Dr. Jeffrey C. Blum

GIFT GIVES PATIENTS AT LEVINE CANCER INSTITUTE A “LASTING BREATH”

A recent $100,000 gift from Dr. Jeffrey C. Blum will establish The Lasting Breath Fund at Atrium Health Foundation. Dedicated to the advancement of lung cancer research and patient support programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, the Fund is a moving tribute to Dr. Blum’s late wife, Linda, who passed away from complications related to the disease in 2019.

A beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Linda was a joy and inspiration to everyone she met, including her oncologist, Dr. Kathryn Mileham. Despite a serious prognosis, she led each day with remarkable courage and empathy toward others. During treatment, Linda often arrived at her medical appointments in costumes to brighten the days of patients and staff. It was a positivity that she carried every day throughout her four-and-a-half-year battle with Stage IV lung cancer.

Grateful for the exceptional care his wife received, Dr. Blum looks forward to supporting research conducted by Dr. Mileham in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disease. The Fund will also provide financial support for other female lung patients and families at Levine Cancer Institute who require assistance for medical services, necessary supplies, and support programs.

“I am grateful to Dr. Blum for establishing the Lasting Breath Fund in honor of Linda, an inspiring woman enthusiastic for life. Together, the Blums and I celebrated each advancement specific to lung cancer; and yet, we recognized the need for more substantial contributions to support lung cancer research initiatives within our own system. This fund will not only provide Linda, but also all of those with lung cancer, an ongoing tribute – a lasting breath – through future endeavors in lung cancer research at Levine Cancer Institute.”

- KATHRYN FINCH MILEHAM, MD, FACP CHIEF, SECTION OF THORACIC MEDICAL ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ATRIUM HEALTH LEVINE CANCER INSTITUTE

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1. Linda with Dr. Mileham during her treatment. Her persistent smile and humor never faltered. 2. Linda touched the lives of all who knew her, especially her family. This gift is a heartfelt tribute from her husband (R). 3. Linda's jester hat is now a gift that Dr. Mileham holds close in memory of her patient and dear friend.