SpRING 2011 PROMISE A publication for friends of MD Anderson

Donors Make a Difference: Largest Gift in Institution’s History

Among Friends: James A. Baker, III

MD Anderson Celebrates 70th Anniversary and a Winning Team: Anne and John Mendelsohn A pioneer in personalized cancer therapies, John Mendelsohn, M.D., sets his sights on a new role as he returns to the research he began 30 years ago. Photo by F. Carter Smith A Passion for Making Cancer History ®

MD Anderson’s third president will step down that’s attached to the epidermal growth factor receptor to inhibit cancer cell growth. But after to resume personalized cancer therapy research our first publication I received strong grant support from the National Cancer Institute.” By Laura Harvey “The dream we all share is that Mendelsohn’s most proud that the institution has lived by a vision statement o John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of five years from now attacking crafted at the onset of his tenure: T MD Anderson, Making Cancer History® the products of the genes that “We shall be the premier cancer center is more than a mission or a marketing tagline. cause cancer will be standard in the world based on the excellence of our It’s been his focus for 15 years, as he’s led therapy for all cancer patients.” people, our research-driven patient care and MD Anderson to quadruple in budget, our science.” triple in space and double in patients served — John Mendelsohn, M.D. As a result, Mendelsohn says, the world and work force, thanks in no small part to recognizes MD Anderson as the premier philanthropic support that’s increased almost hospital for cancer care. tenfold under his tenure. all cancer patients,” he says. “MD Anderson “I believe MD Anderson, more than Now, as he begins the next chapter of his is carrying out innovative studies that any other institution, sets the standard career, Mendelsohn is eager to bring new will prove to the world that this is the right today,” he says. “I’m very proud of our meaning to the phrase. way to treat cancer.” growth in knowledge and in the ability to Mendelsohn is preparing to step down provide better care for cancer patients. The as president and return to the clinical and A pioneer in targeted therapy numbers are astounding. Philanthropy has translational research that he started 30 years increased tremendously. We continue to ago. In fall 2011, after a new president is in Mendelsohn says he’s excited to be able be the No. 1 recipient of grants and grant place, Mendelsohn will co-direct the new to return to the process of designing, dollars from the National Cancer Institute. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute developing and studying therapies that The amount of revenues we contribute to for Personalized Cancer Therapy with Gordon target the abnormal genes and gene products research has increased, as have our contracts Mills, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Systems Biology detected in each patient’s cancer. with pharmaceutical companies, more than (see related story on page 7). “When I began this research in 1980, it doubling the number of patients we place on “The dream we all share is that five years was an outlier,” says Mendelsohn. “My first clinical trials each year.” from now attacking the products of the genes grant was turned down when we proposed we that cause cancer will be standard therapy for could block the activity of the tyrosine kinase Video: www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com

2 Promise spring 2011 A publication for friends of MD Anderson A Message From John Mendelsohn, M.D.

As MD Anderson leads the effort to develop and offer truly personalized cancer medicine, I reflect on my own initial research in the field, beginning in 1980 working with Gordon Sato, Ph.D., at the University of California-San Diego. Our premise was that if we could block the activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, we might be able to inhibit cancer cell growth. Interrupting the signaling from a growth

F rom left, clockwise: T. Boone Pickens, left, and John Mendelsohn, M.D., tour the academic tower that now bears Pickens’ factor receptor and a cancer-causing name in honor of his 2007 $50 million gift to MD Anderson. The George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research oncogene was a novel idea then. Today it is Building houses state-of-the-art research facilities made possible by a $20 million gift from the Mitchell family in 2001. the basis for much of personalizing cancer Charline McCombs, Mendelsohn and Red McCombs address a gathering of supporters at the 2005 dedication of the Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, honoring the McCombs family’s care: determining the genetic aberrations $30 million gift. The Lowry and Peggy Mays Clinic pays tribute to the Mays’ 2005 $20 million gift to MD Anderson’s South of each patient’s tumor and prescribing Campus Research Initiative. Photos by John Everett and F. Carter Smith therapy that targets the gene products functioning abnormally in that individual’s tumor. Successful trials at MD Anderson Milestones With Mendelsohn and elsewhere already have demonstrated the efficacy of this approach. During the By Laura Harvey • Developed the Red and Charline past 30 years, scientists have identified McCombs Institute for the Early Detection hundreds of targets, and there are more uring the tenure of John Mendelsohn, and Treatment of Cancer to explore than 800 experimental drugs and biologics D M.D., as president, MD Anderson has: new approaches for translating scientific in the pipeline designed to attack them. • Increased private philanthropy to more discoveries into improved treatments and Soon I will be working with Gordon than $175 million annually. built five new facilities on the South Campus. Mills, M.D., Ph.D., as we co-direct the • Launched the institution’s largest • Created the Duncan Family Institute Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan fundraising campaign, Making Cancer for Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy. History®: The Campaign to Transform Cancer in the new Dan L. Duncan Building to find We are confident that personalized Care, reaching the original $1 billion mark ways to predict and reduce cancer risk at the cancer therapy will one day be standard more than two years ahead of schedule and genetic, population and behavioral levels, practice for every patient. Until then, increasing the goal to $1.2 billion under and to explore health disparities and ways of important and costly research must the leadership of Harry Longwell and The improving health care delivery. continue. I am grateful for the generosity University Cancer Foundation Board of • Greatly expanded the nation’s largest of all who support our vision for the future Visitors with its approximately 250 members. clinical trials program for experimental of cancer care. Together, we are Making • Expanded clinical care activities by cancer therapies, with nearly 10,000 Cancer History®. opening the Lowry and Peggy Mays Clinic; registrants participating annually. a 320-bed, nine-floor addition above the • Expanded degree-granting programs, Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital; awarding bachelor’s degrees and certificates PROMISE

the Faculty Center and the T. Boone Pickens in allied health disciplines and jointly John Mendelsohn, M.D. Kellye B. Sanford Academic Tower; the Proton Therapy Center; awarding Ph.D.s in biomedical sciences PRESIDENT DESIGNER Patrick B. Mulvey Michelle Moore and a 126-room expansion to the Jesse H. with The University of Texas Health Science VICE PRESIDENT Dawn Dorsey Jones Rotary House International hotel. Center at Houston. FOR DEVELOPMENT Sara Farris Laura Harvey Stephen C. Stuyck Gail Goodwin • Opened the George and Cynthia • Earned more competitive research VICE PRESIDENT Contributing WriterS Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building, grants and grant dollars from the National FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS The University of Texas which houses nearly 70 laboratories Cancer Institute than any other U.S. cancer Sarah Watson PROGRAM MANAGER, MD Anderson Cancer Center studying molecular genetics, epidemiology, center or university. EDITOR Development Office - Unit 705 P.O. Box 301439 biochemistry, molecular biology and brain • Built a worldwide collaborative DeDe DeStefano Houston, TX 77230-1439 DIRECTOR OF 713-792-3450 • 800-525-5841 cancer research. network of more than 20 sister institutions EXTERNAL www.mdanderson.org/gifts • Promoted growth, excellence and and opened collaborative clinical programs COMMUNICATIONS [email protected] collaboration in research by organizing bearing MD Anderson’s name in the greater On the cover: Anne and John Mendelsohn are honored at the celebration of MD Anderson’s five new institutes, each uniting academic Houston area; Orlando, Fla.; Madrid, Spain; 70th anniversary May 5 at Minute Maid Park. departments and centers of excellence Albuquerque, N.M.; Istanbul, Turkey; and Photo by F. Carter Smith sharing multidisciplinary research objectives. Gilbert, Ariz. (September 2011). This publication was not printed at state expense.

L earn more at www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com 3 NEWM s akeRS Please visit MD Anderson’s online newsroom at www.mdanderson.org/newsroom.

1 Doubleheader at Minute Maid Park Event celebrates 2 MD Anderson’s 70th anniversary, Anne and John Mendelsohn

By Sarah Watson

he Making Cancer History® team had T lots to cheer about May 5 as 2,000 MD Anderson fans celebrated the institution’s 70th anniversary and honored Anne and John Mendelsohn, M.D. The event scored a home run for philanthropy, raising $4.3 million to establish the Anne and John Mendelsohn Personalized Cancer Therapy Fund. “It occurs to me that Making Cancer History®, like baseball, is a team sport,” said chairs with Barbara and George H.W. Bush, Orchestra, mezzo soprano Susan Graham, Mendelsohn. “MD Anderson is fortunate who greeted the crowd via video message. concert violinist Sarah Chang, Larry Gatlin to have all of you on our team. You’ve been Cancer survivors James Wiley, BOV member and the Gatlin Brothers, and, in a Cinco de clutch hitters for us many times, generously John Holland and MD Anderson Children’s Mayo salute, soprano Barbara Padilla with The sharing your expertise, energies and financial Cancer Hospital nurse and former pediatric University of Texas Pan-American Mariachi resources to help further our cutting-edge patient Shelby Robin shared their own Aztlan and Luz de Luna Ballet Folklόrico. research and patient care initiatives.” personal stories of Making Cancer History®. A spectacular finale featured the Houston Two masters of ceremonies — Scott Pelley, Teaming up as event chairs were Janet Children’s Chorus and vocalist Mary Griffin in his first public appearance as the newly and Ernie Cockrell, Nancy Loeffler and with the Abundant Life Cathedral Choir named CBS Evening News anchor-managing Charline and Red McCombs. Honorary singing “Hope Can Move Mountains.” editor, and Sam Champion, ABC’s Good co-chairs were Lynn and Peter Coneway, Indeed, it was an evening of hope, perhaps Morning America weather anchor — directed Edwin L. Cox, Brenda and John Duncan, Sally best expressed by Anne Mendelsohn, whose a packed program featuring Luci Baines and Forrest Hoglund, Barbara and Randall heartfelt remarks centered on the words of an Johnson; UT System Chancellor Francisco Meyer, Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens and 11-year-old Children’s Art Project designer: Cigarroa, M.D.; UT System Board of Regents Jeri and Marc Shapiro. “We love life. We love the MD Anderson.” Chair Gene Powell; and Susan and James A. Following dinner, guests enjoyed a Texas Baker, III. The Bakers served as honorary cultural tribute with the Houston Symphony Video: www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com

4 Promise spring 2011 A publication for friends of MD Anderson 3 4 5 6 7

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iPromise

Gibson Gayle Jr. is a senior member of The University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors. He has been a board member of 10 11 the MD Anderson Foundation since 1980, serving as president from 1990 to 2009. The MD Anderson Foundation, created in 1936, matched state funds to build a cancer hospital in 1941; bought the property for its first home, the seven-acre estate of Capt. James A. Baker, grandfather of James A. Baker, III; and provided a permanent building site in the Texas Medical Center.

I am now in my second experience as a cancer patient at MD Anderson and am doing fine. My first tour began in late 1994. I have survived extensive “treatment, two surgeries and many checkups since. During the past 15 years, I have 13 referred approximately 200 patients to MD Anderson. What makes our cancer center the finest in the world begins with superb physicians, but a major contribution to its greatness 12 comes from the skill, dedication and warm and friendly treatment 14 15 16 rendered by support staff. Every patient I have ever referred expresses deep gratitude that they are treated like family. All of us are remarkably fortunate to have the world’s finest cancer center right here in Houston. Monroe D. Anderson, John H. Freeman and William B. Bates, the founding members of the MD Anderson Foundation, would be extremely proud to see the results of 1. Mary Griffin leads a spectacular finale backed by Susan Graham, from left, Sarah Chang, Larry Gatlin and the Abundant their endeavors of many years ago. Life Cathedral Choir. 2. Eric Mendelsohn, left, and his brother Jeff stop for a media opportunity with their parents, Anne and John Mendelsohn. The brothers later introduced a video tribute to their parents. 3. Luci Baines Johnson and Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D. 4. Nancy Loeffler 5. James and Dean Wiley 6. John Holland 7. Sam Champion and Scott Pelley 8. The Do you promise? Tell us why you’re committed University of Texas Pan-American Mariachi Aztlan and Luz de Luna Ballet Folklórico 9. Drayton McLane Jr., from left, Joe to Making Cancer History® by sending an Neubauer and Mel Klein 10. Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers 11. Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens 12. Becky Cooke, from email to [email protected]. ” left, Deb Cunningham and Jan Duncan 13. Charline and Red McCombs 14. Janet and Ernie Cockrell 15. Ginger and Jack Blanton 16. Barbara Padilla Photos by Pete Baatz, Fulton Davenport and F. Carter Smith

L earn more at www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com 5 Dnors o Make a Difference Great Expections Inspire Couple’s Philanthropy

By Michelle Moore cancer therapies and will continue his good work through that.” heridan and John Eddie Williams live John Eddie echoes those sentiments. His Sby an eight-word philosophy: To whom appreciation for MD Anderson dates to the much is given, much is expected. This core 1990s when, as a trial lawyer, he represented value has led the couple to donate much of the state of Texas against the tobacco their lives to philanthropic efforts, especially industry. Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D., former those pertaining to children. president of MD Anderson, was one of the It’s no surprise, then, that MD Anderson chief witnesses. Children’s Cancer Hospital is at the top of “Through that representation I got to know their list. They recently gave $250,000 to people at MD Anderson,” says John Eddie. Boston Celtics owner Harry T. Mangurian Jr., from left, Red the osteosarcoma research of Eugenie S. “The institution offers the finest cancer Auerbach and Bill Fitch watch as Larry Bird signs with the team in 1978. Photo courtesy of Gordon Latz Kleinerman, M.D., professor and head of the research and patient care in the country. It’s a Division of Pediatrics. real asset for our community.” “I have such respect for Dr. Kleinerman,” Sheridan and John Eddie actively support Mangurian Legacy says Sheridan, who owns an interior design numerous nonprofit organizations in Boosts Cutting-Edge business. “She has devoted her life to Houston. children’s cancer.” “We’re fortunate to be able to contribute Leukemia Research Sheridan joined The University Cancer to programs that benefit the community,” Foundation Board of Visitors (BOV) in 2008. says John Eddie. “Cancer can be a By Michelle Moore When fellow BOV members asked her to be devastating diagnosis. It’s exciting to see part of a Children’s Cancer Hospital advisory such tremendous progress and what research ational furniture chain owner, real estate group, she enthusiastically accepted. In that has achieved. Many people are beating this N developer, thoroughbred breeder, Boston capacity, Sheridan is helping raise funds to terrible disease and living productive and Celtics owner. The late Harry T. Mangurian renovate and expand the pediatric inpatient happy lives as a result.” Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was both a unit on the ninth floor of the Albert B. and John Eddie proudly points to a photograph successful businessman and a compassionate Margaret M. Alkek Hospital to include a of his wife accepting an award, one of many philanthropist. Among the World War II pediatric intensive care unit and day hospital. such awards as Sheridan graces best-dressed veteran’s many legacies is The Harry T. The project also includes plans to renovate lists from Houston to New York. She recently Mangurian Jr. Foundation Inc., which he the Robin Bush Child and Adolescent Clinic landed a spot as an ambassador for designer established with close friends and business on the seventh floor, where MD Anderson’s Donna Karan. Perhaps more impressive are associates Stephen Mehallis, now chairman pediatric patients see their doctors. the words Sheridan offers in response: and president, and Gordon Latz, vice Sheridan describes John Mendelsohn, “It’s nice to dress up, but philanthropy president-grants, a decade before his death M.D., president of MD Anderson, as “a is what it’s all about. Looking good means from leukemia in December 2008. fantastic leader.” nothing if you aren’t making a difference.” In December 2010, the Mangurian “We all hate to see him step down ] Foundation gave MD Anderson $250,000, as president,” she says, “but I know he’s the first payment of a $1 million pledge. The interested in doing research in personalized funds will support the leukemia research of Laurence Cooper, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatrics. Cooper and his team have advanced immunotherapy for leukemia to the clinical stage. The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Fund for Leukemia Immunotherapy will help them manufacture clinical-grade T cells genetically modified to eliminate leukemia. In 2008, when Mangurian received disheartening lab results, he sought treatment with Jorge Cortes, M.D., professor of medicine in MD Anderson’s Department of Leukemia. Cortes had years earlier successfully treated Latz’s brother for chronic myelogenous leukemia. “Dr. Cortes was our quarterback,” says Latz. “He helped facilitate the process of Harry’s treatment back home in Florida. We were so pleased that we gave our first gift of $220,000

to MD Anderson to support his work.” Sheridan and John Eddie Williams enjoy a quiet moment at home with their cat, Max. Photo by John Everett

6 Promise spring 2011 Fueling cancer care and research Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation’s $150 million gift to MD Anderson also will establish fellowships to further education in oncology as well as three permanent endowment funds: • The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Distinguished University Chair • The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Distinguished University Chair of Medical Oncology • The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Distinguished University Chair. —D.D.

Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and former President of the UAE, and his sons, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current UAE President; and the late Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their generosity makes possible: The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Building for Personalized Cancer Care, a new, 600,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Ahmed Jumaa Al Zaabi, vice minister of presidential affairs, and John Mendelsohn, M.D., mark the occasion of a $150 million building on approximately five acres on MD gift to MD Anderson on behalf of the President of the United Arab Emirates and his family foundation, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. Photo courtesy of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation Anderson’s main campus. The building will integrate delivery of laboratory and clinical research to support personalized cancer care and will house: MD Anderson Receives The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, a comprehensive program designed exclusively Largest Gift in Its History to individualize cancer care so that each patient receives treatments that target the genetic and molecular abnormalities in his Gift Aims to Turn Dream or her tumor. Mendelsohn will co-direct the of Personalized Cancer A history of service institute with Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D., who to others also chairs MD Anderson’s Department of Care Into Reality for Systems Biology. Hundreds of MD Anderson’s The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al faculty will participate. Patients Worldwide Nahyan formed the UAE in 1971 and The Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan served as president until his death in Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, By DeDe DeStefano 2004. He established lifetime government dedicated to accelerating scientific discovery services for UAE citizens, including free that will make a pivotal impact on pancreatic he Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan schools, free health care and increased cancer, one of the most fatal types of cancer, T Foundation recently gave MD Anderson equality for women. He built cities, which is rising in incidence yet remains $150 million. The gift marks the largest in towns, hospitals and universities. His significantly underfunded compared to other the institution’s history and the largest single son, the Honorable Sheikh Khalifa Bin disease sites. contribution from a living individual or Zayed Al Nahyan, continues his tradition Research in personalized cancer therapies family foundation to an institution in the of philanthropy. Active in 35 countries will help physicians determine the specific Texas Medical Center or any Texas university. outside the UAE, the Khalifa Foundation genetic and molecular abnormalities in each The transformational gift is on behalf of the focuses on health care and education patient’s cancer and then prescribe President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) initiatives, innovative biomedical or develop safer, more effective therapies and his family foundation. It will enable research and poverty. that directly target those abnormalities. MD Anderson to make significant advances —D.D. “Personalized cancer therapy holds in personalized cancer therapies and tremendous promise for the future of cancer accelerate the pace of pancreatic cancer care,” says Mendelsohn. “This gift will escalate research. family’s long tradition of philanthropy,” progress exponentially, playing a critical “The extraordinary generosity of the says John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of role in our efforts to employ the most family through the Khalifa Bin Zayed MD Anderson. effective cancer treatment the first time, Al Nahyan Foundation exemplifies the The gift will pay tribute to the late His every time.”

L earn more at www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com 7 PLnthrophI a y In action Jori’s Parents Invest in Hope

By Sara Farris

o make a difference — that’s the T common motivator for many donors and volunteers at MD Anderson. But what’s the actual power of one donor within a multibillion-dollar cancer research industry? Dorothy Paterson, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® board It’s a lot, according to Dennis Hughes, M.D., member, and John Mendelsohn, M.D., at Komen’s 2010 gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Ph.D., assistant professor at MD Anderson in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Dorothy Paterson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Hughes cites one example in particular: an effort that began as Kmenoro f the Cure® a small fundraiser walk that’s translated into a 15-fold return on investment in his research laboratory. Giving Back For Nina and Brook Zemel, founders of the Jori Zemel Children’s Bone Cancer Foundation, the reward comes from knowing Is Job One they’re helping other children diagnosed with By Michelle Moore a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma. “After our daughter died from osteosarcoma, few years ago, Dorothy Paterson, of we figured we had a choice,” says Jori’s father, A Houston, told a friend that she wanted Brook. “Do you take that grief and channel it to get her career out of the way so that to something positive, or keep it inside? We Nina and Brook Zemel at a recent Paws for a Cause she could devote her life to philanthropy. decided to make something positive of it.” fundraiser, one of many the couple organizes to raise money for pediatric osteosarcoma research. Photo courtesy of the He replied, “I think your job was just “I don’t like fundraising,” says mother Nina, Jori Zemel Children’s Bone Cancer Foundation preparation. Philanthropy is your career.” “but what drives me is the hope that one day Paterson is a 13-year breast cancer there will be a cure for pediatric cancer.” allocates only $173 million in grant support, survivor who was successfully treated at For nearly 10 years, the Zemels have hosted or just over 3%, for projects related in any way MD Anderson. Today she relies on the fundraisers and contributed more than to childhood cancer. spirit and resilience that got her through $400,000 to Hughes’ osteosarcoma research. “Ideas start out small, and we must collect that experience to help others on their Their seed money helped establish two post- preliminary data to show their potential before cancer journeys. doctoral fellowships in pediatric bone cancer we can get additional funding,” says Hughes. In 2002, Paterson became one of the research, equaling $100,000 each over a two- “We can leverage the seed money we get from original Pink Ribbons volunteers, year span. donors to get federal support and take the MD Anderson breast cancer survivors In return, one of Hughes’ fellows has research to the next level.” who offer support to current breast cancer conducted research that’s been selected for Donors receive an added bonus when they patients. Since 2007, she has served on the a $1.5 million grant by the National Cancer fund research fellows, Hughes believes. institution’s Advance Team advisory board. Institute (NCI). The other fellow’s research is “When you fund a fellow, you’re paying for “I get to work with people who have big pending approval for another million-dollar a person who has lots of ideas to contribute hearts and passion to show the world what grant. toward cancer research,” says Hughes. “That MD Anderson is all about,” says Paterson. Getting a piece of the NCI’s pie is no easy knowledge and passion are commodities you Paterson’s advocacy has led her into full- feat. Of its $4.8 billion budget, the NCI can’t put a price tag on.” time volunteer work for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. To date, Komen for the VEPS: Reason Cure® has awarded more than $55 million to Smile for breast cancer research at MD Anderson. Once traveling the world as a geologist Anne and John Mendelsohn, M.D., center, join former first lady Barbara Bush and for large oil companies, Paterson now longtime MD Anderson supporter Helen travels the world as an international race Vietor at the Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support (VEPS) luncheon at River ambassador on the Komen Board of Oaks Country Club in Houston. Vietor’s Directors. She has assisted in starting up husband, George, was an MD Anderson patient and volunteer who founded VEPS, Koman Race for the Cure® events around hoping it would grow to $1 million in the world, recently in Israel and Egypt. 10 years. With that goal achieved in just nine years, the endowment currently Paterson says she’s proud to be a part of stands at more than $2.7 million. Since her two favorite organizations. 1992, VEPS has disbursed more than $1.6 “A strong and long relationship has million to fund patient-oriented programs and services at MD Anderson. Nancy B. existed between MD Anderson and Susan G. Loeffler, chair of The University Cancer Komen,” says Paterson. “One plus one Foundation Board of Visitors, was keynote speaker at this year’s March luncheon. equals 10 when you add together the energy Photo by Pete Baatz of these two beautiful organizations. I owe — Gail Goodwin my life to both.”

8 Promise spring 2011 A publication for friends of MD Anderson Teen pediatric patient James Ragan, from left, presents gifts from MD Anderson’s Children’s Art Project to Jack Nicklaus and Jim Nantz at the 2010 Living Legend in Houston. Photo by Pete Baatz

A CoNVERSATION With a Living Legend® $1.6 Million: That’s No Small Talk

By Michelle Moore

Houston: Jack Nicklaus-Jim Nantz ore than 800 MD Anderson supporters Mand Jack Nicklaus fans welcomed the golf pro, businessman and philanthropist for A Conversation With a Living Legend® Oct. 19 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Emmy-winning sports personality Jim Nantz interviewed Nicklaus, who has attained 118 professional tournament victories worldwide as well as a record 18 professional major championship titles. This year’s fourth annual event raised more than $472,000 for MD Anderson Vicente Fox, left, and Tom Johnson discuss issues facing Mexico at the inaugural San Antonio luncheon. Photo by Marks Moore Children’s Cancer Hospital. Event chairs Katie and Harry Cullen Jr., Rose and Harry Cullen MD Anderson. Fox sat down for a one-on-one to partake of a slice of journalism heaven as Sr. and Kathy and Jody McCord contributed interview with Tom Johnson, MD Anderson renowned journalist and NBC correspondent greatly to the fundraising efforts, along with Board of Visitors member and former Tom Brokow interviewed Bob Schieffer, honorary chairs Ginger and Jack Blanton, Kelli president and CEO of CNN. He discussed the legendary CBS News chief Washington and Eddy Blanton and Leslie and Jack Blanton importance of education, jobs and health care correspondent and anchor of Face the Nation. Jr. Teen pediatric patient and golf enthusiast in efforts to boost quality of life for citizens To guests’ delight and surprise, Schieffer James Ragan emceed the event. He brought of Mexico. Thanks in part to the fundraising broke into song with his band, Honky Tonk audience members to tears and to their feet, efforts of event chairs Kim and Clyde Johnson Confidential. A live auction included an rewarding Ragan with a standing ovation as he IV and Paula and Clyde Johnson III, along opportunity for four to attend a broadcast of shared his story and love for MD Anderson, with honorary chairs Peggy and Lowry Face the Nation and brunch with Schieffer golf, Nicklaus and Nantz. Mays and Charline and Red McCombs, the and wife Pat, with hotel and first-class airfare inaugural event raised more than $197,000. provided by American Airlines. Lenise San Antonio: Vicente Fox-Tom Johnson Stephenson was the lucky winner with a bid of Dallas: Bob Schieffer-Tom Brokaw A Conversation With a Living Legend® made $35,000. With proceeds from the auction and its debut in San Antonio Oct. 29 with more Event chair Gale Sliger and honorary chairs a last-minute donation by the Schieffers, the than 650 guests at the Grand Hyatt hotel. The Margot and Ross Perot helped orchestrate event raised more than $1 million and set a event honored Vicente Fox, former president the 21st annual A Conversation With a Living fundraising record for the Dallas event. of Mexico, and benefited the Blanton-Davis Legend® in Dallas. More than 800 guests Ovarian Cancer Research Program at made their way to the Hilton Anatole Dec. 13 Video: www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com

L earn more at www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com 9 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Visit MD Anderson’s online newsroom at www.mdanderson.org/newsroom.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH Showcasing MD Anderson’s Breakthrough Research

The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research is considered the premier scientific meeting in cancer research. This year’s April meeting drew about 18,000 people from around the world to learn more about novel laboratory approaches and technologies, innovative preclinical science and clinical trial results. Waun Ki Hong, M.D., head, Division of Cancer Medicine, presented on personalized R enata Pasqualini, Ph.D., Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology - Research, and Wadih Arap, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, with post-doctoral fellow Fernanda Staquicini. Arap’s team reports significant findings approaches to lung cancer prevention. impacting brain cancer research. Photo by Barry Smith Jian Gu, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Epidemiology, presented for tumor imaging and treatment while abnormality in the tumor, is successful in findings that a single point of variation along keeping it otherwise intact to play its reducing its size and growth.” the genome on chromosome 14 is associated protective role.” These efforts could further transform with a 19% decrease in bladder cancer risk Funded by: the National Institutes of thyroid cancer treatment, providing options and, separately, with longer telomeres. Nobel Health, the National Cancer Institute, for patients with late-stage disease. laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., 2010-11 the U.S. Department of Defense and AACR president and member of MD MD Anderson’s Center for Targeted Breast Anderson’s scientific advisory board, Therapy; also the Gillson-Longenbaugh Combination Overcomes commented on the importance of Gu’s Foundation, AngelWorks, the Marcus research during a news conference. Foundation, the National Foundation for Breast Cancer Resistance John Heymach, M.D., Ph.D., associate Cancer Research, the Harry S. and Isabel C. to Herceptin professor, Department of Thoracic/Head and Cameron Foundation and the Schissler Neck Medical Oncology, presented research Foundation. Reported online at Nature Medicine that might better predict which lung cancer patients will benefit from erlotinib, known THYROID MD Anderson scientists have discovered commercially as Tarceva®. Research Results that adding the drug saracatinib to Herceptin treatment shrinks previously Brain in First Thyroid Cancer resistant tumors by cutting off at least five Targeted Particle Drug Approval molecular pathways. Saracatinib is an Src Fools Brain’s Guardian MD Anderson’s endocrinologists inhibitor, thwarting that to Reach Tumors participated in the first successfully protein and allowing completed international Phase III trial in Herceptin to work again Study Published in Journal thyroid cancer, demonstrating the potential Dihua Yu, M.D., Ph.D. in tumors that have a of Clinical Investigation role of anti-angiogenic high amount of the HER2 protein. Only therapy for this disease. about 26% of women with HER2-positive A research team led by scientists from The trial was led by breast cancer respond to Herceptin as single MD Anderson has shown that a targeted Sam Wells, M.D., head therapy. Between 40 and 60% respond to it delivery combination selectively crosses the of the Thyroid Clinical combined with other chemotherapy. tight barrier that protects the brain. Robert Gagel, M.D. Research Program at the “This combination is a promising therapy The iron-transporting transferring protein National Cancer Institute. MD Anderson, for those with Herceptin-resistant breast and receptor complex is a potential path to collaborators included the departments of cancer,” says senior author Dihua Yu, treatment because its receptor gene is the Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology M.D., Ph.D., professor in MD Anderson’s most overexpressed in human glioblastomas and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology. Department of Molecular and Cellular (the most common form of primary brain Robert Gagel, M.D., head of the Division Oncology. tumor among adults and one of the most of Internal Medicine and a national co- Funded by: the National Cancer lethal cancers). investigator on the trial, delivered the Institute (NCI), MD Anderson’s NCI Breast “We’ve identified an iron-mimic peptide Phase III clinical trial results of Vandetanib Specialized Program of Research Excellence that can hitch a ride on a protein complex to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (SPORE), Department of Defense Center of that transports iron across the blood-brain in December 2010, a presentation that led Excellence, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer barrier,” says co-senior author Wadih to the drug’s approval in April. Foundation Promise Grant, the Cancer Arap, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the David “Vandetanib is the first therapy Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, H. Koch Center for Applied Research of specifically approved for treatment of the MD Anderson Breast SPORE Career Genitourinary Cancers at MD Anderson. medullary thyroid carcinoma,” says Gagel. Development Award and Susan G. Komen “Employing the iron transport system “It provides another example that shows Breast Cancer Foundation Postdoctoral selectively opens the blood-brain barrier how a therapy, targeted to a specific genetic Fellowship.

10 Promise spring 2011 A publication for friends of MD Anderson AMONG FRIENDS

Capt. James A. Baker, the grandfather of James A. Baker, III, left his seven-acre estate, The Oaks, to Rice University. The MD Anderson Foundation bought the property for the fledgling cancer hospital and research institute. The house was converted into offices and the stables into laboratories. Photo From MD Anderson Archives Dedication Spans a Life in the Spotlight

By Dawn Dorsey received a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer. Her death 16 months later prompted ames A. Baker, III’s connection with Baker’s lifelong interest in cancer. J MD Anderson began long before he When he began political life in 1975 as stepped on to the world stage or faced cancer deputy secretary of commerce for President in his personal life. Gerald Ford, Baker was on MD Anderson’s As a child, he celebrated birthdays and advisory board, The University Cancer played hide-and-seek in his grandfather’s Foundation Board of Visitors. Increasingly house, which later became MD Anderson’s important government positions came in first home. close succession, and he led five presidential “We’re big fans of MD Anderson,” Baker campaigns for three presidents. Baker was says. “To say we’re impressed with the nature Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, and his wife, secretary of state for President George H.W. Susan Baker, joined former President George H.W. Bush of the treatment and the research is an and Barbara Bush as honorary chairs of MD Anderson’s Bush, secretary of the treasury for President understatement. It’s just absolutely fantastic 70th anniversary celebration May 5 at Minute Maid Park. Ronald Reagan and White House chief of staff in our view.” Photo by Pete Baatz for Reagan and Bush. Baker, who was 11 when his grandfather Although government officials often step died, has fond memories of joining his many would dare us to walk all the way around the down from volunteer advisory commitments, cousins for Sunday dinners at the house. huge table — then give us a nickel if we could Baker remained faithful to MD Anderson “The house was beautiful — and a little do it.” throughout his time in politics. imposing to a young child,” he says. “The In 1969, when Baker was 38 years old and “My affiliation with MD Anderson was dining room was always dark and scary, and busy building a successful law practice and the only one I didn’t terminate when I went we were sure ghosts lived there. Grandfather raising four young sons, his first wife, Mary, to Washington,” he says. “Its mission is so noble that I was never worried about anyone making claims of conflict or impropriety. I was diagnosed with Ewing’s I think that’s significant — and it says a lot sarcoma at the age of 12. I lost my about MD Anderson.” hair, my left leg and what felt like my entire In 2009, Baker’s wife, Susan, received childhood. My dad told me I could either a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and sought learn from this experience, or I could let treatment at MD Anderson. Today she is “it ruin me. I could forget about others like cancer-free. me, or I could help them. In fact, cancer “The most impressive thing we saw at has made me a different person and has MD Anderson was the cheerfulness of the Shelby Robin with her parents, Barbara and Jon Robin. Photo by Sara Farris revealed a career that I cannot imagine people, their concern and their attention to myself living without. Cancer has taught detail,” he says. “Having cancer is a frightening Survivors Say me true grit and the real definition of thing, and everyone makes you feel confident determination. I hope to show my patients you’re in the best possible care.” As a young girl, Shelby Robin, of Houston, that there is hope and that when I say “I Baker, who travels extensively, often meets was a patient at MD Anderson Children’s understand,” I truly do understand. people who come to MD Anderson for cancer Cancer Hospital. Today she walks its halls treatment. as a clinical nurse on the inpatient pediatric Promise invites cancer survivors to “Everyone I talk to is universally positive unit. In her spare time, Shelby is active with share their reflections. Email about their experiences at MD Anderson,” he the Sunshine Kids organization and [email protected]. Video: ” says. “Its reputation as one of the very best MD Anderson’s Children’s Art Project. www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com cancer centers is known beyond Houston, Texas or the United States — it’s worldwide.”

L earn more at www.MakingCancerHistoryCampaign.com 11