A Ye a r of Hope a HOPE nd HE N ALI G a t T HE BA R BA R 2009 Calendar A NN KA R MA NO S CA N C IN ER S T I TU TE Can c er. I’ve spent a good part of my life raising money, giving money and working in various ways to end this disease in our lifetime. I do this for literally thousands of families who face their fear of cancer and turn to Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) because of its reputation as one of the best treatment centers in the world with a team of experts that helps in every aspect of the disease.

I didn’t think I would ever get cancer. But when my wife Danialle and I found out that I did, like all cancer patients, we were scared. However, we had an advantage: we knew exactly where to go.

KCI is the only hospital in Michigan solely dedicated to treating cancer–all types of cancer. It ranks number one as southeastern Michigan’s most preferred hospital for cancer care, according to research conducted by the National Research Corporation in 2007 and 2008, and is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States.

The experts at KCI quickly pinpointed my problem: a cancerous tumor within one of my kidneys. The diagnosis was quick, but more importantly was 100 percent accurate. My wife and I were surrounded by a team of the best doctors, nurses and administrators in the world. They told us what to expect and left nothing to the imagination. The surgery was perfect, and in less than one week this 65-year old CEO was back to work. That same week I was playing golf as a cancer-free duffer.

After it became public that I had had cancer treatment, someone asked me where I had the surgery performed. I looked at the person with that “are you kidding?” expression. I was almost uncharacteristically speechless. Finally, I replied, “Where do you think? My last name is KARMANOS!”

What I thought was a stupid question, later gave me pause. If it’s not a “no-brainer” that KCI is the first and best place everyone should go when cancer becomes their reality, then our work at making this known is obviously not yet complete. This is why Danialle and I will continue to Hear cancer. Think Karmanos. support KCI in any way we can until we can finally and forever eradicate the disease of cancer.

We hope you will join us in this effort.

Sincerely,

Peter Karmanos, Jr. 1-800-Karmanos Chairman and CEO karmanos.org Compuware Corporation JanuarySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

January is Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Month. To learn more about cervical cancer treatment or 2009 prevention, please visit karmanos.org.

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25 26 27 28 29 30 31 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos on Healing An InsightPatient’s Courageous Attitude Reveals Great Inner Strength For many cancer patients, eliminating Subsequent treatments diminished the tumor, stress is crucial to healing. For Brian Tomczyk, but it returned again just before his wedding a 23-year-old patient from Big Rapids, creat- last June. Tomczyk and his bride, Katie, took the ing mental barriers against anxiety has been news in stride. When he returned to Karmanos essential in his three-year battle against Primary for radiation therapy shortly after the wedding, Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL). he and Katie hung a “Just Married” sign on his hospital room door. “Adversity does not define who you are – how you react to adversity does,” Tomczyk says. “You “During my three years with cancer, Katie have to train your mind to reduce negativity and has been my best friend, girlfriend, fiancée stress no matter what you’re going through.” and now my wife,” Tomczyk says. “Her sacrifices, dedication and nurturing love give me When Tomczyk first showed symptoms of strength. My parents, family, friends and other the disease in 2006, his professors at Ferris acquaintances also help carry me through State University initially attributed his this. The greatest part about my cancer battle erratic behavior to drugs. Normally an excellent has been the love I have felt from other people.” student, Tomczyk suddenly began exhibiting slurred speech and manic behavior. Another source of inspiration to Tomczyk is his aunt, Janet DiFelice, who received treatment A subsequent CT scan and biopsy revealed at Karmanos for ovarian cancer while Tomczyk PCNSL as the true cause of Tomczyk’s behavior. went through radiation therapy. Originating in the brain, PCNSL is a rare cancer that can cause headaches, forgetfulness, confusion “I cherish my Aunt Janet,” Tomczyk says. and limb weakness. Possible treatments include “Before she was diagnosed with cancer she chemotherapy, radiation therapy and stem cell did a cancer walk in my honor. She also has a transplants. Tomczyk chose to be treated by the special needs daughter who requires a lot of Karmanos Cancer Center’s team of hematology attention. My aunt has taught me a lot about experts, led by Charles Schiffer, M.D. grace and compassion.” “Karmanos is the only hospital in Michigan Though Tomczyk’s graduation has been delayed dedicated solely to cancer research and a couple years, earning his degree remains one treatment,” Tomczyk says. “When I learned of his highest goals. that, I decided there was no better place for me. “I also want to write at least one book and do Dr. Schiffer and all the doctors and nurses have some motivational speaking about what I’ve been wonderful to me. I cannot thank them learned in fighting cancer,” he says. “I believe enough for their care and compassion.” that all humans face hardships and joys in life. Tomczyk began treatment with chemotherapy I want to make positive contributions to the to break down his immune system, followed by world and help others deal with their suffering. a stem cell transplant. The treatment initially Life is a gift, not an entitlement. Our response Katie and Brian Tomczyk appeared successful but the cancer returned. to adversity reveals all we can be.” FebruarySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday2009Saturday

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February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow a diet that contains more nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, grains and fruit. Exercise daily and undergo routine health screenings. Be sure and tell your doctor if you have a family history of cancer. karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos Sponsor or attend Host a fundraiser

one of our Our Friends Raising Funds program is dedicated to signature events individuals, community organizations and businesses that seek ways to get involved. From golf outings and walks, to bake sales and private dinners, hosting your Annual Dinner own event offers a great opportunity to support May 2009 Karmanos and get creative. Sandy Schwartz (left), Karmanos board member Nettie H. Seabrooks and Karmanos Chairman of the Board Alan S. Schwartz enjoy Partners Golf LEFT: A sold out crowd attended the Michigan Design Partners Night where $1.2 million was raised for cancer research. Classic and Night Center’s CatWalk event benefitting Karmanos. Photo by Patricia A. Ellis Fall 2009 Designers: Jill Schumacher & Michele Mio, Rariden, Schumacher Mio & Co. Showroom: Rozmallin

Contact Stephanie Schwager at 313-576-8112 Contact Lauren Miller at 313-576-8121 [email protected] [email protected]

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Needs Your Continued Support Make a Difference There are many ways to support cancer care and research. Please join us in the fight against cancer.

Launch an employee pledge drive for Karmanos Donate online Use your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Philanthropic employers such as Crain Communications offer employees the American Express to make a convenient, opportunity to support the Karmanos Cancer secure donation online now at Karmanos.org. Institute. A partnership with Karmanos also helps enhance your corporate image, Sign up for the latest Karmanos while fostering customer and employee loyalty. Cancer Institute information. Visit www.karmanos.org/efriends Call Maureen Bender at 313-576-8111 [email protected] MarchSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday2009Saturday

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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about colorectal cancer treatment or prevention, please visit karmanos.org. 29 30 31 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos We’re #1

Karmanos Ranked Most Preferred Cancer Care HospitalAgain

For the second consecutive year, the Karmanos Cancer Center has been designated the most preferred Brilliant physicians hospital for cancer care among 12 hospitals in southeast and researchers, Michigan, according to the 2008 Cancer Treatment compassionate and caring nurses, Preference Profile Survey conducted by the National cancer survivors Research Corporation. and dedicated volunteers and This annual survey, conducted via an Internet supporters represent the Karmanos questionnaire, was sent to nearly 200,000 households Cancer Center. throughout the United States, including 3,504 homes in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair and Monroe counties. The respondent was the individual in the household who is the primary health care decision-maker. Respondents who preferred Karmanos for cancer care also preferred its personalized care, advanced technology and equipment, expert doctors, overall quality and image or reputation.

“We have an exceptional staff made up of brilliant are many choices when it comes to health care services. also named Karmanos one of Detroit’s Most Admired researchers and physicians, compassionate and We’re honored to be selected the most preferred hospital Companies. The dedicated physicians, nurses, scientists caring nurses, technicians and other professionals who for cancer care again. We will continue to do all we can and staff at Karmanos who are focused on fighting and are committed to providing cancer patients with the to uphold our high standard of care and vigilance to winning the battle against cancer have contributed to highest quality care, the latest treatment options and eradicating this disease.” these distinct honors. education, and innovative state-of-the-science research,” Karmanos also earned high rankings from Detroit- For more information on cancer care says John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., Karmanos president and area publications in 2008. HOUR Detroit designated and services call 1-800-Karmanos. chief executive officer. “We’ve only been an independent Karmanos the number one hospital for cancer and named cancer center since December 2005 and we realize there 52 physicians to its Top Docs list. Crain’s Detroit Business AprilSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Oral, Head & Neck Cancer 26 27 Awareness Week 28 29 30 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos An Honorable KarmanosDistinction Maintains Prestigious NCI Designation There are many reasons why patients from “I was diagnosed at another hospital in September across Michigan and around the country choose 2004,” Fornwall says. “They sent an oncologist in the Karmanos Cancer Center for care and who told me that most patients normally succumb treatment. One is because Karmanos is among to this disease. My husband and I were given no 41 National Cancer Institute-designated hope. We decided to come to Karmanos because comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. we learned that they were running a clinical trial Earning and maintaining this designation since that might help.” 1978 follows a highly competitive process every five Clinical trials provide critical information about years and places Karmanos among the nation’s best. how new cancer-fighting drugs affect patients. An NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center Fornwall participated in an FDA-approved trial at must commit to higher standards of combining Karmanos under the care of Philip A. Philip, M.D., research, education and patient care. Comprehensive Ph.D., FRCP, professor of medicine and oncology cancer centers are expected to initiate and conduct and leader of the Gastrointestinal Multidisciplinary early phase, innovative clinical trials and to participate Team, whose research interests include finding in the NCI’s cooperative groups by providing novel therapies to treat gastrointestinal cancers. leadership and recruiting patients for trials. “When we came to see Dr. Philip, he informed me Comprehensive cancer centers are known for that the disease had spread to my liver,” Fornwall exceptional cancer care and treatment and must also says. “I started chemotherapy and began taking conduct cancer outreach and educational activities some medication that was very new. About four for both health care professionals and the public. or five months into the trial, the cancer in my liver For anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, John C. had disappeared and my tumor was gone. I’ve been Ruckdeschel, M.D., president and chief executive in remission since August 2005. Karmanos offered officer at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, highly me all the hope in the world and saved my life.” recommends selecting an elite hospital like Dr. Ruckdeschel says leading edge research efforts Karmanos with an NCI designation. “We know underscore the importance of being treated at an there are many choices when it comes to hospitals in NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. southeast Michigan,” says Dr. Ruckdeschel. “What “It’s very exciting to offer patients the latest distinguishes us from other health care providers is advances in fighting cancer,” he says. “Research, our NCI designation and total focus on cancer care integral to an NCI designation, helps lengthen and research. Lots of places can do a good job at patient’s lives and make them better. It’s what taking care of cancer patients. But it’s integrating makes us come to work every day.” research into that care that makes Karmanos special.” Terry Fornwall Research breakthroughs at Karmanos helped Terry Fornwall beat pancreatic cancer. MaySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention 2009 Month. To learn more about skin cancer treament or prevention, please visit karmanos.org. 1 2

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Komen Detroit 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Race for the Cure® karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos DevotedEvery to St Patients,ep of th e Way Director Combines Clinical Expertise and Emotional Support

Jordan Maier, M.D., was just beginning his medical education at Wayne State University School of Medicine when his father was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue. Watching his father fight this disease with chemotherapy and radiation helped shape Dr. Maier’s eventual career path.

“That experience gave me perspective on what patients and their families go through when diagnosed with cancer,” says Dr. Maier who became board certified in radiation oncology after completing his residency at the Karmanos Cancer Center. “I was impressed and appreciative of the care he received at Karmanos, both the technical skills of his treating physicians and their bedside manner. Becoming a radiation oncologist and providing this same level of compassion and care to others at the most difficult time in their lives was my way of giving back for the care my father received.”

After completing his residency, Dr. Maier practiced at the Cancer Centers of Florida in Winter Park. He returned to Karmanos last September as Medical Director of the Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills.

“I could not pass up the opportunity to be back home with my family and work with the Karmanos physicians and researchers with whom I trained as a resident,” says Dr. Maier. “I was excited about becoming part of the Karmanos team and I hope to further enhance the quality of care patients receive at Weisberg.”

Weisberg, which opened in 2001, offers patients in Oakland County convenient access to chemotherapy, radiation oncology and other sophisticated cancer treatments in an atmosphere designed to provide comfort and healing. The home-like environment includes patient amenities such as a fireplace, individual changing rooms, kitchenettes, and a soothing waterfall. On-site cancer and nutritional counseling services, access to national and local clinical trials and massage therapy are also available.

“Patients who come to our Weisberg facility have access to the same amenities as those patients at our downtown Karmanos facility — compassionate care, opportunities for clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment decision making.”

To set up an appointment with Dr. Maier at the Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center, Jordan Maier, M.D., call 248-538-4701. After connecting, press 1 for a receptionist. and ShERI MADAK, R.N. JuneSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday2009Saturday

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The Karmanos Cancer Institute is the only hospital in Michigan that focuses solely on treating cancer – all types of cancer – and is committed to a future free of the disease. 28 29 30 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos Cancer’s Code Cracking U.S. Department of Defense Grant Supports Cancer Research at the Molecular Level

For Stephen Ethier, Ph.D., associate mutated in a particular way. Every cancer has a center director of Basic Research and deputy different set of mutated genes that work in director at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, different combinations, which presents an battling cancer is a lot like climbing a mountain. enormous technical challenge.” And cancer research at the molecular level will NOMIC scientists are also developing new imaging one day help oncologists reach the summit. technologies that will greatly improve the detection “Our dedication to molecular cancer research is of mutated genes and measuring treatment response. changing how we detect, diagnose and treat the “Rather than wait weeks or months to see the disease,” Dr. Ethier says. “We’ve been climbing results of a certain therapy, we want to obtain the mountain a while and it becomes steeper as real-time images of tumors to gain more we get higher. We still have a long way to go, but immediate results on how a patient is responding patients are already benefiting from our research. to treatment,” Dr. Ethier says. We can cure some cancers today that we weren’t able to in the past.” This research will one day allow physicians to create highly customized treatment therapies based on the The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel specific gene mutations identified in a patient. Command, Telemedicine and Advanced Technol- ogy Research Center recently bolstered the “Patients can look forward to a highly individual- innovative research Karmanos scientists perform ized diagnosis of their cancer that will have a direct at its National Oncogenomics and Molecular impact on which drugs are used for treatment,” Imaging Center (NOMIC) with more than Dr. Ethier says. “The older cancer fighting drugs $4.6 million in federal appropriations. NOMIC were basically used on a very broad spectrum of is developing technology that will help physicians patients. Some worked better on certain patients better diagnose cancer by defining gene mutations than others. We’re beginning to move away from that characterize cancers in individual patients. this approach and instead giving patients new drugs The federal funding, to be allocated over the next based on their individual molecular profile. two years, will be used to purchase state-of-the-art Dr. Ethier is project director for NOMIC. medical equipment to study gene mutations and Karmanos’ John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., support new research projects.“We want to president and chief executive officer, is be able to make a precise molecular diagnosis of principal investigator and Anthony Shields, each cancer patient at the most basic level,” Dr. M.D., Ph.D., associate center director, Ethier says. “We know that there are at least 500 Clinical Research, is the co-investigator. different genes that can cause cancer if they are Stephen Ethier, Ph.D. JulySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. To 2009 learn more about sarcoma treatment or prevention, please visit karmanos.org.

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26 27 28 29 30 31 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos A New Path in a Rewarding Career

Surgeon Accepts Greater Challenges as Chief Medical Officer and Associate Director of Clinical Affairs

From the time he began studying medicine, Dr. Yoo took on greater challenges last October George Yoo, M.D., FACS, was always interested in when Karmanos promoted him to associate center helping patients fighting the deadliest diseases. director of medical affairs and chief medical officer. In this role, Dr. Yoo oversees clinical Dr. Yoo says, “I really want to benefit patients in terms of their quality of life and want to perform operations, physicians and Karmanos’ 13 surgeries that improve patient outcomes.” multidisciplinary teams. He also works with senior leadership to recruit the best cancer Dr. Yoo has done just that many times over in his physicians to Karmanos. work at the Karmanos Cancer Center. He’s the leader of the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary “I’m very enthusiastic about my new position Team, vice president of Medical Affairs, and an and look forward to helping Karmanos expand expert in the surgical management of cancers of the its services to meet patients and physician needs,” mouth and throat. He earned his medical degree at Dr. Yoo says. the University of Kansas Medical Center and com- pleted a residency and fellowship in head and neck While handling multiple administrative surgery at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in responsibilities, Dr. Yoo continues to maintain a Baltimore. Dr. Yoo joined the faculty at Wayne State full case load and perform surgeries. He says his best University School of Medicine in 1996 and joined days are those when his most ill patients begin the staff at Karmanos shortly afterwards. feeling better physically and emotionally.

“I gravitated toward performing head and neck “Karmanos is an incredible place to work,” Dr. George Yoo, M.D., FACS surgeries because I enjoy the technical challenges Yoo says. “We’re focused solely on treating cancer, involved,” Dr. Yoo says. “Of course, surgery isn’t but we’re also involved in dealing with all the always the best option for every patient. As we move various emotions our patients experience when forward in developing new therapies and cancer battling this disease. Helping patients on both fighting drugs, we’re creating a wider variety of fronts makes our jobs extremely rewarding.” treatment options, which is very exciting.” AugustSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Every surgeon at Karmanos is a cancer surgeon. Each one is 2009 on the faculty of Wayne State University School of Medicine giving them access to the latest technology and techniques. 1

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30 31 25 26 27 28 29 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos Stopping Prostate Cancer In Its Tracks Cancer Survivor Advocates Frequent Screenings

Manny Rosenbaum’s passion is spreading the word about the importance of frequent cancer screenings – and with good reason.

Because his brother, Irving, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Rosenbaum knew he was at higher risk and increased his screenings from once to twice per year. In 2004, the Karmanos Cancer Center doctors confirmed Rosenbaum had a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer. He immediately began an intense radiation and medication treatment at Karmanos’ Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. Today at age 79, Rosenbaum is a cancer survivor, and he tells everyone Manny Rosenbaum he can to get tested early and often.

“My brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer in spite Rosenbaum became a member of the Karmanos Speaker’s Screening for Prostate Cancer of getting tested annually,” says Rosenbaum, a retired Bureau in 1998 to honor his brother and to help raise Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. African American men and men with a microbiologist and computer support specialist. “He died awareness about prostate health. Besides speaking and five years after he was diagnosed. I knew that my risk of family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk handing out cancer awareness literature at health fairs, for prostate cancer. prostate cancer was higher, so my thought was to not give he also records educational audio books for Recording the disease a chance to get a head start. That’s why I began The recommended screenings for prostate cancer are: for the Blind and Dyslexic. • A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) annually starting at age 50 getting the test twice annually. That decision saved my life.” • A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test annually starting at “A cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence,” age 50 Rosenbaum says he was impressed by the care Karmanos Rosenbaum says. “People should not be frightened by • If you are African American or your brother, father or son had cancer specialists provided his brother. “The Karmanos team cancer, because as long as it is caught early, there are prostate cancer before age 65, get an annual DRE and PSA blood was the most caring, competent and compassionate medical many different treatment methods available. People test at age 45 staff I’ve ever encountered,” Rosenbaum said. “They do should not neglect to get regular testing because it can Like any screening test, prostate screening has its benefits and limita- tions. Make sure you discuss your individual need for prostate cancer everything they can to make patients feel comfortable and at be life saving. I’m proof of that.” ease, and showed great concern and feeling for me as a person.” screening with a health care provider. For more information on cancer prevention, screening and diagnostic programs, call 1-800-Karmanos. SeptemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday2009Saturday

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September is National Prostate, Ovarian, Gynecologic, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about treatment or prevention of 27 28 29 30 these types of cancer, please visit karmanos.org. karmanos.org • 1-800-Karmanos A Culture

of Good ProgrHealtham Raises Breast Cancer Awareness among Latinas

Judge Maria L. Oxholm was preparing to launch her campaign for re-election to Wayne County’s Third Circuit Court in 2000 when she learned she had breast cancer. At first she felt overwhelmed and worried about her three young children. Then she decided cancer wouldn’t beat her. She sought treatment at the Karmanos Cancer Center, where she elected to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy. “I came to Karmanos because they are known throughout the country for providing expert cancer care,” says Judge Oxholm, who won her election and fight against cancer. “I had a lot of confidence in the doctors who treated me and felt very comfortable with my treatment plan. I went through chemo during the week and campaigned on the weekends. I’ve been cancer-free going on nine years. Cancer never stopped me.” Thankfully, Judge Oxholm sought early treatment and had a successful outcome. Unfortunately, many other women of Hispanic heritage lack the information needed to battle cancer due to language barriers, misconceptions about the disease and other socioeconomic factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that just 38 percent of Latina women have regular mammograms, and breast cancer among Latinas is rising faster than in any other ethnic group. To address the need for greater awareness about breast cancer within metro Detroit’s Hispanic community, Karmanos launched its Latina Breast Cancer Project in 2005 with grant funds from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The program is part of Karmanos’ Latino Cancer Program. “Our first step was to learn about the Latina community’s needs so we could develop specific program goals,” says Beatriz Esquivel-Ramos, breast cancer co-survivor and Latina Education and Outreach Beatriz Esquivel-Ramos (left) and Judge Maria Oxholm Coordinator at Karmanos. “From that we’ve developed advisory boards, support groups and free bilingual breast health education programs that serve the Latina population in southwest Detroit, the downriver area, and in Macomb and Oakland counties. We help Latina women enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, which is run by the Michigan Department of Community Health and provides low-income women with access to cancer screening services.” For more information on Karmanos’ Latino Cancer Program, call Since the program’s launch, nearly 1,400 Latina women have learned about breast health and life-saving cancer screenings through Karmanos-sponsored programs at community family health agencies, churches, ESL classes and other forums. (313) 576-8164 (Spanish) or “It’s very important that Karmanos offers these types of programs to the Hispanic community, because people need to know (313) 576-9283 (English). that the earlier you get medical attention, the better the outcome will be,” says Judge Oxholm. “Hispanic women cannot live in fear of cancer. They need to know that there are good treatment options and you can continue to live your life.” OctoberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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25 26 27 28 29 30 31 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos Up Close: Antoinette Wozniak, M.D., FACP Always Accepting A Challenge

At the Karmanos Cancer Center, when medicine in 1983. She continued conducting a challenge is present, you’ll also likely find research while treating patients at the former Antoinette Wozniak, M.D., FACP. VA hospital in Allen Park. In 1992, she chose to become a thoracic oncology specialist, thanks “Challenges make life interesting,” says Dr. to the influence of Manuel Valdivieso, M.D., Wozniak, leader of the Thoracic Oncology former chief medical officer and associate Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos and director of Clinical Affairs at Karmanos. professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. “Between caring for patients, “I have to credit Dr. Valdivieso with piquing my teaching and mentoring residents and leading interest in thoracic oncology,” Dr. Wozniak says. various clinical trials, there are no dull moments.” “He was the one who started the multidisciplinary team approach to treating lung cancer at Dr. Wozniak’s penchant for pursuing medical Karmanos. I found thoracic oncology challenging, challenges began while she was an undergraduate and he persuaded me to join his team. I began chemistry major at Niagara University near her treating thoracic patients, launched some clinical childhood home of Buffalo, New York. Always trials and things just took off from there.” intrigued by the sciences, Dr. Wozniak found the lab environment a bit constricting. Today, Dr. Wozniak is leading a number of clinical trials involving the development of new “I wanted to pursue a career that would drugs to treat lung cancer. As a clinician-educator always hold my interest,” Dr. Wozniak says. in Wayne State’s Division of Hematology and “Even then, I found the nature of being a Oncology, she is very involved in helping young ANTOINETTE J. WOZNIAK, M.D., FACP physician and taking care of people very residents/fellows learn to become leading TITLE: Professor of Internal Medicine, Wayne State Univerity School[BI of Medicine; O] appealing. I liked that much better than oncologists. Above all, Dr. Wozniak remains sitting in a lab with chemicals.” devoted to treating cancer patients. and Leader, Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. Associate Director Fellowship Program. Dr. Wozniak was elected as President of the Medical Staff Although Dr. Wozniak initially wanted to “It’s wonderful to see patients who may have by her physician peers at Karmanos. become a pediatrician, the prospect of working been given a grim diagnosis a few years ago, in oncology – a field rife with opportunities but now are doing quite well,” Dr. Wozniak EDUCATION: M.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo for advances in treatments and medications – says. “We’ve made great progress over the last School of Medicine; B.S. summa cum laude in Chemistry from Niagara changed her career path. After completing her 20 years in developing new drugs to help these University (New York). medical oncology residency and internship, she patients. It’s very rewarding and exciting to be Residency and Internship at the State University of New York joined Wayne State as an assistant professor of part of that.” TRAINING: at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals; Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Florida in Gainesville. NovemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about pancreatic and lung cancer treatment or prevention, please visit karmanos.org. 29 30 karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos This Isn’t Your Corner Drug Store

Karmanos Pharmacists Provide More than Medication

Stephen T. Smith, M.s., FASHP

Though the pharmacists still wear white lab coats, there “Chemotherapy drugs are not in ‘ready to administer’ form,” Karmanos pharmacists help study how patients respond to are plenty of differences between a typical retail drug store and Smith explains. “We prepare these medications based on individual different medications.” the specialized care and service provided at the Karmanos patient factors such as height, weight, liver and kidney function. It’s Through affiliations with Wayne State University and University an exact process that must be performed with extreme precision, Cancer Center Pharmacy. Located within Karmanos in of Michigan colleges of pharmacy, Karmanos provides structured midtown Detroit, pharmacy staff members provide full because very small dosage changes can have an adverse affect on a patient. And because of the highly toxic nature of these drugs, we educational programs for future pharmacists. Karmanos also medication services for Karmanos patients, participate in prepare them under strict sterility and stability standards. Our offers a 12-month, post-graduate Oncology Specialty Residency the research of new cancer fighting drugs and offer training sterile prep lab is akin to an operating room – it’s an extremely Program that provides pharmacists with advanced clinical opportunities for future pharmacists. clean environment for medication preparation. These drugs can training and experience working with cancer patients. “Our pharmacy is very different from the traditional retail cause side effects in otherwise healthy people, so we have to use Perhaps the biggest difference between the retail setting and special equipment when transferring the medication to an IV bag. pharmacy – it’s about more than counting out pills and placing the work of a Karmanos pharmacist is the amount of direct It adds some additional time to the compounding process, but we them in a bottle,” says Stephen T. Smith, M.S., FASHP, director interaction with the patient’s physician. of Pharmacy Services at Karmanos. “We have 12 pharmacists must have the proper safety measures in place to protect those and 14 technicians who are responsible for all the medications who prepare, dispense, and administer the medication.” “The pharmacists do more than make sure patients get the right drugs – they’re part of the team that cares for our patients,” our patients receive during their hospital stay or clinic visit.” Karmanos pharmacists also provide services for all research Smith says. “They make rounds, make any appropriate medication protocols, including investigations centered on dozens of new Pharmacy staff members prepare nearly 2,700 chemotherapy adjustments and help coordinate patient care with attending medications through the Phase I Clinical Trials Program. medications per month, which are given to patients either physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team. orally or intravenously. Each dose must be prepared according “We participate heavily in researching new cancer drugs, Smith It’s our carefully coordinated team approach that sets us apart to exact parameters for each individual patient. says. “The principal investigator is generally a physician, but from the retail arena.” DecemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday2009Saturday

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Our doctors and teams of experts offer hope to more than 6,000 new patients who seek diagnosis and treatment at Karmanos each year. 27 28 29 30 31 New Year’s Eve karmanos.org 1-800-Karmanos Entering the WorkingKarmanos Doctors World Recall their Early Job Experiences

Ca s s a n Bl a k e , M.D., MPH Pe t e r J. Li t t r u p , M.D. Ph i l i p A. Ph i l i p , Je f f r e y Zo n d e r , M.D. Co-Director, Radiologist M.D., Ph.D., FRCP Assistant Professor of Medicine Walt Comprehensive Breast Center Professor of Medicine and Oncology and Oncology, Hematology/Oncology Assistant Professor of Surgery “I put myself through college working in Detroit area tool shops and learned a lot “My father died when I was 11 and “When I was 15 I got a job for about “When I was in high school I worked about practical machinery, safety and the because I was the oldest child, I began six months bussing tables at a Bill Knapp’s as a telemarketer for a company called benefits of being a ‘wimp.’ Although learning the family trade by working restaurant in Farmington Hills. I made Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas in Man- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health during the hot Iraqi summers in a about two dollars per hour plus a portion hattan. I started at age 15 and worked Administration) established its standards in Baghdad shoe factory. I cleaned floors, of the waitresses’ tips. I would come home part-time during the evenings for a little 1970, some small shops didn’t take exposure carried things around and learned how from every shift exhausted and jump right extra spending money. It was a fun job. to hazardous materials very seriously. I was to operate some of the machines. I took into the shower. It was the messiest job Almost all the surveys took about two or asked to clean a two-story high stamping time to make some little toy gun holsters I’ve ever had. Bill Knapp’s used to give three minutes. If someone hung up on me, press caked with muck and grease. They from leftover leather and designed several away free chocolate cakes and a percent- I just took it in stride and made the next gave me a spackling knife, a bunch of rags myself. By the time I finished medical age off the bill equal to your age on your call. But I recall one survey that was over and an open bucket of gasoline. After two school I also knew how shoes were made birthday, so people were constantly having an hour long – I had to call farmers in hours of scraping, my head felt like it would and could run the business. My first birthday parties. There were evenings Iowa and ask about their fertilizer. I tried explode. So I went to the shop foreman and ‘paycheck’ was in currency equal to about when it felt like my sole occupational to mask my thick Brooklyn accent because asked him whether this was considered safe three dollars. I felt very excited when the duty was to try to get chocolate cake I was afraid the farmers would hear it and according to OSHA. He told me questions accountant called my name and handed and frosting off the carpet. Still, I rarely not want to talk to me.” like mine reflected that, as a wimp, I should me this little brown bag filled with coins.” needed to ask my parents for spending just go sweep the shop. The foreman found a money while I was working there.” less fortunate kid to clean the press.” JanuarySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday January is Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Month. 2010 Regular Pap tests can help identify the disease in its early stages, when cancer is the most treatable.

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WINTER 2009 • VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 2 Dear Friends, ...... ABOUT Karmanos As we begin another new year, we are pleased to present our Karmanos Hope 2009 calendar. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only It showcases the stories of just a few of our remarkable patients who remind us of the true 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer meaning of hope, grace and perseverance. Centers in the United States. Federal designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center is the pinnacle of translational oncology research. You’ll also read about our extraordinarily gifted team of scientific researchers, oncologists, pharmacists, ...... technicians and other members of the Karmanos team. During the past year, there has been worldwide EXECUTIVE STAFF attention focused on the work they do to eradicate cancer. With this dedication and commitment, John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. I expect 2009 will be characterized by further scientific, diagnostic and clinical advances. President & Chief Executive Officer Cynthia K. Sikina Thank you for your support and inspiration in our fight against cancer. Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Nick Karmanos Sincerely, Vice President, Development ...... Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. Alan S. Schwartz, Chair Peter Karmanos, Jr. Randolph J. Agley, Vice Chair C. Michael Kojaian PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Charles E. Becker, Lead Vice Chair Melvin A. Lester, M.D. BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE Richard M. Gabrys, Vice Chair Edward C. Levy, Jr. W. James Prowse, Vice Chair Mervyn H. Manning Eugene Applebaum Mary Matuja NONPROFIT ORG Nancy Barrett, Ph.D. (ex officio) Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D. (ex officio) U.S. POSTAGE Paul Borman Timothy Monahan PAID Armando R. Cavazos Paul L. Nine Email: [email protected] DETROIT, MI Lillian Erdeljan Thomas D. Ogden ...... PERMIT NO. 1579 Jeremiah E. Farrell Fred D. Olson Nathan Forbes J. Edson Pontes, M.D. Mary ANn SHort Mail Code: NCO 6MC Stanley Frankel Eunice Ring Vice President, Myron Frasier Richard F. Roth Marketing and Communications 4100 JOHN R Bruce A. Gershenson John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. (ex officio) DETROIT, MI 48201 Stephen Grand Nettie H. Seabrooks Linda H. Remington Adnan Hammad, Ph.D. Nedda N. Shayota Editor Patricia Hartmann Robert A. Stone Director, Marketing and Communications David Jacob Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius, M.D. Eleanor M. Josaitis Nancy Yaw Associate Editors:

Patricia A. Ellis Karmanos Cancer Center Board of Directors Media Relations Manager

Charles E. Becker, Chair Robert H. Marcin Christine Parker Timothy Monahan, Vice Chair Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D. (ex officio) Marketing Coordinator Jonathan S. Aaron J. Edson Pontes, M.D. Christina Balian Mehren John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. (ex officio) On the cover: Leslie C. Bowman Anthony J. Rusciano Manny Rosenbaum, prostate cancer survivor. Read Manny’s story in the month of September. Armando R. Cavazos Alan S. Schwartz (ex officio) ...... Kenneth Eisenberg Nettie H. Seabrooks Nathan Forbes Maureen L. Stapleton Feature photos by Stephen Lengnick, Thomas A. Goss Jane R. Thomas, Ph.D. Plum Street Studio Denise Ilitch Antoinette J. Wozniak, M.D. (ex officio) Melvin A. Lester, M.D. George Yoo, M.D. (ex officio) Copyright 2008 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

As of November 21, 2008