A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON FALL 2016

CELEBRATING

75OF MAKING YEARS CANCER HISTORY® CONTENTS UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER IN THIS ISSUE 1: Beaumont Santa’s Elves 5: San Antonio 4 Mattress Mack gives back A Conversation With a Living Legend® $500,000 supports two Honoring Dr. Condoleezza Rice gastroenterology clinical trials. 8: Houston 6 My Moon Shot Santa’s Elves Survivor reflects on Colorectal 10: Houston Cancer Moon Shot. Little Galleria Breakfast With Santa 7 Feature JANUARY MD Anderson has been built on 11: Palm Beach a foundation of philanthropy over Making Cancer History® Seminar the past 75 years. FEBRUARY 20: Indian Wells 14 Rogers Award ® Prevention expert receives Making Cancer History Seminar GRANT MILLER prestigious $15,000 award.

A Conversation With a Living Legend® in Dallas honoring Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., raises more than $730,000. p. 15

3 NEWS MAKERS From left, Nadine Eidman, Lourdes Hernandez, All aboard Dorothy Paterson MD Anderson Cancer Center and Kim Mongcopa give cancer the

Board of Visitors welcomes boot. p. 14 SPENCER YOUNG/FCS PHOTOS business, community leaders SECTIONS Diamond anniversary gala photos: 4 Donors Make a Difference p. 10-11

6 Moon Shot Momentum FCS PHOTOS 12 Among Friends ACCESS ANSWERS To become a patient: Call 877-632-6789 or fill out 12 Spotlight the self-referral form at mdanderson.org. F. CARTER SMITH/FCS PHOTOS F. 13 Survivors Say New members of the MD Anderson Cancer Center For more information, please visit www.mdanderson.org/gifts Board of Visitors attend an orientation session 14 Philanthropy in Action or call 800-525-5841. to learn more about their role in advancing the Download Promise at www.mdanderson.org/Promise. institution’s mission to end cancer. p. 3 Back Cover: If you do not want to receive certain fundraising iPromise: Lily Deagan and Lucy Keith communications from MD Anderson, please visit our website at www.mdanderson.org/FundraisingOptOut or contact us at 855-344-5272.

Ronald DePinho, M.D. Allison Schaffer President Assistant Editor Senior Communications Specialist Tadd Pullin Senior Vice President for Leslie Friedman The University of Texas Institutional Advancement Senior Communications Specialist MD Anderson Cancer Center Patrick Mulvey Marily Scaria Development Office - Unit 705 Vice President for Development Senior Communications Designer P.O. Box 301439 Brette Peyton Contributing Writers Houston, TX 77230-1439 Executive Director, Public Relations Lily Deagan 713-792-3450 Wayne Gibbens ON THE COVER: Sarah Watson Lucy Keith 800-525-5841 As the stage is set for MD Anderson’s 75th Editor, Program Director Amy Scarbrough anniversary gala in November, former mdanderson.org/gifts Development Communications presidents Charles LeMaistre, M.D., and John [email protected] Mendelsohn, M.D., pause with Ronald DePinho, Comments? Suggestions? We welcome your perspective. M.D., current president. F. CARTER SMITH/FCS PHOTOS youtube.com/MDAnderson Email us your thoughts: [email protected]. NEWS MAKERS mdanderson.org/newsroom WELCOME ABOARD The MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors adds nine new members The MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, an appointed board of volunteers charged with advancing MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer, welcomed nine new members at its Nov. 11 annual meeting. The new group reflects the board’s national and international presence.

FY2017 OFFICERS Chair: Jim Mulva Chair-elect: Marsha Shields Vice Chair: Don Evans Immediate Past Chair: Mel Klein

substantial holding in oil and gas operating

The MD Anderson company Foreland Resources, LLC and a Cancer Center Board of large holding in global tax services firm Ryan Visitors welcomes new members: (standing, from LLC. Deason serves on several boards and left) Richard Anderson, committees, including the advisory board of Alan Batkin and James Archer; and (seated, from Valesco Industries. He lives in Dallas. left) Christopher Damico and Ebru Ozdemir. Not pictured: Bill Daley; Doug Susan Zane Epstein, M.D. Deason; Susan Epstein, Epstein is a family physician and serves M.D.; and Larry Hayward on several committees and boards for Dell F. CARTER SMITH/FCS PHOTOS F. Children’s Medical Center, the Texas Child Study Center, The Seton Breast Care Center Richard H. Anderson multi-national companies on business and and the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin. Anderson was CEO of Delta Air Lines Inc. from political issues around the world. He resides in She is a graduate of The University of Texas 2007 to 2016 and recently served as executive Greenwich, Connecticut. at Austin and earned her medical degree chairman of Delta. Previously, he was from The University of Texas Health Science executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group William M. (Bill) Daley Center in San Antonio. Epstein has been a Inc. from 2004 to 2007, serving as president for Daley is a managing partner and head of philanthropic leader in her community for the Commercial Services Group. Prior to that, U.S. Operations for Argentière Capital. Prior more than 20 years. She resides in Austin. Anderson was CEO of Northwest Airlines Corp. to joining Argentière in 2014, he served as He currently is the lead director for Medtronic President Obama’s Chief of Staff from January Lawrence H. (Larry) Hayward Inc. and serves on the board of directors of 2011 to January 2012 and was involved in all Hayward serves as chairman of the board of Cargill Inc. He resides in Houston. aspects and issues faced by the president and directors and CEO of Leslie’s Poolmart Inc., the administration. Daley was vice chairman the world’s largest retailer of swimming James B. Archer of JPMorgan Chase Inc. and chairman of the pool supplies with nearly 900 stores Archer serves as the president and CEO of Midwest Region of the U.S. from 2004 to 2011. operating in 35 states across the U.S. Prior KJ Energy, MV2 Entertainment and the JL Bar He lives in Chicago, Illinois. to joining Leslie’s, he served as president of Ranch & Resort. He has more than 35 years of ABCO Desert Markets, a leading food and experience in the oil and gas industry. In 1993, Christopher D. Damico drug retailer located in Arizona, as well as Archer founded Multi-Chem Group. In 2011, Damico was born and raised in Pennsylvania president and CEO of Carr Gottstein Foods Co. he established the James B. & Lois R. Archer and began his career in New York with Swiss He lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to Bank in 1988, focusing on leveraged corporate nonprofit organizations, including MD Anderson, finance. In 1992, he was transferred to London Ebru Ozdemir and currently serves as chairman of the board. where he extended his banking experience Ozdemir is the founder and chairperson He lives in San Angelo, Texas. into mergers and acquisitions and high yield. of Limak Investments, the investment arm In 1998, Damico joined Morgan Stanley and of Limak Group Companies, whose portfolio Alan R. Batkin was promoted to managing director in 2000. includes airports, ports, energy generation, Batkin is the chairman and CEO of Converse He resides in Pacific Palisades, California. distribution and trading assets. She received Associates Inc., a strategic advisory firm. her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering From March 2007 to December 2012, he Douglas R. (Doug) Deason from Bogazici University and her master’s served as vice chairman of Eton Park Capital Deason serves as president of Deason Capital in international business and finance from Management L.P., a global, multidisciplinary Services LLC (DCS), managing family assets, Fordham University. She resides in Istanbul, investment firm. From 1990 to 2007, he was including a large holding of Xerox Corporation Turkey. vice chairman of Kissinger Associates Inc., a shares, municipal bonds, a majority holding in geopolitical consulting company that advises FUNimation Entertainment and 1200 Media, a allison schaffer

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 3 DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE He’ll save you money and then some Mattress Mack donates $500,000 to cancer research

BY ALLISON SCHAFFER

conic Houston businessman Jim McIngvale lives for his family and his work. “I started Gallery Furniture in 1981. We’re stillI at it 35 years later,” he says. “We have fun every day taking care of customers and trying to benefit the community.” Better known as “Mattress Mack,” McIngvale opened Gallery Furniture, now a major retailer, with just $5,000. After he crafted the signature tag line — “Gallery Furniture will save you money!” — business began to boom. Today, Gallery Furniture has expanded to three stores and includes a gigantic furniture warehouse. Yet one thing has remained the same throughout the years — McIngvale’s passion for giving back. Recently, he made a $500,000 gift to MD Anderson. “I first heard about MD Anderson while playing football for The University of Texas. Freddie Steinmark went there in 1969,” McIngvale recalls. “It was clear that MD Anderson was a very special place.” He credits the institution and John Stroehlein, M.D., chair ad interim, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, for giving him more time with his father. “My father was diagnosed with liver cancer,” says McIngvale. “Dr. Stroehlein, along with Dr. Papadopoulos, helped him live an extra 20 years.” Over the years, McIngvale and Stroehlein have grown even closer, with Stroehlein treating many Gallery Furniture employees and even “Mattress Mack” himself. McIngvale’s gift will support two unique studies led by Stroehlein. The first clinical “MD Anderson is trial aims to understand the efficacy of domperidone, a drug used to relieve nausea. The second study dedicated to patients focuses on MD Anderson’s geriatric population. “Jim’s generosity knows no bounds,” says and to improvements in Stroehlein. “His compassion for helping others, health care. That’s what whether they be his own employees or complete strangers, will have an impact on cancer patients Houston is all about worldwide for years to come.” MD Anderson saves lives every day, says — helping people and McIngvale. “I’m happy to support Dr. Stroehlein and his work improving people’s lives.” because this institution is dedicated to patients and ­JIM MCINGVALE to improvements in health care,” he says. “That’s what Houston is all about — helping people and

improving people’s lives.” III ADOLFO CHAVEZ

4 PROMISE FALL 2016 A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER’S M.D. Anderson Foundation funds neurodegeneration research

BY ALLISON SCHAFFER

imilar in name, MD Anderson and the M.D. Anderson Jim Ray, Ph.D. Foundation have nothing yet everything to do with each other. “There’s no direct connection between the foundation andS the cancer center,” says Charles Hall, a senior tax practitioner at Norton Rose Fulbright and president of the M.D. Anderson Foundation. “We started the Texas Medical Center and were instrumental in getting the cancer center here.” Monroe Dunaway Anderson created the foundation in 1936 with $300,000. After his death, it received an additional $19 million. “(The trustees) read that the Legislature was looking to appropriate $500,000 for a cancer center,” says Hall. “They said, ‘If you put it in Houston and name it MD Anderson, we’ll match the $500,000.’ ” The M.D. Anderson Foundation recently gave $250,000 to another burgeoning initiative, the Neurodegeneration Consortium (NDC). “The NDC is a collaboration among MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Whitehead Institute,” explains Jim Ray, Ph.D., the NDC’s head of research. “We’re looking for ways to prevent brain disease, like

Alzheimer’s, because there’s no cure. By combining the expertise III ADOLFO CHAVEZ at MD Anderson with leaders in neurology at MIT, the Whitehead Institute and Baylor, we’re hoping to find some treatments.” The foundation’s support is intended to do just that for the NDC. Hall’s family has been affected by both cancer and Alzheimer’s, so “The gift has allowed us to bring together people with different supporting the NDC seemed a natural fit. backgrounds and different research interests,” says Ray. “Now, they’re “What we’re always looking to provide is seed money to help spark working together with a single purpose. Thanks to the M.D. Anderson something small that can grow into something bigger,” says Hall. Foundation, we’ll be able to test our first possible drug this year.”

“The gift has allowed us to bring together people with different backgrounds and different research interests. Now, they’re working together with a single purpose.” —JIM RAY, Ph.D.

GIVING A BAER HUG after they arrived in Houston, so Kelly Hunt, M.D., chair of Breast TO MD ANDERSON Surgical Oncology, offered to come Floridians Elaine and Bobby Baer in on her day off to do the surgery. show their gratitude “Dr. Hunt understood our situation, and we can’t tell you BY LESLIE FRIEDMAN how much that meant to us,” says hen Elaine Baer of Fort Lauderdale, Bobby. “There’s no place better than Florida, was told a routine MD Anderson to be treated, cared mammogram showed stage I for and taken care of.” breast cancer, her doctor suggested a biopsy, Hunt removed 22 malignant Bobby and Elaine Baer

W COURTESY OF ELAINE BAER which revealed cancer in her lymph nodes. lymph nodes, then scheduled Now facing stage III breast cancer, Elaine and chemotherapy and radiation. staff, the Baers made a $50,000 donation to her husband, Bobby, asked the doctor where Wendy Woodward, M.D., associate professor, MD Anderson to support inflammatory breast they should turn for the best care possible. He Radiation Oncology, oversaw her radiation cancer (IBC) research. suggested they go to MD Anderson. treatment. “IBC is a rare disease that accounts for “The treatment process was unbelievable,” “I felt like I was at the best place in the world almost 10% of breast cancer mortality, and gifts says Bobby. “Everyone was so compassionate. for my treatment and was 100% confident that like the Baers’ are incredibly impactful to a rare From the technicians to the nurses and doctors I’d get better,” says Elaine, who made it to her disease program like IBC,” says Woodward. to everyone in the operating room, it was a grandson’s wedding. “It can be hard to get support for rare diseases total team package.” Forever grateful to Hunt, Woodward and the even when the impact is so dramatic. Gifts like Their grandson’s wedding was the month entire team of doctors, nurses, technicians and these are really making a difference.”

“I felt like I was at the best place in the world for my treatment and was 100% confident that I’d get better.” —ELAINE BAER

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 5 MOON SHOT MOMENTUM

Results-oriented, patient-driven About the MOON SHOTS PROGRAM

Colorectal Cancer Launched in 2012, MD Anderson’s Moon Shots 13 AREAS OF FOCUS: MOON SHOT Program™ is a comprehensive initiative to • Acute myeloid leukemia/ significantly reduce cancer deaths and transform myelodysplastic syndromes Podcast at http://bit.ly/2ddWzSX cancer care. Moon shot teams pursue innovative • B-cell lymphoma LEADERSHIP projects prioritized for greatest patient impact, • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia • Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, and specialized platforms provide infrastructure, • Colorectal cancer Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology systems and strategy. Moon shot efforts will help • Glioblastoma • Stanley R. Hamilton, M.D., division head, support all other cancer research at MD Anderson. • High-grade serous ovarian cancer Pathology/Laboratory Medicine Funding is from private philanthropy, institutional • High-risk multiple myeloma • Ernest T. Hawk, M.D., vice president and division earnings, competitive research grants and • Human papillomavirus-related head, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences commercialization of new discoveries. The White cancers House Cancer Moonshot, led by Vice President • Melanoma Colorectal cancer is the third most common Joe Biden (see page 10), aligns with the program cancer among men and women in the United • Lung cancer to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer. States and is the second leading cause of • Pancreatic cancer cancer death worldwide. In recent years, there • Prostate cancer As of Oct. 31, private philanthropic commitments has been an alarming increase in deaths among • Triple-negative breast cancer to the program total $400 million. adults under age 40. GOALS • Reduce colon cancer deaths by 30% over the MY MOON SHOT next 10 years • Conduct research in early detection and prevention, molecular research and clinical AMY SCARBROUGH, of Fayetteville, applications, and immunotherapy Arkansas, is a loving mother and a three- year survivor of colorectal cancer (CRC). Early detection through new blood-based screening test, replacing colonoscopy: On Dec. 16, 2013, an emergency Researchers have identified two protein surgery revealed I had stage IV colon biomarkers in the blood that potentially can cancer. I was 49, in complete shock warn doctors and patients about early cellular and still processing the gravity of changes that precede cancer development. the diagnosis. It was a very difficult The team is working to discover more of these Christmas, one that could have potentially markers and will validate those with highest Amy and Troy been our family’s last together. As I Scarbrough potential before testing them in patients. recuperated at home, a story came on TV

New classification and treatment of COURTESY OF AMY SCARBROUGH about an experimental treatment using colorectal cancer using integromics: the immune system to directly battle CRC. This involves looking at the RNA, miRNA, give hope to other CRC patients. As an The patients’ amazing responses gave me methylation, non-coding RNA, histone added blessing, this immunotherapy has not much needed hope. and microbiome profile of a malignancy to included the side effects that came along Family and friends urged me to seek categorize by subtype and thus improve with chemotherapy. help at MD Anderson. But my cancer targeted treatment. The ATTACC2 clinical trial Because of the commitment, hard work continued to metastasize, after three is based on this classification of four new and innovation that Dr. Overman and his major surgeries and three chemotherapy major subgroups of colorectal cancer, each team have invested in CRC research, protocols. Dr. Christopher Garrett being treated with new drug combinations. One there is a lot of hope on the horizon. These suggested I consider participating in an subgroup is being treated with the new OXPHOS breakthroughs are helping achieve the immunotherapy trial that could possibly inhibitor developed at MD Anderson’s Institute Moon Shots Program’s goal of reducing result in a new targeted therapy for colon for Applied Cancer Science. CRC deaths by 30% in 10 years. cancer. Christine Fark, a research nurse, Immunotherapy trials: The team is evaluating As the Moon Shots Program focuses on called me on Dec. 19, 2014, to tell us they whether it is possible to improve patient immunotherapy and clinical applications, had an opening. outcomes by using immunotherapy medications molecular research, early detection and After beginning the trial, I received the before surgery. Advances are being made prevention, the advances being made now fantastic news that nivolumab, a checkpoint toward a personalized cancer “vaccine” to have meaningful benefits for those affected inhibitor immunotherapy, was enabling my boost the immune system, developed with tissue by CRC. immune system to recognize and attack my from the patient’s tumor. cancer. This groundbreaking research of Scarbrough family blog: Genetic testing and counseling for young my oncologist, Dr. Michael Overman, and hebindsuptheirwounds.wordpress.com adults: A third of colorectal cancers diagnosed his team, is making colon cancer history Video interview: https://vimeo. before age 35 are hereditary. MD Anderson that will save or extend lives like mine and com/169560313 offers genetic testing to find mutations that could cause a hereditary syndrome leading to colorectal cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or Contact us at [email protected] and tell us why WHAT’S YOUR MOON SHOT? MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program is important to you. familial adenomatous polyposis.

6 PROMISE FALL 2016 A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON FEATURE

CELEBRATING

75OF MAKING YEARS CANCER HISTORY®

COMPILED BY ALLISON SCHAFFER Known for its trademark glimmering pink marble buildings, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is often described as the “crown jewel” of the Texas Medical Center. The Texas Legislature created MD Anderson in 1941 as a part of The University of Texas System.

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 7 .

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. D BLVD BRAESWOO The M.D. Anderson Foundation matched state funds to build a cancer hospital (see page 5) and bought the former estate of Capt. James A. Baker, grandfather of James A. Baker, III, as temporary quarters for the fledgling cancer hospital and research institute. Today MD Anderson is the largest freestanding cancer center in the world. MD Anderson was quite literally built on a NAMED IN 1999 foundation of philanthropy. Thanks to the kindness Includes floors 1-12 of the main building tower and MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital of countless donors and those listed on the next Dedicated in recognition of the Albert and Margaret page, the campus grew steadily throughout its 75- Alkek Foundation’s generosity to MD Anderson year history and it continues to grow.

Video: 75 Years in 75 Seconds http://bit.ly/2foRIgM

8 PROMISE FALL 2016 A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON BUILDIN LLIE A . NES G NG LI . JO E O DI ND HN V J IL A S A T . T BU G O R E . N E G L M B N . E E N U T T S L B I R O L I D IN E H M IL B I N T I V N N G G A U A F R P L D A T N I P

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The epicenter of cancer prevention Home to MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Provides laboratory space for faculty and staff Graduate School and dozens of laboratories Dedicated in recognition of the Dan L. Duncan Dedicated in honor of R.E. “Bob” Smith in family’s generosity to MD Anderson Dedicated in recognition of George and Cynthia recognition of Vivian L. Smith’s generosity Mitchell’s generosity to MD Anderson to MD Anderson

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Outpatient services clinics Houses faculty and departmental staff offices, Includes laboratories and offices designed to integrate the Education Center and the Research delivery of basic and clinical research and includes some Dedicated in recognition of Lowry and Peggy Medical Library of MD Anderson’s newest laboratories and offices Mays’ generosity to MD Anderson Dedicated in recognition of T. Boone Pickens’ Dedicated in recognition of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al generosity to MD Anderson Nahyan Foundation’s generosity to MD Anderson

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 9 MD Anderson’s 75th anniversary gala on Nov. 10 raised $14 million and drew 2,000 guests for a star-studded dinner and remarks by UT System Chancellor Bill McRaven; James A. Baker, III; Craig Sager; the Cogdill family; and Vice President Joe Biden, leader of the White House Cancer Moonshot.

FCS PHOTOS

Bob Schieffer and Gerald McRaney, masters of ceremonies

Ronald DePinho, M.D.; Jill Biden, Ph.D.; Vice President Joe Biden; and W.K. AlfredYung, M.D., at the announcement of the Beau Biden Chair for Brain Cancer Research

Beth Gibbens, Mark and Elizabeth Epley, Laurie and Pierre Lapeyre

Casey, AnnMarie and Mark Cogdill as Ty Cogdill reads a letter of gratitude

Ronald DePinho, M.D., and guests applauding former President George H.W. Bush.

Reba McEntire

Tom Johnson and Wayne Gibbens

UT System Chancellor Bill McRaven and Pete Coneway

10 PROMISE FALL 2016 A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON Muzaffar Qazilbash, M.D.; Craig Sager; Naveen Pemmaraju, M.D.

UT System Executive Vice Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, with Chancellor for Health Affairs Ronald DePinho, M.D., declaring Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. MD Anderson Cancer Center Week

Joan Schnitzer Levy, Melvyn Wolff, Shirley Toomim, Sheridan Williams, Cyvia Wolff

James A. Baker, III David and Estela Cockrell

Anne Mendelsohn, Lyda Hill, Nancy Lewis

Nancy and Rich Kinder This temporary structure underwritten by Cooper University Health Care was the scene of a week of events celebrating MD Anderson’s 75th anniversary.

Nancy Loeffler, Donna and Herb Weitzman Lance and Ashley Loeffler

Tom and DonNell Rushing, Stephanie and Rusty Linkous

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 11 AMONG FRIENDS

GETTING TO KNOW Jim Mulva BY SARAH WATSON

Jim Mulva began his two-year term as chair of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors on Sept. 1. Mulva was CEO of ConocoPhillips from 2002 until he retired in 2012. He began his energy career at Phillips Petroleum in 1973. Mulva and his wife of 47 years, Miriam, are members of the Anderson Assembly, an organization honoring donors who have made lifetime commitments of $1 million or more to MD Anderson. The Miriam and Jim Mulva Conference Center at MD Anderson is named in recognition of their $5 million Jim Mulva gift to support melanoma research. III ADOLFO CHAVEZ Born: Oshkosh, Wisconsin What are your goals as BOV chair? UT System and MD Anderson’s special place Grew up: Green Bay, Wisconsin The institution and the BOV have been in it. I was proud to say that the UT System Resides: Austin, Texas and Green Bay, Wisconsin incredibly successful. Accordingly, it had the best cancer research hospital in Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration and is important to continue our successful the world. Of most importance to our family, Master of Business Administration, BOV model and do all we can to support MD Anderson treated our son’s melanoma The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School MD Anderson through our philanthropic cancer. It is important to give back, and when of Business support and advice. The role of our BOV is Harry Longwell asked me to succeed him as Military Service: advisory in nature. It is important to look for chair of the Clinical Operations Committee Navy ROTC University of Texas; U.S. Navy 1969-73 (lieutenant, Bahrain Island, Arabian Gulf, and Navy opportunities to make our BOV even more while he successfully chaired the recent Finance Center, Cleveland, Ohio) relevant in helping Dr. DePinho and his team capital campaign, I accepted. I learned a great Career Base: Bartlesville, Oklahoma; London; meet the challenges of cancer and take deal, working with Dr. Tom Burke, and better Houston advantage of opportunities to maintain our understood the uniqueness and commitment of Board of Visitors Service (since 2003): position as the No. 1 institution for cancer the entire MD Anderson team. BOV chair (current) research and patient care. Chair Elect (2014-2016) How do you like to spend your spare time? Vice Chair (2012-2014) What was one of your best career moves? In many ways it doesn’t seem as if I have Officers Committee (2014-present) Moving to Phillips Petroleum to start a nearly retired. I spend a great deal of time on public Executive Committee (2014) 40-year career in the oil and gas industry. company boards and charitable initiatives. Membership and Board Development Committee Phillips gave me the opportunity to grow in I enjoy this and as it’s said, “You stay young (2014) Industry Initiative Energy Committee (2013) an industry that is noble and vitally important by keeping your mind in the game.” I do have Chair, Clinical Operations Advisory Group (2009) to economic growth and improving living some spare time, and I like flying airplanes and standards. I was able to travel and better maybe some golf, although the golf is more an appreciate what is so special about the U.S. aspiration at this point. Many retired people What’s most important in life? like to travel. This is not particularly high on First, my faith. Second is family and friends. And Why become an MD Anderson advocate? my list due to the many years of travel when third is to try to give back, as we all know how Being a UT Austin graduate, I was aware of the working in the oil industry. blessed we have been.

SPOTLIGHT

Mark Rolfing, with wife, Debi, at PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT myCancerConnection’s annual Survivorship Conference, where Survivor Mark Rolfing applies golf wisdom to cancer they were interviewed by Fox 26’s Melissa Wilson BY SARAH WATSON

ancer survivor Mark Rolfing, a longtime impeccable,” says NBC Sports/Golf Channel analyst, Rolfing. likens cancer treatment to a successful In August 2015, golfC shot: “It’s all about planning and execution.” Rolfing, of Maui, As guest speaker at this year’s Making Cancer Hawaii, faced a History® Seminar in Atlanta (see page 13), potentially career- Rolfing reflected on the treatment he received at ending diagnosis

MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center (PTC) of stage IV salivary NICK DE LA TORRE/FCS PHOTOS under the direction of Steven Frank, M.D., gland cancer. He took therapy treatment at MD Anderson. By January professor, Radiation Oncology, and PTC a leave of absence for surgery at the University 2016, he was back on the job at the PGA TOUR’s medical director. of Chicago to remove the rare malignancy from Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui. “The planning was perfect. The execution was his left cheek area, to be followed by proton Frank’s treatment plan specified 33 proton

12 PROMISE FALL 2016 A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS OF MD ANDERSON Wayne Gibbens and his wife, Beth, cancer survivor SURVIVORS SAY Wayne Gibbens has been a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) since 1981. He and his wife, Beth, live in Middleburg, Virginia.

n the late fall of 1962, life was amazingly good for Beth and me. She was 23 years old and held a coveted position teaching high school English and journalism inI the Austin public school system. I was 26, serving my second term as a member of the Texas Legislature. We were euphorically in love, became engaged and set a wedding date for June 1963. Weeks later, our dreams were shattered with the crushing diagnosis that Beth had “terminal” cancer — melanoma. We were told,

‘Beth will not likely live until June,’ a mere six months away. GIBBENS PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETH AND WAYNE We felt like we had been hit by a truck, utterly devastated,

heads spinning, searching for hope and grasping for help. Mark, Sam, Elizabeth From my work in the Legislature, I knew of MD Anderson. and John Epley Beth’s mother and I made arrangements to get Beth to MD Anderson immediately. Dr. Lee Clark was waiting curbside for us when we arrived at the hospital. At that time, the hospital consisted of but a single, small, beautiful pink granite building. Dr. Clark opened the car door and took Beth’s hand, and we walked into the hospital, where Beth remained for months. We spent our engagement with Beth at MD Anderson and me in Austin, commuting to Houston on weekends and as many weeknights as possible. Dr. Clark was amazing. Little wonder he is referred to as the ‘legendary Dr. Lee Clark.’ He was our inspiration, our ‘rock.’ From that beginning, he became our treasured friend. The entire decent people who, through the years, enrich life. MD Anderson team was loving, caring, supportive and dedicated. Fifty-three years later, Beth and I are still happily married, and While the diagnosis that we were given in Austin seemed to be grateful beyond description for God’s blessings. While it was correct, the odds were defied and Beth was released a couple of considered unlikely that Beth could have children, odds again weeks before our June wedding date. We married as planned. were defied and we have a precious daughter, Elizabeth Epley, now A tough beginning. But this story is ultimately a happy one. an active and productive BOV member, with a special interest in Strong relationships are often forged in adversity. From coping with pediatric cancer. Elizabeth and her husband Mark have given us two adversity comes strength, perspective and appreciation of what really matters — life itself, each other, family, friends and the good, Continued on page 15

therapy procedures. Thanks to thorough planning upfront, only 31 were necessary. MAKING CANCER HISTORY® IN ATLANTA After the treatment, recalls Rolfing, Frank’s Approximately 100 supporters and cancer survivors attended MD Anderson’s second assistant said, “We’ll see you in 10 weeks.” annual Making Cancer History® Seminar in Atlanta, Sept. 21 in Buckhead. Among the Rolfing and his wife, Debi, who had guests were MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors members Walter Driver relocated from Maui to Houston for two and Rabbi Alvin Sugarman and Advance Team member Kasey Asarch. On hand to discuss months for the treatments, headed home, recent treatment, research, prevention and education strategies advanced by the returning to MD Anderson in January for new Moon Shots Program™: scans. They were incredulous to receive the Steven Frank, M.D., professor, Radiation Jeffrey Gershenwald, M.D., professor, best news: NED (no evidence of disease). Oncology; medical director, MD Anderson’s Surgical Oncology and Cancer Biology; “It didn’t seem possible. We went back Proton Therapy Center medical director, Melanoma and Skin in April, and again, NED. Three weeks ago, Center; co-leader, Melanoma Moon Shot NED. That couldn’t have happened anywhere Joxel Garcia, M.D., executive director, else but at MD Anderson,” he says. cancer prevention and control platform; William Wierda, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Moon Shots Program’s leadership team Leukemia; co-leader, Chronic Lymphocytic member Leukemia Moon Shot Video: youtube.com/MDAnderson

LEARN MORE AT mdanderson.org/gifts 13 14 PROMISE FALL14 2016 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MARGOUILLATPHOTOS prevention, with most the dedicated doctors.” years,the I’ve it grow seen and flourish becomeand in aleader research,treatment and Regina’swhen brother with thyroid was diagnosed cancer. program coordinator, Dermatology. professor, Infectious Infection Diseases, Control and Employee Health; and Spears, Betty Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., professor, Roy Behavioral Science; Chemaly, M.D., We’re proud of part to mission the be to end cancer.” Karam-Hage. “It stimulates me and our team to continue our efforts insmoking cessation. BY LESLIEFRIEDMAN Educator, clinician andresearcherhelpsadvancetobaccocessation EXCELLENCE IN CANCER PREVENTION 2016 ROGERS AWARD HONORS PHILANTHROPY M.D. Maher Karam-Hage, “It’s to gratifying have been a56-year relationship with MDAnderson,” she says. “Over The award Rogersthe signifies family’s relationship MD with Anderson, dating to1960, Four finalists Banureceived $1,500: M.D., Arun, professor, Breast Oncology; Medical “Winning award this humbling, is so and Iappreciate and thank Ms.Rogers for it,” says F BY LESLIEFRIEDMAN Emily’s grandfather, Herb Weitzman, succumbing in2009. to disease the at MD Anderson for nine years before Weitzman, was who asarcoma patient honor of her late grandmother, Genie in chose MD Anderson as beneficiary along with color photos of each. She contains 53recipes of delectable goodies, Emily’s own “Baked collection, by Emily” proceedsthe to MDAnderson. creating and cookbook donating adesserts she dedicated her bat mitzvah project to it was atSo no when, surprise age 13, Drawing from relatives, and friends of Dallas hasof always Dallas loved to bake. breads, pies Emily to Caplan tarts, rom brownies to c cookies, IN ACTION award in1987honor of her parents. Center of Board Visitors member since established 1990,who the DePinho, M.D., and Rogers, Regina an MDAnderson Cancer September.event The was led by MD Anderson PresidentRonald free, received $15,000and certificate aframed at aceremony in Rogers Award for Excellence, now inits year. 30th Tobacco Treatment Program, is recipient the of Julie the and Ben Psychiatry, and associate director medical of MDAnderson’s Maher Karam-Hage, M.D., professor, and Behavioral Science Karam-Hage, has who helped thousands become smoke- akes to Teenage baker makes

and new drugs, we think MD Anderson weand think drugs, new MD Anderson. of $1,500,or 50books. surpassing Emily’s350 books, goal original Facebook, jumped sales to more than Through expect. word of mouth and ordered unsure 100books, of what to ofthrough sale my the cookbooks.” to her good thatso Iwanted to give back honor,” says Emily. “MD Anderson was Visitors since 2007. MD Anderson Cancer Center of Board amember of has of been the also Dallas, “Through new trials, new new researchtrials, new “Through Michelle says family the is grateful to Emily and her mom, Michelle, first book is in grandmother’smy “This sweet donation Emily Caplan raises $10,000 through cookbook sales cookbook through Caplan raises $10,000 Emily from acookbookinspired by thecare Emily Caplan, 13, prepares arecipe her grandmother received at MD Anderson.

Proceeds will support MD Anderson’s missionto endcancer. survivors, families andfriends andraised more than$905,000. to “give cancertheboot,” drew approximately 7,000 cancer The inaugural Boot Walk to EndCancer™, a1.2-mile walk MD Anderson toward cancer research. and making a$10,000donation to ofall checks the for her $30cookbook, elongated my mother’s life,” she says. Emily says feeling best the was adding A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDSOFMD ANDERSON

COURTESY OF MICHELLE CAPLAN

NICK DE LA TORRE/FCS PHOTOS Continued from page 13

SURVIVORS SAY Living Legend luncheon in Dallas honors WAYNE GIBBENS ‘father of aerobics’ Annual event raises more than $730,000 for MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program™

BY SARAH WATSON After Beth’s release from MD Anderson, xercise the couple wed in your brain. Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D. June 1963. Socialize. AvoidE inactivity. Sleep extraordinary grandsons, Sam and John. at least seven hours MD Anderson is an important part a night. Eat plenty of of our lives, individually and as families fruits and vegetables. — Gibbens and Epley. Nominated to the Kenneth H. Cooper, BOV by my longtime friend Larry Temple, M.D., shared these I serve on the Executive Committee and and other nuggets have chaired others over the years. Beth of healthful advice and I have chaired several significant with MD Anderson MD Anderson events, among them the supporters from the institution’s first event in our nation’s Dallas-Fort Worth capital, A Conversation With Sissy Spacek, area at the Sept. 28 A with Bob Schieffer interviewing. Other Conversation With events followed, with our constant friend a Living Legend® at and supporter Bob Schieffer, along with the Hilton Anatole. others such as Harry Belafonte and Tom The 85-year-old Hanks. Teamed with our great friends “father of aerobics” Edwina and Tom Johnson (a BOV and pioneer in member from Atlanta), we’ve chaired preventive medicine A Conversation With a Living Legend® was engaged and events at the Kennedy Center with the energetic throughout participation of such fighters-of-cancer as an onstage interview Jim Baker, Colin Powell, Bill Clinton, Tom led by the Honorable Brokaw and, of course, Bob Schieffer. Jeanne Phillips, senior The connection to MD Anderson that vice president for Beth and I share now spans a period Corporate Affairs of time greater than two-thirds of the and International institution’s existence. Relations for Hunt Beginning with Dr. Clark, it’s been

Consolidated Inc. COURTESY OF THE COOPER INSTITUTE a privilege to have as friends the and president of Hunt MD Anderson presidents and their wives: Global Partnerships. In 1968, Cooper coined the word “aerobics,” Mickey and Andi LeMaistre, John and Under the direction of event chairs Beverly prompting an international physical fitness Anne Mendelsohn and Ron DePinho and and Robert Nichols, the luncheon raised more movement. He is chairman of seven health Lynda Chin. than $730,000 for MD Anderson’s Moon Shots and wellness companies and The Cooper MD Anderson is the best in the world! It Program. Presenting sponsors were Andrews Institute, a research and education nonprofit, is made so by the dedicated and wondrous Distributing and Lyda Hill. with a second aerobics center at Craig Ranch people who work at every level, bottom In addition to the “conversation,” guests in McKinney, Texas. to top. It is a place of hope and heroism. were treated to a video greeting from Cooper’s Since the event originated in 1990, All who come are the beneficiaries of the longtime friend, veteran broadcast journalist A Conversation With a Living Legend® heroic work of the MD Anderson team Tom Brokaw, and compelling remarks by in North Texas has raised more than of doctors, scientists, volunteers and MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of $16.18 million for MD Anderson. Including employees at every level. We are, together, Visitors member Tom Rushing, of Houston, a the Dallas-Fort Worth area funds raised, this Making Cancer History®. pancreatic cancer survivor who thanked the successful format has generated more than honoree and his colleagues at The Cooper $33.8 million through events in Washington, Promise invites cancer survivors to share their Clinic for the early detection that led to his D.C.; Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlanta, Georgia; reflections. Email [email protected]. diagnosis eight years ago. Houston; and San Antonio.

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The carefree days of summer are anything but for Lily Deagan, 11, and Lucy Keith, 10, of Victoria, Texas. The two friends who share a love of sports and a passion for helping others decided to open a lemonade stand this past summer. The goal? Raise money for cancer research. In a few hours, the girls raised $220 for breast cancer research at MD Anderson, a place they say is near and dear to their hearts. LILY DEAGAN Lucy Keith, left, and Lucy and I were trying to raise money for a good Lily Deagan, serve cause. Since people in both of our families have had up lemonade and smiles for cancer cancer — many of my family members have died from research. it and some are still suffering — we decided that we wanted to do a lemonade stand and donate all of the money to MD Anderson for cancer research. I want to be a part of helping find a cure for cancer, too. Lucy and I want to try to help find a cure to save people’s lives. With this money, I hope MD Anderson can find a cure.

LUCY KEITH My mom had breast cancer and was treated at

MD Anderson. She is doing great because of all the COURTESY OF MICHELLE DEAGAN doctors there. When we decided to do a lemonade everyone at MD Anderson — thank you for what you do. My stand this summer, we knew we wanted to raise money for mom is doing great because of you. And to all the patients MD Anderson. I really hope they find a cure for cancer. To still there — keep fighting.

DO YOU PROMISE? Tell us why you’re committed to Making Cancer History® by sending an email to promise@ mdanderson.org.