FALL 2022 Health, Science & Wellness ISSUETHISINSIDE Apple cider vinegar: Are the health claims just hype? PAGE 3 What parents need to know about scoliosis PAGE 9 Put these calendarscreeningscanceronyour PAGE 12 Two life-altering diagnoses. A dream to hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Adam’s care team helped make it come true. GOING THE LONG DISTANCE
Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer: Daiquiri Lewers Editor: Anna Madrzyk Assistant Editor: Angela Wells O’Connor Art Director: Ken Rickard
This publication does not provide medical advice or treatment suggestions. If you have medical problems or concerns, contact a physician, who will determine your treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice because of something you read here. For urgent needs, call 911.
Committed to meeting your healthcare needs
One final update that demonstrates our commitment to you and the care you receive is how we are performing on a national scale. The U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Hospital rankings have the University of Chicago Medical Center, the hub of the UChicago Medicine health system, rated in the top 50 in 10 specialties nationally — with cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology listed in the top 20. This comes on top of the University of Chicago Medical Center’s 21st consecutive A grade in hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group, a national industry watchdog. This ranking places us among an elite group of U.S. hospitals that have consistently met high standards for Wesafety.look forward to sharing more news with you about how our ongoing commitment to meeting your needs continues to move from words to action. With warm regards,
GREETINGS Visit our website for more information: Adult care: UChicagoMedicine.org Children’s care: ComerChildrens.org Science, health and wellness news: UChicagoMedicine.org/Forefront Read The Forefront online at UChicagoMedicine.org/TheForefrontFacebook.com/UChicagoMedInstagram.com/UChicagoMedTwitter.com/UChicagoMed Main number: 1-773-702-1000 Appointments: 1-888-824-0200 Email us at imagine.editor@uchospitals.edu
Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD Dean of the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs
Contributing writers: Jamie Bartosch, Cassandra Belek, Genevieve Bookwalter, Alison Caldwell, PhD, Kate Dohner, Alexis Hayes, Ashley Heher, Devon McPhee, Angela Wells O’Connor, Lorna Wong and Anne Stein
In addition to that work, there are other plans and initiatives underway as we look to transform the healthcare landscape for patients and the communities we serve and increase access to our care. We recently broke ground on our new multispecialty care center in Northwest Indiana, an area where many of our patients and employees reside. Also, planning and design work are moving along for our $633 million cancer center, the first freestanding facility of its kind in Chicago and the second-largest investment we have made on the South Side, which experiences cancer death rates that are twice the national average. And our South Side Healthy Community Organization — a partnership we have with 12 other area providers that is scoped to serve 400,000 residents — launched this summer and will help to address the lack of access to primary care and behavioral health services on Chicago’s South WeSide.also made a major leap forward in our efforts to provide our patients with an improved digital experience with the May launch of appointment scheduling on our website. This means you can now schedule an appointment with many of our primary care physicians on UChicagoMedicine.org.
It’s important for you, as valued patients and community members who are served by the University of Chicago Medicine, to know that we stand by our commitment to ensure your needs are being met by the care we Everyprovide.three years, we conduct an assessment of the top health priorities for UChicago Medicine’s service areas. It’s an opportunity and a responsibility for us to hear your voices and determine how well our services, partnerships and investments are meeting your needs, as well as how we can better address any gaps in what you experience and what we’re capable of providing. In the most recent assessment, cancer and heart disease emerged as top priorities. These are in addition to other health challenges that South Side communities face, including diabetes, trauma and mental health, as well as health inequities linked to lack of access to care, jobs and reliable food sources. The assessment and implementation plan are available online and detail how we are working to address these challenges. (See Page 16 for more information.)
Contributing photographers: Mark Black, Eddie Quinones, Jordan Porter-Woodruff and Nancy Wong
Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD Dean and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, The University of Chicago Tom Jackiewicz President, The University of Chicago Medical Center
The Forefront magazine features stories about life-changing care and breakthroughs in medical research at the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences.
Thomas E. Jackiewicz President of the University of Chicago Medical Center
We look toincreasewecommunitiespatientslandscapehealthcaretransformtotheforandtheserveandaccessourcare.”
UChicago Medicine Medical Group is comprised of UCM Care Network Medical Group, Inc., and Primary Healthcare Associates, S.C. UChicago Medicine Medical Group providers are not employees or agents of The University of Chicago Medical Center, The University of Chicago, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, UChicago Medicine Dearborn Station, UChicago Medicine Medical Group – Homewood, UChicago Medicine at Ingalls – Tinley Park, UChicago Medicine River East or UChicago Medicine Orland Park.
FROM THE FOREFRONT OF MEDICINE
MORE FROM THE FOREFRONT / Sign up for our Health & Science e-newsletter at UChicagoMedicine.org/enewsletter. THE FLU SEASON Getting a flu shot is as important as ever. infectious diseases doctor explains why. TIME / Some cancer screening guidelines have been updated. The latest on the screenings you need and when to get them. IN REHABILITATION CARE / UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab team up to help patients like Kirk Bills, above, to get back on their feet.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU / We’re planning to build a best-in-class center for patients and the community. We invite you to share your thoughts.
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with this record. Proud to be a national leader in patientUChicagoMedicine.orgsafety
READ COVID-19ONLINEUPDATES / Get the latest information from our experts on COVID-19 at UChicagoMedicine.org/Forefront.
TOP RANKED nationally in 10 adult specialties in the latest U.S. & World Report Best Hospitals survey. thank are of country
our physicians, nurses and caregivers for helping the University of Chicago Medicine achieve its 21st consecutive A grade in patient safety from prestigious industry watchdog The Leapfrog Group. We
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from medication to minimally invasive surgery.14 BlackMarkbyphotoCover INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Forefront / Fall 2022 ON THE COVER Adam Rubinberg’s dream to hike the Pacific Crest Trail seemed out of reach, until his team of liver and trail.treatmenthimupMedicineatdiseasesdigestiveexpertsUChicagocamewithaplanfortocontinueonthe
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FOCUS ON FIBROIDS / options for these common (and sometimes painful) growths,
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UChicago Medicine ranked
“It’s exciting for me to know our residents will have close access to top-level physician care because of this campus, and that the City of Crown Point will serve as home to such a prestigious medical group,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said during the ceremony.
Anderson comes to the leadership of the University of Chicago Medicine from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he served as director of the Department of Medicine, the William Osler Professor of Medicine and physician-in-chief of The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The Crown Point care center will include:
Comer Children’s specialties ranked in the top 50 are urology (#31), cancer (#44), gastroenterology/GI surgery (#45) and neonatology To(#49).see the full list of rankings, rankings.health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/visit
New leader named for UChicago Medicine
“I am thrilled and humbled to join the University of Chicago community and look forward to the opportunity to work across the University and the South Side to promote biomedical discovery, education and health,” Anderson said.
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Nationally ranked for adult, children’s care
The University of Chicago Medicine health system was recognized with rising scores in the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals and Best Children’s Hospitals Atrankings.theUniversity of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC), the hub of the health system, 10 specialties ranked nationally in the top 50 — with cancer (#14), diabetes/ endocrinology EarliertoratedproceduresMemorial,Atratedproceduresrankings,In(#49).ear,geriatricsneurosurgeryneurologyheart(#38),and(#31),rankingsspecialtieslist.makinggynecologyobstetricssurgerygastroenterology/GI(#17),(#14)andand(#16)thetop20Otheradultandtheirareurologypulmonologylungsurgerycardiologyandsurgery(#44),and(#45),(#47)andnoseandthroatadditiontothesespecialty14outof20commonandconditionswereashighperformingatUCMC.UChicagoMedicineIngallsthreeoutof20commonandconditionswereashighperforming,comparedjustoneoutof20lastyear.thisyear,
“We are adding almost 14,000 square feet to our earlier plan, which now means this facility will be 130,000 square feet over two stories,” said Tom Jackiewicz, President of the University of Chicago Medical Center, which serves as the hub for the UChicago Medicine health system.
» A micro-hospital with an eight-bed emergency department and a short-stay inpatient unit » A comprehensive cancer center with infusion therapy as well as radiation, medical and surgical oncology
U.S. News & World Report recognized the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital as the No. 2 pediatric hospital in Illinois for the second year in a row, with four specialties rated among the top 50 in the nation.
“Mark is an extraordinarily talented and globally respected medical leader who is committed to an ambitious agenda of basic, translational and clinical research, while preparing the next generation of scholars, clinicians and leaders in biological sciences and academic medicine,” said University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos. Anderson is a leading expert on the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure.
Since October 2021 when the initiative was announced, plans for the new facility have evolved and grown. Hospital leadership worked with partners in the project and Crown Point officials to make sure the new facility can meet future healthcare demands of the Northwest Indiana community.
UChicago Medicine breaks ground on $121 million facility in Crown Point, Indiana
Mark Anderson, MD, PhD, a renowned scholar, physician and caregiver, has been appointed to lead the University of Chicago’s field-defining work in medicine and biological sciences as Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and Dean of the Pritzker School of Medicine, effective October 1, 2022.
The University of Chicago Medicine broke ground August 3 on a new two-story, 130,000-square-foot multispecialty care center and micro-hospital in Northwest Indiana for what will be the academic health system’s largest off-site facility and its first freestanding building in TheIndiana.$121million state-of-the-art care center, at I-65 and 109th Avenue in Crown Point, is expected to open in spring of 2024.
» An imaging center with MRI, CT, PET, X-ray and ultrasound capabilities » An outpatient surgery center » Laboratory services » Medical offices with access to UChicago Medicine’s physicians and specialists, including those in cancer care, cardiology, digestive diseases, orthopedics, neurosciences, pediatrics, primary care, surgical specialties, transplant care and women’s health.
He succeeds Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, who is ending his term after 12 years to become Senior Advisor to the President and will remain a tenured faculty member at UChicago.
CAN ACV HELP CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR?
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Now found in everything from canned soda to face scrub, apple cider vinegar (ACV) provides some health benefits — just not all of the ones that you may read about online. “It’s tempting to believe the health benefit claims, they sound so fantastic,” said Edwin K. McDonald IV, MD, a University of Chicago Medicine gastroenterologist and trained chef. “The internet would have you believe apple cider vinegar is the new pixie dust. It’s not — but it’s also not snake oil.” McDonald explores some benefits and limitations of apple cider vinegar.
CAN ACV HELP CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE?
FALSE: While a few studies show that vinegar may have anti-cancer properties, most of these studies involved exposing cultured cancer cells to vinegar or acetic acid. The limitation of these studies is obvious; we can’t directly pour ACV on cancers inside of people. Further, an ACV IV infusion would cause serious harm or death. Also, while a large population study from China found lower rates of esophageal cancer in people who frequently consumed vinegar, participants likely consumed rice vinegar, not ACV. Like any supplement, ACV won’t replace a healthy lifestyle. It may have some benefits to our bodies, but overall, we need more studies to truly understand the health benefits and side effects. This article was originally published on thedocskitchen.com, McDonald’s blog.
CAN ACV KILL HARMFUL FOOD BACTERIA?
Results of a clinical trial published in 2018 showed that ACV might help with weight loss. Participants in the study consumed 250 calories fewer than their daily requirements. Some participants drank two tablespoons of ACV with lunch and dinner; the others did not. Those in the ACV group lost an average of 8.8 pounds over 12 weeks, compared with 5 pounds for the other group. The researchers also found that ACV decreased cholesterol levels. ACV may have a modest effect on weight loss, but don’t get rid of your gym membership.
CAN ACV HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS AND LOWER CHOLESTEROL?
WHAT’S TRUE AND FALSE ABOUT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup grapeseed oil 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 grated or minced garlic clove (a garlic press is useful) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS 1. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together. Alternatively, combine ingredients by putting them in a jar and shaking vigorously with the lid on. 2. Enjoy right away. Or, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Edwin McDonaldK. IV, MD UCM CONNECT 1-888-824-0200
TRUE: ACV won’t cure diabetes, but it may moderately lower blood glucose levels. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Diabetes Association, participants consumed either apple cider vinegar or a placebo after eating a small meal. The found that ACV significantly lowered post-meal blood glucose levels. Several other studies report similar findings.
TRUE: In a 2005 study, researchers tainted arugula with salmonella. They then applied vinegar, lemon juice or a combination of both. While both lemon juice and vinegar alone decreased the growth of salmonella, the combination decreased salmonella to undetectable levels. (Don’t bank on this at home, however.)
The core of the matter
FALSE: ACV cannot help with high blood pressure. One small study showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure in rats fed a diet containing acetic acid (which is in ACV). However, there weren’t any studies addressing how ACV affects high blood pressure in humans.
DONALD’S EASY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR VINAIGRETTE
CAN ACV CURE CANCER?
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Yes, it’s true that the flu vaccine won’t always work in everyone who gets it. A person’s immune history has a lot to do with their response to the vaccine. Also, the effectiveness of the vaccine varies each year. However, even when the shot isn’t as effective, it can help minimize how sick people become if they are infected.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
Does the flu shot wear off?
Fall marks the start of cold and flu season. As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, it is just as important as ever to protect yourself against getting the flu. Infectious diseases expert Allison Bartlett, MD, answers common questions about the flu vaccine.
Can people with egg allergies still get a flu shot?
Who should not get a flu shot?
When should I get a flu shot?
Yes, the flu shot wears off in about six months. The flu shot does not provide long-lasting protection, which is another reason we need to get one every year. Will the shot inject me with the actual flu virus? Can it give me the flu? No, the vaccine is made of an inactive version of the flu virus and therefore is not infectious. The nasal spray is made of a weakened form of the virus and cannot cause influenza but may cause a mild runny nose for a day or two. After vaccination, some people may experience other side effects such as a headache, mild fever or muscle aches for a couple of days.
Yes, studies have found that it is safe and effective to get both your flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Because the two vaccines are for two different viruses, your body is still able to mount a proper immune response against each of them. If you typically experience side effects after the flu vaccine or if you had side effects after an earlier dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you may experience similar side effects after getting both at the same time.
Yes, it’s safe for people with egg allergies to get a flu vaccination, including vaccines made in eggs. However, those with a severe egg allergy are encouraged to get the vaccine in a medical setting with supervision by a healthcare provider who can manage an allergic reaction should one occur.
Can I get my flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) at the same time?
The flu virus is constantly changing. The vaccine is updated every year by the World Health Organization to ensure it includes inactive strains of the viruses that are predicted to circulate.
Children younger than 6 months old should not get a flu shot, nor should people with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccines. People who are immunocompromised should talk with their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine, as should anyone who is not feeling well. To protect those who cannot get the flu vaccine, it is vitally important that everyone around them get their flu shots.
We usually suggest getting the flu shot in the early fall, before the virus starts circulating in the community. It takes about two weeks to be fully protected after vaccination. Is it true that the flu shot doesn’t always work?
The explosion in telehealth options is a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shah said. However, in the post-pandemic world, the future of telehealth is uncertain. Shah and Garza shared their stories and perspectives at a White House roundtable to argue in support of continued coverage for virtual visits.
“A significant portion of care can be provided just as effectively, or sometimes even more effectively, through virtual care options.” — Sachin D. Shah, MD Can’t get to the doctor’s office?
“Older patients, people of color, those with lower socioeconomic status and non-native English speakers are at highest risk of being on the wrong side of the digital divide because of inadequate broadband access, limited digital literacy and lack of needed technology,” he said.
Patients from these groups already typically bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and challenges to accessing care.
Sachin D. Shah, MD, conducts a video visit with Camilo Garza.
Shah and his colleagues at UChicago Medicine are helping patients navigate virtual visits by calling them ahead of time to make sure they’re all set up, texting them a video link immediately before their appointment, and even setting up their smart devices during in-person visits to enable virtual care options moving forward.
Learn more about video visits and how to schedule an appointment: UChicagoMedicine.org/Video-Visits
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They spend a great deal of their time — and the time of their providers — going to and from the clinic for minor check-ins and updates that could easily be resolved over the phone, Shah said, burdening an already struggling healthcare system and reducing the patient’s ability to access care.
Virtual appointments‘telehealth’can help When Camilo Garza returned home from the hospital after a nasty fall, he still found it painful to move around. So he scheduled his follow-up visits with his University of Chicago Medicine primary care provider, Sachin D. Shah, MD, as “telehealth” video “Theappointments.videovisits allowed me to just walk over to my dining room table and have a remote appointment with Dr. Shah. It was wonderful,” Garza said. “They weren’t the same as in-person visits, but they were very effective and thorough. It worked really well for me at a critical time, when it would have been very difficult for me to go to the doctor in person.”
“While most health insurance plans still cover video visits, many stopped covering the cost of telephone appointments. However, those telephone visits are particularly important to some of our most vulnerable patients,” Shah said.
Video and telephone visits are now commonly used in a variety of healthcare settings for a wide range of conditions. Not only are they convenient for patients, but they improve healthcare equity by reducing barriers to care like transportation, taking time off work, finding childcare or paying for “Gettingparking.toand from the doctor’s office can pose a significant burden for some people, especially those who are living with disabilities, those who are lower income or who are older and not as mobile anymore,” Shah said.
But a 2019 diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and Crohn’s disease put his hiking ambitions on hold until the multidisciplinary care from an expert team of providers at the University of Chicago Medicine could get him back on the trail.
“My mom worries enough for the both of us, but the cancer possibility definitely rattled me,” Rubinberg said of those early days. Thankfully, Rubinberg didn’t have cancer. But a potential liver transplant still loomed. There is no cure or FDA-approved treatment for PSC, but under Charlton’s care, Rubinberg’s liver enzymes decreased enough to qualify him for a clinical trial overseen at UChicago Medicine by liver disease expert Gautham Reddy, MD. As part of the two-year trial, there’s no way to know whether Rubinberg is on the study medication, cilofexor, or a placebo, but he has his suspicions because of his remarkable turnaround.
Adam Rubinberg
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Rubinberg’s need for complex care led him to UChicago Medicine and the expertise of Michael Charlton, MBBS, Director of the Center for Liver Diseases, and David T. Rubin, MD, Co-Director of the Digestive Diseases Center and Section Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Charlton was the first to meet with Rubinberg. “I thought Adam was going to die. I thought I was going to lose him,” said his mother, Amy Rubinberg. “But Dr. Charlton gave us hope.”
Trailblazer Trailblazer
After a colonoscopy, Rubinberg also was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Around 50,000 people in the United States have PSC, and the majority also have IBD. Conversely, only a small percentage of people with IBD have PSC.
dam Rubinberg, 25, started dreaming of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2018 after his first backpacking trip. The Eagle Scout from Skokie fell in love with longdistance hiking and set his sights on the 2,650-mile PCT, which runs through California, Oregon and Washington from the Mexican to Canadian borders.
Rubinberg had been brushing off symptoms for months when a liver biopsy revealed he had PSC, a rare autoimmune disease that attacks and scars the bile ducts. Doctors feared he would need a liver transplant or that he had bile duct cancer, a complication of PSC that claimed the life of Chicago Bears great Walter Payton.
“These diseases are linked, and Adam’s care was a team effort,” Rubin said. “We provided him a therapy to control his Crohn’s disease, and he did beautifully.”
UChicago Medicine got him back in his boots.
“He went from being someone who was close to transplant candidacy to somebody with a close-tonormal liver blood test profile,” Charlton said.
“It really took a small orchestra of expert providers,” Charlton said. “Together we were able to use innovative therapies and get Adam back to his life, so he could focus on being a person instead of a patient.”
Diagnosed with two chronic conditions, Adam Rubinberg thought his long-distance hiking dreams were over.
Trailblazer Trailblazer
While fighting PSC, Rubinberg was also fighting Crohn’s disease.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) TRAILCRESTPACIFICTHE CaliforniaOregonWashington Michael R. Charlton, MBBS Director, Center for Liver Diseases Jacqueline Lopez, RN, MSN Nurse InflammatoryAssociate,BowelDiseaseCenter David T. Rubin, MD DigestiveCo-Director,DiseasesCenter Gautham Reddy, MD Liverspecialistdisease Length: 2,650 miles Southern point: Near Campo, California Northern point: On the U.S. border at Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia n Crosses 26 national forests, 7 national parks, 5 state parks and 4 national monuments n Vast majority of thru-hikers northbound,traveltaking an average of 5 months to walk the entire trail. UCM CONNECT 1-888-824-0200 | UCHICAGOMEDICINE.ORG » 7
“The fact that I’m able to do this and have been wanting to for such a long time, even having Crohn’s disease and PSC, is amazing,” Rubinberg said. “I owe a lot to the group at UChicago Medicine.”
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Reddy laughed when recalling the moment in January when Rubinberg told him his plans to hike the PCT. “I was overjoyed,” he said. “We want people to live their fullest lives. I’m allowed to work with amazing people – Dr. Rubin, Dr. Charlton, all the nurses and support staff. This is why we do what we Hikingdo.” the PCT isn’t just a physical feat. It’s also a logistical feat.
“This sounds like something that might be impossible, but with good planning and communication with your treatment team, we’re always happy to help patients travel or do whatever they want to do,” Lopez said. “Adam is an inspiration to other patients living with these diseases that no matter how complex their conditions may be, they should strive and expect to be well,” Rubin said. “And he’s an inspiration to all of us that we’re making progress against these diseases. The right team of experts dedicated to working together and helping patients can achieve incredible results.”
Rubinberg finally set off on the PCT on March 8. He earned the “trail name” of Bard after writing a song about hiking the Long Trail.
Jacqueline Lopez, RN, MSN, Nurse Associate for Rubin, took charge of figuring out how Rubinberg was going to get infliximab infusions. Flying back to Chicago each month wasn’t an option financially — he already had to return twice for the clinical trial. And Rubinberg didn’t want to risk being separated from the trail family — “tramily” — he knew he would form.
Lopez found an answer in the company Home Infusion Options, which would work with Rubinberg and his family to ship his medication and hire nurses to administer the infusions in the homes of “trail angels” — volunteers who help hikers along long-distance trails.
Rubinberg dreams of other trails and maybe even van life. He hopes he can inspire others living with Crohn’s disease or PSC.
Among the many sights Adam Rubinberg has documented on his Pacific Crest Trail journey are sunsets, waterfalls and other breathtaking views. Adam’s parents, Robert and Amy Rubinberg, below, support their son’s trek by coordinating medication shipments
Rubinberg checks in every night using a GPS device. His father, Robert Rubinberg, coordinates medication shipments with the infusion company. His mother dehydrates food in her kitchen to send to him. Rubinberg can’t risk being low on food with 12 pills to take every morning and six at night. He also can’t risk infections, which he’s more susceptible to because of his conditions. He has to think and plan more than his fellow long-distance hikers, but it’s manageable — just like his chronic conditions.
“If my goal was to become an astronaut, maybe this would rule me out,” he joked. “But instead of focusing on the extreme constraints, you might be able to do more than you think.”
With his Crohn’s disease in remission and his PSC under control, Rubinberg’s thoughts returned to long-distance hiking. He tested the waters in September by hiking the 273-mile Long Trail in Vermont in 34 days. He still dreamed of hiking the PCT, but a 34-day hike, while grueling, is less complicated than a five-monthlong hike up the West Coast while participating in a clinical trial and needing monthly infliximab infusions for Crohn’s disease.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Understanding pediatric scoliosis
The most commonly performed surgery to treat scoliosis is a spinal fusion. The spine is composed of individual bones (vertebrae), stacked on top of one another. To straighten the curve, screws are put in the vertebrae and then connected with rods, one on each side of the spine. The bones are then fused together so the shape of the back cannot change anymore.
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Generally during adolescence, when children are going through growth spurts. The curve in the spine can become much larger during periods of rapid growth and thus become more noticeable to patients and family members.
Six weeks after surgery, a child is gradually able to return to normal activities, although some restrictions (such as no sports or high-impact activities) may be in place for up to a year. Children who have undergone spinal fusion are often able to live a full life without limitations, and complications are rare. comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating pediatric orthopaedic conditions.
HOW IS PEDIATRIC SCOLIOSIS DISCOVERED?
Our spines are meant to be flexible, allowing us to bend over, twist and arch backwards. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine grows in a sideways curved position. Scoliosis tends to be much more common in girls than boys, by a ratio of 6-to-1 or 7-to-1.
It is often found during regular checkups with the child’s pediatrician or in school screening programs. A commonly performed screening test is the Adams Forward Bend Test, where a child bends forward and an examiner looks for asymmetry in the shape of the child’s back. Parents may also notice a difference in their kid’s shoulders — one shoulder is higher than the other or one shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other.
WHAT DOES SURGERY INVOLVE?
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CONNECT
The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, or scoliosis that occurs for an unknown reason. This type of scoliosis occurs in a healthy child who doesn’t have anything else medically concerning. Other types of scoliosis can occur due to neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy or genetic conditions.
If a child has some scoliosis that is not severe, doctors may start with monitoring the
The brace — called a thoracolumbosacral orthosis — is a very fitted plastic brace, custom-made for every child. It wraps around the child’s torso and rib cage, sitting at the hipbones and extending almost up to the armpits. The brace pushes on the hips and ribs to get the spine into better position. After a period of getting used to the brace, children find they can participate in most activities.
WHAT DOES BRACING INVOLVE?
condition. If the curve becomes more severe and a child has a lot of vertical growth remaining, treatment options include bracing, which helps the spine grow a little straighter and helps stop the curve from getting larger. If the curve becomes too large, it’s time to discuss surgery.
Pediatric scoliosis is a condition in which a child’s spine, instead of growing straight, grows in an abnormal sideways curve. “With early intervention and monitoring, many cases of scoliosis in children and teenagers can be treated before surgery is needed,” said University of Chicago Medicine pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Clarabelle DeVries, MD. She adds that regular checkups are important so that cases of scoliosis can be detected early.
UCM 1-888-824-0200
WHEN ARE CHILDREN USUALLY DIAGNOSED?
MANAGE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
Eat a “heart-healthy diet,” by consuming more plant-based foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and other high-fiber options. Also, eat fewer carbohydrates, processed foods and trans fats. For those who have (or are at risk for) hypertension, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can reduce sodium intake, lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, blindness and more. Checking your blood pressure regularly can keep hypertension from sneaking up on you. For some people, mild diet changes and exercise is enough, while other may benefit from medication in addition to lifestyle changes. Talk to your physician to discuss the best options.
Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates up to 90% of cardiovascular disease may be preventable. “The best thing you can do to improve heart health is to create a good lifestyle plan that is designed to strengthen your cardiovascular system,” said University of Chicago Medicine clinical cardiologist Kathleen Drinan, DO. “Small changes can have big impacts on longterm heart health.” According to Drinan, a good plan should include these seven simple steps:
GET ACTIVE Carve out 75 minutes or more per week of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes or more per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity. If you are new to exercising, try breaking up your exercise into three to four sessions over the course of a week. For example, 10 to 15 minutes of brisk walking at a time can be a manageable goal.
LOSE WEIGHT
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CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL
When you shed extra pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. This can help you become more active, lower your blood pressure and help yourself feel better, too.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Giving up the habit can help you prevent heart disease and other ailments, and it creates a positive effect on your health, life span and ability to enjoy life down the road. Ask your physician about programs to help you quit, as well as nicotine replacement and pharmacologic options.
The carbohydrates and sugars in what you eat and drink turn into glucose (sugar) in the stomach and digestive system. Glucose enters into the bloodstream, and insulin — a hormone made in the pancreas — helps glucose in the blood remain in a healthy range. Your healthcare provider can take blood glucose readings and provide recommendations if your glucose levels are concerning. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you will need to regularly monitor and manage your blood sugar.
High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, you should discuss if lifestyle changes and/or adding a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin, is right for you. Identifying this early and working with your physician on a plan will help prevent heart disease moving forward.
MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
IMPROVE YOUR DIET
QUIT SMOKING
METABOLOMICS
“These areas hold enormous potential for cancer care and treatment, and the University of Chicago has invested heavily to develop worldclass programs in these fields,” Vokes said. “I see advances made here and at other institutions leading to improved care and outcomes for our patients.”
MICROBIOME The human body hosts millions of different microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, mainly in the intestines and on the skin. Strains of bacteria differ from person to person and have been shown to play a role in modulating the effects of cancer treatment, resulting in different patient outcomes. There’s also an association with the microbiome and the development of certain cancers. Further studies into the microbiome could illuminate the relationship between the organism and different cancers, and lead to discoveries that harness it to fight disease.
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Three predictions for the future of cancer care Everett Vokes, MD, Physician-inChief and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine, is the 2021-22 president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s leading professional organization for oncologists and other professionals caring for people with cancer. Following the ASCO conference in Chicago in June, we asked the internationally renowned physicianscientist for his top three picks for the future of cancer care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computational programs to scan large data sets and identify patterns in the information. Researchers currently use AI to screen and develop new drug candidates, predict and diagnose disease and evaluate personalized cancer treatment options. Scientists will continue to refine and improve these programs to enable scientific innovation and support clinical care.
AT THE FOREFRONT OF CANCER CARE AND RESEARCH
The metabolome consists of all the substances used and created during metabolism. In cancer cells, the mechanisms used to metabolize glucose are corrupted. Medical professionals currently use this difference to identify both biomarkers of cancer and drivers of tumor development. Researchers are also exploring ways to exploit the metabolome to develop personalized treatments for patients.
ASCO by the numbers oncology professionals attended the conference in June 2022 presentations by University of Chicago Medicine researchers international oncologists came to UChicago Medicine’s Hyde Park campus for two days of lectures and shadowing UChicago Medicine oncologists have served terms as ASCO president
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Vokes,EverettMD
Cancer screening is designed to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. If you are at average risk, these are the screenings that should be on your calendar. Be sure to check with your physician to determine the appropriate screening schedule for you.
You may qualify for screening if you are: » Ages 50-77.
» A current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years and have smoked at least 20 “pack years,” which is one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
» Ages 30-65: There are three approaches to discuss with your doctor:
The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society recommend talking to your physician about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Your doctor can help identify your risks and explain the benefits and potential harms of the test.
» Ages 55 and older: Mammograms every two years, or continue yearly screening.
Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) test are the primary screenings. When to test:
» Ages 70 and older: Research shows that those with a life expectancy of less than 10-15 years will not likely benefit from aggressive treatment for any prostate cancer discovered by the PSA test, because most prostate cancers discovered at this age are slow-growing. Those ages 70 and older who are in excellent health and can expect to live longer than 10 years may benefit from regular PSA tests.
LUNG CANCER BREAST CERVICALCOLORECTALCANCERCANCERCANCERSKIN PROSTATECANCERCANCER 12 » THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE The Forefront | FALL 2022
» Under age 21: No screening. » Ages 21-29: Get a Pap smear every three years.
• Get a primary HPV test without a Pap smear every five years.
The American Cancer Society recommends:
The American Cancer Society recommends: » Ages 45-54: Yearly mammogram.
» People at risk for melanoma due to a high number of moles or moles that are abnormal in size, shape or color may also benefit from mole mapping.
» Not experiencing lung cancer symptoms, such as unintended weight loss or a cough.
To learn more or to make an appointment, call 1-888-824-0200 or UChicagoMedicine.org/Cancer-Screening.visit
» UChicago Medicine dermatologists recommend that you examine your skin for signs of cancer monthly. It’s especially important if you have a higher risk for developing skin cancer, such as a family history.
» Up to age 75: Healthy people with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular screening.
• Get a Pap smear and HPV test every five years.
» Ages 20 up: The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly skin cancer exam during health checkups. The ACS recommends a cancer-related checkup, including skin exam, every three years for patients between 20 and 40 and yearly in patients over 40.
» After age 65: No tests necessary if you’ve had normal results and have been testing as the guidelines recommend.
GETWHENNEED,TOTHEM
» Screening should continue as long as you are in good health and expected to live 10 more years or longer.
» Ages 76-85: The decision to screen should be based on preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior history.
» Under age 55: PSA tests are usually not needed. However, you could benefit from testing if you have an above-average risk for developing prostate cancer.
» Over age 85: Should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
» Those with dense breasts can benefit from a 3D mammogram. (See story on next page.)
» If you see a suspicious-looking lesion, spot, mole or bump on your skin, call your doctor immediately, especially if the spot is growing rapidly or bleeding and not healing.
WHAT TESTS YOU
• Get a Pap smear without an HPV test every three years.
» Ages 55-69: The greatest benefit of screening appears to be in this age group.
» People at average risk should start regular screening at age 45. Discuss with your doctor whether you should do an at-home stool test or a colonoscopy, which involves prep time, anesthesia and recovery.
ComprehensiveCancerCenter
Some factors that may raise your cancer risk: » Family history of cancer » Race or ethnicity » Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, diet and lack of physical activity » Infections such as HPV » Obesity » Environmental risk factors Learn about UChicago Medicine’s Comprehensive Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic: UChicagoMedicine.org/Cancer-Risk
Tomosynthesis is a 3D mammogram that uses X-rays to collect multiple images of the breast from several angles. The images are synthesized by a computer to form a more detailed 3D picture of the breast. Other options for supplemental screening are a whole-breast ultrasound examination or a breast MRI. Learn more: Dense-BreastsUChicagoMedicine.org/
Expected opening: 2026 pending regulatory approval (construction starting in 2023)
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UChicago Medicine plans to build a best-in-class cancer center for patients and the community. We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas by filling out the form at the link or scanning the QR code with your device: CancerCommunitySurveyUChicagoMedicine.org/
Cancer is top priority for South Side, south suburbs
Location: on UChicago Medicine’s main campus on the city’s South Side Cost: $633 million Economic impact: 500+ construction jobs. At least 41% of contract dollars will go to minority-owned and womenowned firms. Annual patient volumes: » 200,000 outpatient visits (67% increase) » 5,000 inpatient admissions (32% increase) Services: » Inpatient and outpatient services » Stem cell treatment » Genetic testing and counseling » Infusion services » Urgent care to serve unique needs of patients with cancer
In June, UChicago Medicine published its Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the South Side and the south suburban communities the academic health system serves. Residents in these communities face significant health disparities, with strikingly high rates of cancer, asthma, diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases. For the 2021-22 CHNA, residents of the South Side added cancer and heart disease to violence prevention on their list of top health priorities. The report notes that residents in parts of the South Side are more likely to receive a severe initial cancer diagnosis (stage 4 or metastatic cancer) than if they live in other areas of Chicago. This compounds a healthcare crisis for South Side residents, who are twice as likely to die from cancer than those who live just about anywhere else in the country, and for whom cancer is the second leading cause of death in their Tocommunities.findoutmore about results of the CHNA, turn to Page 16.
Director University
Coming centerclinicalfreestandingChicago’ssoon:firstcancer
The 500,000-square-foot facility will be focused on compassionate patient care and groundbreaking science to prevent, diagnose, study, treat and cure cancer. Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD of Chicago Medicine
What to know about screening for dense breasts
Having dense breasts naturally increases the risk for breast cancer by two to four times. At the same time, the denser the breasts, the harder it is for radiologists to spot cancer on a standard mammogram. Breasts are considered dense if they have a higher proportion of glandular tissue than fatty tissue. And they are very common, with 80% of patients having either scattered areas of density (25%-50% glandular tissue) or heterogeneously dense breasts (50%-75% glandular tissue). In Illinois, not only is it required to inform patients that they have dense breasts, but insurance companies are required to cover a supplemental screening exam for patients with dense breast tissue.
Consider your risk factors Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk and the best screening schedule for you. You may need to start screening at a younger age or get screened more frequently.
Birth control pills and other forms of hormonal treatments (including injectables, implants and IUDs) can help manage heavy bleeding, although they are not options for patients planning to become Lystedapregnant.(tranexamic
CAN MEDICATION HELP FIBROIDS?
After having fibroid treatments that preserve your uterus like myomectomy or UFE, you may develop new fibroids. A hysterectomy is the only option in which there is no risk for recurrence of fibroids.
IS HYSTERECTOMY THE ONLY OPTION FOR FIBROIDS?
CAN DIET, SUPPLEMENTS OR LIFESTYLE CHANGES REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROIDS?
need to know about uterine fibroids Monica Christmas, MD Sandra Laveaux, MD, MPH Shari Snow, MD 14 » THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE The Forefront | FALL 2022
Some patients find that making dietary changes like eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing red meat, caffeine and alcohol consumption can improve their symptoms. Lifestyle changes like reducing stress and stopping smoking may also be of benefit.
HOW CAN I STOP FIBROIDS FROM RECURRING?
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH FIBROID TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
When considering fibroid treatments, be sure that you understand all of the options available to you. When you meet with a specialist, consider asking these questions before making your decision:
CATeR CENTERFIBROIDLOCATIONS • Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM) in Hyde Park • UChicago Medicine River East • UChicago Medicine at Ingalls – Flossmoor • UChicago Medicine Orland Park • UChicago Medicine South Loop What
» What fibroid treatment do you recommend for me?
» Why do you think it is the best one for me? » How will this treatment affect my fertility? » What other fibroid treatments are available?
Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths in the uterus. Symptoms can range from mild and manageable to unbearable and requiring medical Ourattention.experts in minimally invasive gynecological surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Center for the Advanced Treatment and Research (CATeR) of Uterine Fibroids answer questions patients often ask about fibroid treatment.
It’s important to note that despite our best attempts at living a healthy lifestyle, we may not be able to stop the recurrence of fibroids. Having a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk for developing new fibroids. Research has shown that you may be able to prevent future fibroids if you maintain a healthy weight, limit your alcohol intake, reduce the amount of red meat you eat, eat a diet rich with fruits and vegetables and take a vitamin D supplement if you are vitamin D deficient.
At UChicago Medicine, research is underway to determine if green tea extract and vitamin D supplements could treat fibroids without surgery. Before taking any supplements, be sure to speak with your Learndoctor.more: UChicagoMedicine.org/Fibroid-Center you
» Why don’t you think they are the best options for me?
acid) is a medication used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding by preventing enzymes in the body from breaking down blood clots. Taken only during your period, it’s one of the few treatments women who want to become pregnant can use. To ease pain symptoms, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may offer some relief.
No. A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus and cervix. Not all fibroids require a hysterectomy to relieve symptoms. Treatment options include other types of surgery, nonsurgical procedures and medical Onemanagement.surgicalalternative to hysterectomy is a myomectomy — surgery to remove fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. Myomectomy currently is the approved option for patients who wish to retain future fertility. Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is another surgical option. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a nonsurgical procedure to block the blood supply to fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink. Medical management (see next question) is often preferred for mildly symptomatic fibroids or for when a patient may not be prepared for a more invasive treatment option. And for fibroids that do not cause significant symptoms, another option is to simply monitor them over time.
Oriahnn and Myfembree are two pills studied and approved at UChicago Medicine to manage heavy bleeding in premenopausal patients with fibroids. These drugs, called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, block hormone production to help shrink fibroids. They should not be used in patients trying to become pregnant.
CAN FIBROIDS COME BACK AFTER REMOVAL?
| UCHICAGOMEDICINE.ORG » 15
The first question the therapy team asked Bills was, “What are your goals?” The Chicago native said he wanted to be able to walk out of the hospital.
After sustaining injuries from an automobile accident and gunshot wound, Bills was admitted to the program, located at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, UChicago Medicine and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab joined forces in late 2019 to bring leading-edge research and scientific discovery to our rehabilitation patients. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has over 60 years of experience pioneering therapy and rehabilitative care, and that expertise partnered with UChicago Medicine has resulted in a leading inpatient rehabilitation program in the Southland.
The program offers care for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including stroke, brain injury and neurological disorders.
David Weiss, MD, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physiatrist and Medical Director based at UChicago Medicine Inpatient Rehabilitation, oversaw Bills’ recovery from the injuries sustained in his accident. Bills’ treatment included speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, as well as close medical oversight and nursing care.
Inpatient rehabilitation care at Ingalls Memorial through UChicago Medicine, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab partnership helps patient achieve his goals
UCM CONNECT
Clinical management of inpatient services is led by physicians from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, in collaboration with a dedicated team of UChicago Medicine providers.
Bills met his goal of walking out of the facility on his own. “I really enjoyed the people who worked with me there; they really pushed me forward. It was a really good team overall,” he said. “I almost didn’t want to leave.”
In partnership with Check out what UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial has to offer in a virtual tour. Scan this code with your device. At the end of his stay, Bills gave his rehabilitation team a glowing review. “He said, ‘You know doc, you got a great crew here,’’ Weiss recalled, “and that was really telling. He was smiling and he was very thankful.”
Kirk Bills knows firsthand the benefits of being a patient in the University of Chicago Medicine Inpatient Rehabilitation program, a partnership between UChicago Medicine and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the nation’s top-ranked rehabilitation hospital.
UChicago Medicine prides itself on providing high-quality, science-driven compassionate care. The expert rehabilitation providers at UChicago Medicine Inpatient Rehabilitation — physiatrists; dietitians; psychologists; nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists, and many more — help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life after an illness or injury. Patient Kirk Bills works toward his goal of being able to walk out of the hospital.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the premier rehabilitation hospital in the nation and has been ranked the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital the country by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991.
Learn more about the program: UChicagoMedicine.org/Therapy 1-888-824-0200
What About the Children (W.A.T.C.H.)’sHere One Block, One Porch, One Book Program is one of 18 Southlandsummerreceivedorganizationscommunitythata2022grantfromRISE.
Addressing the top health priorities for our communities
» Prevent and manage chronic diseases, specifically heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
UChicago Medicine’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment found that violent crime is a top health concern of South Side residents, who also voiced concern over the need for adequate mental health care.
» Build trauma resiliency with a focus on violence and trauma recovery and mental health.
This summer, 18 grassroots organizations on the South Side are receiving $150,000 in grant funding — a needed financial boost for their summer programs aimed at supporting the youth in their communities and keeping them safe. The funding is made possible through the summer grants program from Southland RISE (Resilience Initiative to Strengthen and Empower), a collaborative uniting the trauma recovery programs from the University of Chicago Medical Center and Advocate Health Care.
Every three years, the University of Chicago Medicine conducts and publishes an assessment of the health priorities for the communities served by the University of Chicago Medical Center on Chicago’s South Side and UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial in the south suburbs. Residents in these communities face significant health disparities, with high rates of cancer, asthma, diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases.
This latest report, the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), was published in June 2022 and will provide guidance for UChicago Medicine’s community health investments and efforts. Previous CHNAs have helped guide investments in community benefits such as violence prevention initiatives, charity care, prevention and wellness programs, and public health research — which have totaled more than $2.5 billion over the past five
16 » THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE The Forefront | FALL 2022
» Reduce health inequities with attention to access to care, food insecurity and workforce development.
For Ingalls Memorial’s service area in suburban Cook County, which serves more than 256,000 residents across 13 ZIP codes in Thornton Township, including Harvey, the priorities are:
» Provide access to care and services with a focus on maternal services and mental health.
For the University of Chicago Medical Center service area, which represents more than 626,000 residents and spans 28 community areas on the South Side, the priorities are: » Prevent and manage chronic diseases, specifically cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Cancer and heart disease are new priorities of the community.
» Reduce health inequities with attention to access to care, food insecurity and workforce development.
“The CHNA survey and findings confirm the health disparities that we have been working to address through renewed investments in cancer care, violence prevention and primary care access, to name a few,” said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, Dean and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Chicago. “This includes our plans for Chicago’s first freestanding cancer center, which will be built on our campus on the South Side and significantly expand our capacity and resources for cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and research.”
Learn more about community health priorities: UChicagoMedicine.org/ Community-Health
Basedyears.oncommunity input and analysis of a myriad of data, the 2021-22 CHNA defines priorities for the communities served by UChicago Medicine.
$150,000 in grants for South Side programs
“The funding from Southland RISE will allow our organization to provide mental health support this summer to help our girls navigate the challenges that life brings,” said Jamila Trimuel, the founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, a two-time grant recipient that provides mental health counseling to girls ages 9 to 18 in several South Side neighborhoods. Ladies of Virtue’s programs help build resiliency against acute and chronic trauma for participants.
The fund will not only serve as a culmination of Lewis’ decades of giving to the University, but will also be the beginning of an investment that will grow over time and support future generations of cancer researchers.
Through meetings with faculty members as well as events like the annual Simon M. Shubitz dinner hosted by the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation (UCCRF), he learned more about the University’s cancer research programs, which deepened his “Therecommitment.havebeen so many monumental discoveries in cancer research at the University of Chicago, especially over the last 10 to 15 years,” Lewis said. “There is no doubt in my mind that if my dad were still living today and had the type of cancer he did, the prospects of his survival would be much Lewisbetter.”recently named the University of Chicago as a beneficiary in his will. His bequest will establish the Laurence B. Lewis Fund for Hematological Malignancies as a permanent fund within the University’s endowment to support cancer research.
Lewis has supported cancer research at the University of Chicago Medicine for 38 years, beginning in the early 1980s after his father, Irving “Bud” Lewis, passed away from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After witnessing the pain his father endured while undergoing chemotherapy and seeing others face the disease, Lewis knew cancer research was where he wanted to prioritize his philanthropy. He was also inspired by a generous gift from a close family friend, Everett Kovler, who dedicated an oncology laboratory at the University of Chicago in Bud’s memory.
“The return you get for every dollar you give to the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UCCRF doesn’t even compare to what you might get elsewhere,” he said.
“We are grateful for Laury’s long-term support for the University, which has allowed our researchers to explore new avenues and approaches, including better understanding the biology of blood cancers,” said Adekunle “Kunle” Odunsi, MD, PhD, Director of the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. “By establishing this endowed fund, he will create a lasting legacy and help seed tomorrow’s discoveries that will improve the lives of cancer patients here and worldwide.”
Lewis has contributed ever since in memory of his father and later his mother, Shirley. “I couldn’t imagine a year going by without making a gift because it is so important to me,” Lewis said. “Every time I write a check, my parents’ memories are on it.”
He feels confident that his bequest will be used wisely to support future research activities.
“I like the idea of creating something that will benefit cancer patients not only today but for years to come,” Lewis said.
“Cancer can affect anyone,” said Laurence “Laury” Lewis of Evanston. “Even if you’re a triathlete, eating the healthiest meals, it can just come out of nowhere.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Donor’s long-term commitment supports cancer research and discovery
“I like the idea of creating something that will benefit cancer patients not only today but for years to come.”
—LAURENCE “LAURY” LEWIS
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