operator, tenant, and partner who is helping us get closer to a world without cancer,” said Hanratty. 

Founded in 1995, Huntsman Cancer Foundation supports the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Mountain West’s only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. With more than 650 active research projects and over 300 research teams, Huntsman Cancer Institute is focused on understanding the disease at its core and translating that knowledge into life-saving treatments for patients and families everywhere. 

“The self storage industry has always shown up in meaningful ways for the communities it serves,” said Kristi Adams, Board Chair of Charity Storage. “What’s powerful is how we are now channeling that generosity into something even greater, helping fund critical research and making a real impact on patients and families battling cancer.” 

To learn more about Huntsman Cancer Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit huntsmancancerfoundation.org or update them to be your charity beneficiary. If you are a self storage operator interested in joining Charity Storage and directing proceeds to causes like this, visit charitystorage.org or reach out at info@charitystorage.org.