KCI Hope Calendar 07.indd - Karmanos Cancer Institute

HOPE
2007 Calendar
A YE A R OF HOPE A ND HE A L ING AT T HE B A R B A R A A NN K A R M A NO S C A NC E R IN S T I TU T E
Looking
FORWARD
C ANCER ISN’T STOPPING DANIELLE NOLL
FROM PLANNING HER FUTURE.
“I went to the gynecologist for a routine
visit in June 2006 and was surprised to
learn I had cervical cancer. I had no idea
anything was wrong.
“So I chose the minimally invasive
procedure. I didn’t realize just how
innovative and new the procedure was
– that I’d be the first woman in the area
to have it! But I had all the confidence in
the world in Dr. Morris and my Karmanos
team; they are the
very best.
“My gynecologist referred me to Dr. Robert
Morris at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. At
the time, I thought
my gynecologist was
“That’s one of the things I’ve
being a little dramatlearned from all this – that
ic – sending me to
I’m stronger than I ever
Karmanos – but that
was just me being
knew I was...emotionally,
in denial. The truth
physically and mentally.”
was: I had cancer and
I needed to take it
DANIELLE NOLL
seriously.
“The procedure went
well. Just five small
incisions instead of
a big open incision.
And, really...there
was no pain.
–
DANIELLE NOLL
“I immediately liked
Dr. Morris. He was very confident about my
situation and explained all my options. I
was especially interested in this new, minimally invasive procedure he told me about
[fertility-sparing radical trachelectomy] that
would enable me to still have children
someday. Some of the other options, like a
hysterectomy, would have obviously interfered with my having kids. But I’m young
and, like most women, I’d like to get married
and have children someday –or at least have
the option.
“To be safe, Dr.
Morris recommended a short course of
chemotherapy after the surgery. I’m halfway
through it now, but I’m holding up great.
I lost my hair, but that’s OK. I’m still
working. I’ve never really felt sick. Every
once and a while I get tired, but I was able
to do a 3.1 mile cancer walk just a week
after my second treatment!
“That’s one of the things I’ve learned from
all this – that I’m stronger than I ever
knew I was...emotionally, physically and
mentally. Thanks to everyone at Karmanos,
I’ve learned I’m a survivor.”
JANUARY
S U N D AY
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M O N D AY
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
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Muharramn/
New Year
DANIELLE’S TEAM: The Institute’s Gynecologic
Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, which
includes Robert Morris, M.D. and Veronica
Schimp, D.O., reviewed Danielle’s case.
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www.karmanos.org
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Read more about Danielle’s
Karmanos Team at www.karmanos.org.
1-800-KARMANOS
By Working Together, Karmanos Researchers Are Unlocking...
A diet rich in soy may lower the risk
of heart disease, osteoporosis – even
cancer. This may explain why Asians, with diets
typically rich in soy, tend to have lower rates of
these diseases than Westerners.
“The Chinese discovered the health benefits of
soy thousands of years ago,” said Omer Kucuk
M.D., professor of medicine and oncology at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute. “In fact, there are
accounts of Chinese emperors using soy for its
medicinal benefits 6,000 years ago.”
Current research isn’t just comparing Asians to
Westerners. Even within Asian populations, the
people who eat the most soy tend to have the lowest
incidence of cancer. A clear link exisits between soy
and cancer prevention.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
As one of the world’s top cancer researchers, Dr.
Kucuk wanted to know how the process works at a
molecular level. But as a clinical researcher, he couldn’t
do it alone. He needed help from a basic science researcher, a laboratory scientist who studies the causes,
progression, treatment and prevention of cancer at
molecular and genetic levels. That’s when he turned to
Fazlul H. Sarkar, Ph.D., professor of pathology at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute – and an internationally
known cancer researcher in his own right.
“It’s really quite uncommon for this type of translational research to be done at the same institution –
going from basic science to clinical trial within a short
period of time,” Dr. Sarkar said. “It’s something that
sets Karmanos apart from most other cancer centers.”
The Secrets of Soy
Translational research occurs when laboratory
studies are translated into clinical studies, or when
clinical observations are translated back into
biological, molecular and genetic studies in the
lab. The Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only
a few cancer centers in the nation taking research
from the laboratory, applying it to patients and
taking the results back to the laboratory to refine
the science as needed.
Together, Drs. Sarkar and Kucuk launched a series
of studies aimed at unlocking the molecular
secrets of soy isoflavone, the compound within
soy believed to prevent cancer. Along the way
they made a groundbreaking discovery that
promises to change the way cancer is treated.
A GROUNDBREAKING DISCOVERY
Not only can soy prevent cancer, it can also make
cancer treatments more effective.
“Our research shows that soy isoflavones could
increase a patient’s sensitivity to chemotherapy
and radiation therapy,” Dr. Sarkar said. “So if you
give a patient soy isoflavones, this means you can
use less chemotherapy or radiation therapy for
an effective treatment. That’s good for the patient
because it means they have less exposure to these
toxic treatments.”
“It’s really quite simple,” Dr. Kucuk said.
“If you are getting chemotherapy or radiation
therapy and you take soy, you are likely to do
better and have better results.”
RESEARCH CONTINUES
While the initial results are
remarkable, the research is far
from over. Many questions
remain unanswered, which
is why Drs. Kucuk
and Sarkar’s
studies are
continuing
to test this
concept in
clinical trials.
Cancer researchers and physicians
around the world are
following their work closely.
In fact, prestigious cancer
institutes – including MD
Anderson Cancer Center
in Houston and the
University of Michigan,
in Ann Arbor – are
now collaborating
with Karmanos on soy
isoflavone studies related
to pancreatic cancer and head
and neck cancers. The goal
is to see if soy prevents the
recurrence of certain types
of cancer after radiation therapy
and/or chemotherapy.
“So our work continues,”
Dr. Kucuk said. “This is really
just the beginning.”
FAZLUL H. SARKAR, PH.D.
AND OMER KUCUK, M.D.
FEBRUARY
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
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Groundhog Day
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Valentine’s Day
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Ash Wednesday
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www.karmanos.org
President’s Day
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The Karmanos Cancer Institute is always on
the cutting edge of cancer research. Currently,
physician-scientists are examining the effects
of soy isoflavones in prostate, breast and
pancreatic cancer patients.
1-800-KARMANOS
Karmanos Affiliate Network Expands Our Reach...
Beyond Metro Detroit
Barb Hurley is from Midland,
MI, and considers herself a bit of
a cancer “pro.” Having battled ovarian
Jeff rey Forman, M.D., F.A.C.R., professor of
radiation oncology and medical director of the
Karmanos Affiliate Network. “It essentially expands our reach far beyond Southeast Michigan.”
cancer for nearly 10 years, she knows the ins
and outs of blood work, biopsies, CT and PET
scans, surgeries and chemotherapy.
Barb credits her MidMichigan Medical Center
oncologist for expertly monitoring her condition
over the years. To ensure she received the
highest level of specialty care available for her
form of cancer, Barb’s oncologist referred her
to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Fortunately for Barb – and hundreds of other
patients each year – world-class cancer care is
readily available throughout Michigan and
Ohio via the Karmanos Affiliate Network, a
group of physicians and medical centers
working closely with physician-scientists and
researchers at the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
“The Affiliate Network connects us to hospitals
and medical groups outside the Detroit area,” said
For some patients, the Affiliate Network
provides easy access to the innovative cancer
treatments and advanced diagnostic services only
available at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. For
other patients, the Network enables them to get
world-class cancer treatment close to home.
“In some situations, it might be appropriate for
a patient to get his or her treatment closer to
home,” Dr. Forman said. “Through our affiliates,
we can refer patients to providers in their area
with confidence that they will get excellent care.”
“I believe in getting the best possible health
care,” explains Barb. She believes her personal
commitment to good health, along with the
MidMichigan/Karmanos connection, has helped
her live a very full and satisfying life, despite her
ongoing battle with cancer.
KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE AFFILIATION INSTITUTIONS
HOSPITAL AFFILIATION GROUPS
Northern Michigan Hospital
Petoskey, MI
Mt. Clemens Regional
Medical Center
Mt. Clemens, MI
Crittenton Hospital
JEFFREY FORMAN, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Rochester, MI
Marquette General
Health System
Marquette, MI
MidMichigan Medical Center
Midland, MI
Metropolitan Florence
Nightingale Hospital
and Cancer Center
Istanbul,Turkey
PHYSICIAN AFFILIATION GROUPS
Huron Medical Group
Port Huron, MI
Toledo Clinic
Hematology Oncology
Toledo, OH
Newland Medical Associates
Southfield / Novi, MI
MARCH
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal
cancer is a highly preventable form of cancer. Regular screening can
help identify the disease early, when the cancer is most treatable.
For more information visit www.preventcancer.org/colorectal
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Purim
Daylight Savings
Time Begins
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St. Patrick’s Day
Prophet
Muhammad’s
Birthday
1-800-KARMANOS
Innovative Treatment
MALIGNANT HEMATOLOGY MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM PROVIDES...
In January 2005, Robin Dysart, 41, was
diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of
cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. As president
and CEO of Spectrum Financial Group, Inc., a national
insurance agency providing employee health and
wellness benefits, she knew the importance of seeking
cutting-edge cancer treatment.
“When I found out I had cancer, I was determined to
find a way to overcome this situation,” she said. “I began
to learn about the disease through internet research,
phone interviews with other multiple myeloma patients
and physician consultations.”
In her early 40’s, Robin was much younger than most
multiple myeloma patients and had no other health
issues – making her a good candidate for aggressive
treatment options.
She was referred to the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s
Malignant Hematology Multidisciplinary Team because
of its expertise in treating multiple myeloma. Led by
Charles A. Schiffer, M.D., professor of medicine and
oncology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, the team
is nationally recognized as a leader in the treatment of
malignant blood diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma,
multiple myeloma and myelodysplasia (MDS).
“We have enormous experience in treating leukemia, myelodysplasia and other hematologic malignancies,” said
Dr. Schiffer. “And we’ve led trials of important drugs for
the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
and myelodysplasia.”
“Beyond the multidisciplinary team that focuses on
hematologic malignancies, we also have a sub-team for
multiple myeloma,” said Jeff rey Zonder, M.D., assistant
professor at the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
OPTIONS
The multidisciplinary team designed a unique treatment
plan for Robin which included chemotherapy, radiation
therapy and a bone marrow transplant. According to Dr.
Zonder, at one point, tests indicated Robin’s
disease state was “nearly in a complete remission.”
Unfortunately, the disease returned. As part of her
treatment, Robin began taking a recently-approved
therapy for myeloma called lenalidomide (or
Revlimid). Drs. Schiffer and Zonder have
extensive experience with Revlimid due to
their clinical trials in myelodysplastic
syndrome and multiple myeloma.
Robin hopes this drug therapy will put
the disease into remission – or at least
control it long enough for her to have
a second bone marrow transplant.
“I’ve had incredible care and more
treatment options than I would
have had anywhere else,” Robin
said. “Karmanos has offered
cutting edge technology and an
extremely talented team of professionals. My group of doctors
diligently worked to give me a
second chance at life and for
that I am forever thankful.”
ROBIN DYSART
APRIL
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Palm Sunday
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Easter
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Earth Day
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www.karmanos.org
Photo by: Gregg Hettel
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Oral Head &
Neck Cancer
Awareness Week
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
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Passover
Good Friday
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ROBIN’S TEAM: Jeffrey Zonder, M.D., along with the Institute’s
Malignant Hematology Multidisciplinary Team, presented
Robin with the best treatment options for her form of cancer.
Read more about Robin’s Karmanos Team
at www.karmanos.org.
1-800-KARMANOS
Signature
KARMANOS C ANCER INSTITUTE’S
EVENTS
PARTNERS EVENTS
The 13th Annual Partners Events raised nearly $1 million for the
Karmanos Cancer Institute. Over 700 people attended Partners
Night at Neiman Marcus, Somerset Collection, which honored
Catherine and Nathan Forbes.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE 2007
PARTNERS EVENTS!
Amy Farbman and Stacy Goldberg, 13th
Annual Partners Night Co-Chairs
Tee off with the Karmanos Cancer Institute at the PARTNERS
GOLF CLASSIC on Monday, August 27, 2007.
Nathan and Catherine Forbes, 2006 Partners Honorary
Chairs, John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., President and CEO
Then, Give Into the Night at the 14th Annual
PARTNERS NIGHT on Saturday, September 8, 2007.
For more information, please visit our
Partners Web site at www.kci-partners.com
ANNUAL DINNER
The Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 25th Annual Dinner hopes to
raise a few eyebrows, along with funds for the Institute. Join us for
a night filled with adventure, creativity and fun.
The evening’s entertainment will include a special fashion show
presentation, highlighting the best in women’s fashion from Milan,
Paris and New York. The clothing will be selected and provided by
the popular Birmingham clothing store, Linda Dresner. The store
is the namesake of its owner, Linda Dresner, who is also serving
as a co-chair for the event. Dayle and John Hoffecker, managing
director, Alix Partners and Regine and Stefano Aversa, managing
director, Alix Partners will also co-chair the event.
Julie and Nick Karmanos, David Jacob, Partners
Executive Committee, Howard Luckoff, Partners
Honorary Co-Chair
25th Annual Dinner Committee
(Some members not pictured)
SAVE
THE
DATE
The 25th Annual Dinner will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2007
at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.
For more information, please visit our Web site
www.karmanos.org or contact Sara Heimerl at (313) 576-8112.
MAY
S U N D AY
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Mother’s Day
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
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Victoria Day
(Canada)
Shavuot
Karmanos
Annual Dinner
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
and summer is approaching fast!
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www.karmanos.org
Memorial Day
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Read more about skin cancer
prevention at www.cancer.org.
1-800-KARMANOS
“I RACE BECAUSE I have a dream that one day
our daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers will not
live in fear of being diagnosed. I race because with your help
and support, we can win this war against breast cancer.”
– Ellree Watkins,
13-year breast cancer survivor
JUNE
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
The 2006 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®, locally presented by the
Karmanos Cancer Institute, raised a record $1.7 million for breast
cancer research, screening, treatment, support and education programs.
Go to www.karmanos.org for more information.
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National Cancer
Survivor Day
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Father’s Day
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www.karmanos.org
Flag Day
Detroit Race
for the Cure®
1-800-KARMANOS
U P CLOSE:
ANN SCHWARTZ, PH.D.
Ann Schwartz, Ph.D. is a nationally
recognized cancer researcher, but not the
kind who spends hours in a laboratory.
Instead, Dr. Schwartz is an epidemiologist,
a scientist who studies the incidence,
distribution, and control of disease in
a population. It’s important scientific
work taking place primarily outside the
laboratory – exactly where Dr. Schwartz
wants to be – with people and statistics.
ANN SCHWARTZ, PH.D.
[BIO]
“You’re trying to understand people, ask
the right questions, understand their
histories and what makes them who they are,”
said Dr. Schwartz. While her studies include
laboratory work, you won’t find Dr. Schwartz
in the lab often. “My husband has his
Ph.D. in pharmacology and
he understands why I don’t
like working in the lab. It’s
the same reason I don’t
like to cook,” she says. “I
can’t follow a recipe or
laboratory procedures.”
Today, Dr. Schwartz serves as associate center
director for population science at the Karmanos Cancer Institute – working in the same
building where she once had a summer job
with the Michigan Cancer Foundation. She
oversees a team of 60 researchers conducting
a wide range of population studies while also
carrying out her own research.
“We conduct studies to compare risk factors
and behaviors in individuals with cancer to
individuals without cancer to get some idea
of what causes the disease and what’s
associated with survival,” she says. “We’re
looking at genetic risk factors underlying
susceptibility to certain kinds of cancer. In
addition to those environmental exposures
– things you eat or smoke or are otherwise
exposed to – we want to know about any
genetic components that increase a
person’s risk.”
It’s time-consuming work and dependent on
the good will of cancer patients who agree to
be interviewed and donate a blood sample. In
addition, the community at large is needed
for comparison. Interviewers call hundreds of
phone numbers in the metro Detroit area at
random and ask a few simple questions. Then,
if someone in the household fits a particular
profile, the interviewer asks if they’d like to
participate in a research study.
If they choose to participate – and about
70 percent do – they are invited to complete
an interview and provide a DNA sample
for study. According to Dr. Schwartz,
researchers are trying to identify specific
genetic markers – working toward a day
when genetic testing will help identify
people with an increased risk of
developing certain kinds of cancer.
“Lung and pancreatic cancer, for example,
are very difficult to detect early. There aren’t
screening methods for these cancers like
there are for breast or prostate cancer. So
understanding genetic risk factors may
someday help us better detect and prevent
these cancers.”
ANN SCHWARTZ, PH.D.
TITLE: Associate Center Director,
Population Science
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Epidemiology,
Master’s degree in Public Health and B.S. degree
in Biology from the University of Michigan in Ann
Arbor and Master’s degree in Biology from Wayne
State University.
AGE: 49
HOBBIES: Swim team mom. (Daughter,
Carleigh, is a nationally competitive swimmer.)
HOME: Ann Arbor, Michigan
FAMILY: Ann and her husband, Don, have
two daughters, Juliann, 19, who is a sophomore
at the University of Michigan Honors College,
and Carleigh, 16.
JULY
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Canada Day
2007
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Independence Day
CANCER AWARENESS PINS
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www.karmanos.org
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Purchase a pin now to support Karmanos Patient & Family Support Services.
Proceeds from the sale of pins will enhance Patient & Family Services at the
Karmanos Cancer Center.The Karmanos Cancer Awareness Pin was designed
by Ellen Klausmeyer, a two time cancer survivor, in collaboration with the
Karmanos Patient & Family Advisory Council.
To learn more, or purchase a pin, call (313) 576-9280
1-800-KARMANOS
Karmanos Researchers Are Not Only Fighting Cancer,
They’re Creating High-Tech Jobs In Detroit
THE CENTER OF INNOVATION
Whether they’re conducting the earliest tests of
new drugs or developing new technologies to detect
breast cancer, researchers at the Karmanos Cancer Institute are
receiving national recognition for their work – and multi-million
dollar grants from the State of Michigan.
Two Karmanos researchers recently received a total of $4.2
million in grants from Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund, a
program designed to create high-tech jobs in the state.
CREATING A NEW TECHNOLOGY
Neb Duric, Ph.D., professor of radiation oncology at the Karmanos
Cancer Institute, along with Peter Littrup, M.D., Earle Holsapple
and several other Karmanos colleagues, received a $1.6 million
grant to support continued development of a new breast imaging
technology called Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE).
The technology promises to overcome the limitations of current
breast imaging techniques and may soon help physicians detect
breast cancer at its earliest stages.
“Despite great progress in the detection, diagnosis and treatment
of breast cancer in recent years, major limitations in breast imaging
still remain,” Dr. Duric said. “Mammography is the traditional ‘gold
standard’ for breast imaging, but it is often unable to discern benign
masses from cancerous masses – leading to many unnecessary breast
biopsies.” In women with dense breasts, traditional mammography
makes it difficult to see certain masses. This can lead to missed
opportunities to treat cancer in its earliest stages.
NEB DURIC, PH.D.
The new technology should help. Unlike mammography, the
CURE technology does not use harmful radiation and does not
compress the breast. Initially, the grant funds will be used to create
new research-related jobs at the Karmanos Cancer Institute –
helping the CURE team to finalize development of the technology
and bring it to market within the next few years.
STUDYING
NEW CANCER
DRUGS
Patricia LoRusso,
D.O., director of
the Karmanos
Cancer Institute’s
Phase I Clinical
Trials Program,
received a $2.6
million grant to
expand the
Program, currently
the only Phase I
cancer program in
Michigan, and one of only 14 in the country.
PATRICIA LORUSSO, D.O.
A Phase I trial is the first test of a new drug – or a new combination
of previously approved treatments – in humans. Phase I trials are
designed to determine a drug’s appropriate maximum dosage
(maximum tolerated dose) and to identify possible side effects.
“We take drugs that have been identified in the lab as having
promise – drugs that have also been identified as being safe – and
we give them to patients,” said Dr. LoRusso. “It’s a vital part of
developing new cancer therapies.”
The funds will add nearly 25 employees to the Phase I Program,
including physicians, nurses, research professionals, clinical care
professionals and various support staff. Increasing the size of the
Institute’s Phase I Program not only allows more patients to
participate in cancer treatment research, but physicians will have
the ability to test many more anti-cancer compounds currently in
development. The grant will also allow the program to increase the
complexity of the Phase I trials available to patients.
AUGUST
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
The Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Phase I Clinical
Trials Program is the only Phase I Program in
Michigan, and one of only 14 in the country.
For more information visit www.karmanos.org.
W E D N E S D AY
2007
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www.karmanos.org
1-800-KARMANOS
D R . W ILLIE U NDERWOOD
IS STUDYING RACIAL DISPARITIES
IN PROSTATE C ANCER TREATMENT AND ...
MAKING ADifference
“As a urologic surgeon, I want to provide the best
possible care to every patient I see – regardless
of race or ethnicity. As a researcher, I’m interested
in how men, diagnosed with clinically localized
prostate cancer, make their prostate cancer
treatment decisions. This is important because
little is known regarding the factors influencing
patients’ treatment decisions. Presently, racial
and socioeconomic prostate cancer treatment
disparities exist nationally. In my opinion this
injustice must be eliminated.
“I recently received the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation’s Harold Amos Medical Faculty
Development Award. I’m using the award to
study racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment. Detroit is the perfect place for this work.
“Coming to Karmanos was a golden
opportunity. I was working in Ann Arbor at the
University of Michigan. It’s a great institution
and I learned a lot there, but here at the Institute
and Wayne State University, there are also a lot of
intelligent people who are willing to dedicate their
lives to making sure people get good health care.
“Black men have higher prostate cancer mortality,
WILLIE UNDERWOOD, III, M.D., M.S., M.P.H.
compared to white males. Black men with prostate cancer
are less likely to receive definitive cancer therapy –
surgery or radiation – than white men, and if they do
receive definitive treatment, they are less likely to
receive surgery. My
research describes
this national
problem and I
believe all men
who develop
prostate cancer
deserve to receive
equal treatment.
“As a urologic
surgeon, I want
to provide the best
possible care to
every patient I see
– regardless of
race or ethnicity.”
“I guess you could
say I’m trying to
make a difference.
– WILLIE UNDERWOOD, III,
M.D., M.S., M.P.H.
That’s just how
I was raised.
The people in
my family have always considered themselves
social servants. Whether you’re an educator, a stock
broker or a physician, the skills you have are not
just for your own personal gain, they’re for the
gain of all of society.”
SEPTEMBER
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
September is Ovarian, Leukemia and Lymphoma,
Gynecologic Oncology and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
For more information on all cancer types, please visit www.karmanos.org.
2
3
Labor Day
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5
1
6
9
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12
13
16
23
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www.karmanos.org
S AT U R D AY
Rosh Hashana
Ramadan begins
Sukkout
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8
14
15
21
22
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Karmanos
Partners Night
Yom Kippur
1-800-KARMANOS
Ring
THE BELL
SURVIVING CANCER, JOANNE MANCINI CELEBRATES THE END OF HER CANCER TREATMENT AT KARMANOS
A few years ago, Joanne Mancini, R.N. sat down in
front of the TV one evening to watch one of her
favorite programs, “Houston Medical.” As a clinical
research nurse in the Gershenson Radiation Oncology
Center at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, she enjoyed
watching the television show about real people going
through cancer treatment at a major cancer center.
In this particular episode, a woman
with pancreatic cancer had just
completed weeks of radiation therapy.
Patients, nurses and doctors gathered
around as she read a poem and rang a
bell to signify the end of her treatment.
“I was very touched by this,” Joanne
said. “I thought it was a great idea to do
something symbolic like this to mark
the end of a patient’s treatment.”
surgery and radiation therapy,” Joanne said. “I never
considered going anywhere other than Karmanos for
my treatment; I wanted the best possible care and
this is the place to get it.”
But it was a delicate situation. Receiving radiation
therapy at the Karmanos Cancer Institute would mean
sharing her illness with her coworkers and physicians – people
she’d worked with every day for
THE BELL POEM
years. “It was a little awkward at
Ring this bell
first, but they are so professional,
so caring. They really made it easy.”
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say,
“My treatment’s done,
This course is run
And I am on my way.”
The next day she came to work and
told her co-workers about the bell.
Everyone agreed it was a good idea, but with busy
schedules and a full load of patients, no one had time to
move forward with the idea. “The topic of the bell never
came up again,” Joanne said.
Then, in 2002 – at age 42 – Joanne was diagnosed with
an early stage breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma
in situ (DCIS). She was shocked by the diagnosis, but as
a nurse, she knew that breast cancer sometimes strikes
young women with no family history of the disease.
“I also knew my treatment would probably involve
Weeks passed and her treatment
progressed with excellent results.
Like most cancer patients, she
looked forward to her last treatment
– and life after cancer. Her co-workers had been thinking about it too.
“On the last day of my treatment,
my friends at work had a victory celebration planned
and they had ordered a special gift for me,” Joanne said.
It was a bell – just like the one from the television show
– and a poem inscribed on a plaque. “I was just overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness. It had been a while
since I mentioned that bell, but they hadn’t forgotten.”
Today, Joanne is cancer-free and still working at the
Gershenson Radiation Oncology Center. The bell
and the poem still hang on the wall there. Whenever
Joanne hears it ring, she can’t help smiling.
JOANNE MANCINI, R.N.
OCTOBER
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
1
Columbus Day
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
2007
T H U R S D AY
2
3
4
9
10
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
5
6
11
12
Eid-al-Fitr
13 (End of Ramadan)
Shemini Atzert/
Simchat Torah
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8
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21Mammography Day 22
23
24
25
26
27
Thanksgiving (Canada)
National
Over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer
each year. During National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, visit www.karmanos.org for important
information about the disease.
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29
www.karmanos.org
30
31
Halloween
To make an appointment for a mammogram,
call 1-800-KARMANOS.
1-800-KARMANOS
REVOLUTIONARY CANCER TREATMENT SYSTEM IS...
Right On Target
ANDREW TURRISI, M.D.
For years, radiation oncologists
have used targeted beams of
radiation to destroy cancer cells in
patients, but it’s a tricky business. You have
to hit the tumor just right and avoid nearby
healthy tissues – the healthy esophagus that’s
next to the lung cancer, the optic nerve near
the brain tumor, the healthy intestine next to
the prostate cancer. It’s not easy.
location of a patient’s tumor. “This is
important because the tumor may have
grown or shrunk between treatments, or
there may have been internal motion that
moved the tumor out of the beam. With this
new system, we can locate the tumor before
each treatment – sometimes during the
treatment – and we can adjust the radiation
beams accordingly,” Dr. Turrisi said.
But a revolutionary technology – the
TomoTherapy HI-ART® System – is giving
radiation oncologists at the Karmanos
Cancer Institute a powerful new tool in the
fight against many types of cancer.
Once the tumor is located, the system
delivers precise doses of Intensity Modulated
Radiotherapy (IMRT) from a spiral pattern
around the patient, targeting the tumor from
multiple angles.
“This is an amazing piece of technology that is
simply not available at most hospitals,”
said Andrew Turrisi, M.D., professor and
chairman of radiation oncology at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State
University School of Medicine. “This new
system allows us to deliver a more precise and
powerful dose of radiation to a tumor while
avoiding critical structures and healthy tissue.”
“With traditional radiation therapies, the
patient often has to move between several
different stations. You get a CT scan in one
machine, then you go to another for radiation.
But with this new system, 3-D imaging and
precision radiation delivery are integrated into
the same system,” Dr. Turrisi said.
Unlike traditional radiation therapies, the
TomoTherapy system is the first device to
provide 3-D CT imaging immediately prior
to each treatment, in order to verify the exact
This integration not only increases precision
and enables physicians to safely use more
powerful doses of radiation, it also allows
for shortening the overall treatment time.
“And that usually makes the whole process
more comfortable for patients.”
NOVEMBER
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is
the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States,
with 87% of lung cancer cases caused by smoking.
For more information, visit www.karmanos.org or call 1-800-KARMANOS.
S AT U R D AY
2
3
7
8
9
10
16
17
23
24
Daylight Savings
Time Ends
5
6
11
Veteran’s Day
Rememberance
Day (Canada)
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13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
25
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27
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www.karmanos.org
F R I D AY
1
4
Election Day
2007
T H U R S D AY
Thanksgiving
30
1-800-KARMANOS
AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE,
A KARMANOS BOARD MEMBER,
DONOR AND PATIENT IS STILL...
Very few people make an impact on
their community like Thomas Angott.
The longtime Detroit business leader, and
former Detroit Fire Commissioner, has
been deeply involved with the Karmanos
Cancer Institute for more than 30 years
– starting with his service on the board
of directors of the Michigan Cancer
Foundation in the early 1970s.
“My father died of pancreatic cancer in
1969,” Tom said. “So I guess that
experience really paved the way for my
interest in cancer research. Then my wife,
Mary Jo, passed away in 1977. My eight
children and I lost her to colon cancer when
she was only 49. That really intensified my
commitment to cancer research,” he said.
Over the years, he has been involved in
almost every major development at the
Institute – from the negotiations of the
original partnership with Wayne State
University, to adopting the Barbara Ann
Karmanos Cancer Institute name, and
becoming Michigan’s only independent
cancer center. Tom has been an active
member of the Institute’s Board, serving
as its chairman for several years. He even
helped recruit top administrators
and researchers.
“Tom was instrumental in bringing me to
the Institute,” explains John C. Ruckdeschel,
M.D., president and chief executive officer.
“He and his wife Nancy came to see me in
Florida and persisted that we could make
Karmanos one of the truly great cancer
centers. Tom has provided great leadership
and brings a very personal commitment to
our mission.”
Beyond his service, Tom supports the
Institute financially and has given several
major gifts, including one establishing a
cancer research charitable fund in memory
of his late wife.
In 1989, Tom himself was diagnosed with
lung cancer.
“With all my experience at the Institute,
I knew exactly where to turn for the best
treatment,” Tom said. He had a lung removed
and received aggressive chemotherapy and
radiation therapy. “I had excellent care at
Karmanos. I must have; it’s 18 years later
and I’m still here, and I’m still committed.”
THOMAS ANGOTT
DECEMBER
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
T H U R S D AY
If you are over 70 1/2 years of age, an IRA Charitable Rollover is a great option for making
a tax-free charitable donation for an annual contribution, major gift or to satisfy a current pledge.
For more information on how to make an IRA contribution to the Karmanos Cancer
Institute, contact the Office of Planned Giving at (313) 576-8108 or (313) 576-8119.
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www.karmanos.org
31New Year’s Eve 25
S AT U R D AY
1
6
7
8
12
13
14
15
19
20 (Festival of Sacrifice) 21
22
Chanukah
Eid-al-Adha
Kwanzaa Begins
Christmas Day
2007
F R I D AY
26Boxing Day (Canada) 27
28
29
1-800-KARMANOS
Friends
RAISING FUNDS
For more information about these events and others in the
works, please visit www.karmanos.org/friendsraisingfunds.
AMERICAN
SEWING EXPO
MARCH
Kicks for the Cure
During the 2006 American
Sewing Expo’s “Show your
Support” Decorative Bra
Design Challenge, participants
donated $1 to vote for their
favorite bra. Over $650 was
collected for breast cancer
research and support at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute.
APRIL
Garden City Moose Lodge Cancer Auction
Blooms for Tomorrow
MAY
Carl’s Golfland Putting Contest
North Brothers Ford Walk
Battle to Beat Cancer
Cruise for a Cure
JANET LYNN RIPPER MEMORIAL
GOLF OUTING
Since its inception four years ago, the Janet Lynn Ripper
Memorial Golf Outing has donated $250,000 to the Janet
Lynn Ripper Medical Oncology Fund, and the Weisberg
Cancer Treatment Center at the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
JUNE
Paula Czarniecki Memorial Walk
Dale Meyer Memorial Golf Outing
Roselli Golf Outing
Harley Fest
JULY
Dick Purtan Golf Classic
Champane’s Classic Car Cruise
Three Shots Against Cancer
AUGUST
Pummill Golf Classic
Patrick J. Delaney Golf Outing
NAAMA Walk for Women’s Cancer
DICK PURTAN GOLF CLASSIC
LEFT TO RIGHT: Carmen
Harlan, Lila Lazarus, Lynn
Scherr, Lisa Jesswein, Betty
DeRamus, Diana Lewis
and Florine Mark
PHOTO:Wensdy Von Buskirk,
PINK/Observer & Eccentric
REMARKABLE WOMEN LUNCHEON
Now in its 7th year, the Remarkable Women
Luncheon has raised nearly $25,000 to help fund
advances in women’s medicine. The Karmanos
Cancer Institute has been a long standing beneficiary
of the event, which is hosted by Florine Mark,
president and CEO of The WW Group Inc.
The 9th Annual Dick Purtan Golf Classic,
at the Oakland University Golf Course,
raised over $40,000 for the Gail Purtan
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute.
SEPTEMBER
Julia M. Wilson Golf Outing
GFLCF Lung Cancer Walk
Janice McTigue Golf Outing
Janet Lynn Ripper Memorial Golf Outing
Kenneth J. Scott Memorial Golf Outing
Whispers of Hope - Ovarian
Cancer Awareness Gala
SKINS Golf Classic
Remarkable Women Luncheon
Arts Beats and Eats Twist Spa
Kroger Ribbon Sale
OCTOBER
WDVD & Gordon
Chevrolet Call-2-Care Radiothon
Brighton Collectibles
Image Salon Cut-a-thon
Binson’s Chili Cook-Off
DECEMBER
Steve Cruchon Bowling Tournament
The above list includes events confirmed at publication time.
JANUARY
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
1
New Year’s Day
W E D N E S D AY
2008
T H U R S D AY
2
3
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
4
5
11
12
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
Muharramn/
New Year
Friends
RAISING FUNDS
The Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Friends Raising Funds
program provides support to individuals, community
organizations and businesses that are interested in hosting
fundraisers to support the Institute and Cancer Center.
27
28
www.karmanos.org
29
30
31
For more information on how you can get involved
please contact Lauren Miller at (313) 576-8121
or e-mail: miller@karmanos.org
1-800-KARMANOS
KARMANOS HOPE CALENDAR 2007
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
...................................................
FALL 2006 • VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 3
...................................................
s we celebrate our first anniversary as Michigan’s first and only
independent cancer center, this issue of HOPE Magazine focuses
on a year of hope and healing at the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Our 2007 calendar showcases remarkable patient stories of perseverance and strength, as well as highlights the diligent work our worldrenowned researchers and physicians are doing as they strive for a cure.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only
39 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer
Centers in the United States. Federal designation as a Comprehensive
Cancer Center is the pinnacle of translational oncology research.
...................................................
Through our innovative technologies, medical partnerships and
generous community support, we provide patients with a superior
cancer care experience.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
JOHN C. RUCKDESCHEL, M.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer
WILLIAM BENNETT
Chief Financial Officer
We are inspired, everyday, to find a cure. I hope this calendar
will serve as your inspiration to help our fight against cancer.
NICK KARMANOS
Vice President, Development
Sincerely,
...................................................
KARMANOS CANCER CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jonathan S. Aaron
Randolph J. Agley (ex officio)
Thomas V. Angott, Sr.
Charles E. Becker, chair
Leslie C. Bowman
Paul L. Broughton
Armando Cavazos
Kenneth Eisenberg
Jeremiah E. Farrell
C. Michael Kojaian
Melvin A. Lester, M.D.
Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D. (ex officio)
Timothy Monahan, Vice Chair
J. Edson Pontes, M.D.
John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. (ex officio)
Anthony J. Rusciano
Wael Sakr, M.D. (ex officio)
Nettie Seabrooks
Jane R. Thomas, Ph.D.
Manuel Valdivieso, M.D. (ex officio)
John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randolph J. Agley, chair
Thomas V. Angott, Sr.
Eugene Applebaum
Nancy Barrett, Ph.D. (ex officio)
Charles E. Becker, vice chair
Paul Borman
Paul L. Broughton
Joseph J. Buttigieg, III
John T. Caldwell, Jr.
Armando Cavazos
John D. Crissman, M.D.
Deborah I. Dingell, vice chair
Lillian Erdeljan
Jeremiah E. Farrell
Samuel Frankel, vice chair
Myron Frasier
Richard M. Gabrys, vice chair
Bruce A. Gershenson
Stephen Grand
Adnan Hammad, Ph.D.
Elaine Hartman
Patricia Hartmann
Eleanor M. Josaitis
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
Melvin A. Lester, M.D.
Edward C. Levy, Jr.
Mervyn H. Manning
Mary Matuja
Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D. (ex officio)
Timothy Monahan
Paul L. Nine
Charles O’Brien (ex officio)
Fred D. Olson
J. Edson Pontes, M.D.
James Prowse
Eunice Ring
Richard F. Roth
John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. (ex officio)
Alan S. Schwartz, vice chair
Cynthia K. Sikina
Lila Silverman
Todd P. Smith
Robert A. Stone
Thomas M. Storen, D.D.S.
Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius, M.D.
4100 JOHN R
DETROIT, MI 48201
www.karmanos.org
(800) KARMANOS
(1-800-527-6266)
Email: hope@karmanos.org
...................................................
MARY ANN SHORT
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
KATHLEEN BROOKS
Editor, Internal Communications Coordinator
JACQUELINE TROST
Associate Editor, Communications Manager
COURTNEY McCRIMMON
Associate Editor, Science Writer
Feature photos by
Steven Lengnick, Plum Street Studios
...................................................
Copyright 2006 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DETROIT, MI
PERMIT NO. 1579