contents LETTER FRO M CEO 2 COVER STORY HOPE FOR THO SE WITH BREAST CA NCER ON COVER: PATIENT BARBARA BLO UGH 4 PEAK CENTER 12 FIG HTING MEMO RY LOSS 18
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DI G ESTIVE DIS O R DERS 24
32 38
LIVIN G PR OOF 30 REGENER ATIVE MED ICINE 32 FAMILY TIES 38 NAV IGATOR CARE P R O GRAM 44
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THE SO CIETY 46
44
SPECIAL EV ENTS 52 RENDEZ VOUS IN BLUE 54 IN ME MO RIAM 56 LEAD ER SHIP 58 CHAIR MAN’S LETTER 59
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Last year, The Methodist Hospital System became Houston Methodist. Our new name tells the rest of the country that our Houston-based hospital system is
leading
medicine and becoming a national presence. A new identity is merely one of the many reasons I am excited by what the future holds. Without question, we see a
growing demand for more Houston Methodist services. Because of this, we are increasing the number of operating rooms in the Outpatient Center and outpatient facilities for the Houston Methodist Cancer Center, at our primary teaching hospital in the Texas Medical Center. We are
expanding to The Woodlands, constructing a
third patient tower in Sugar Land and a new West building, and we have acquired St. John in Clear Lake and St. Catherine in Katy. We are continuing our strategy of
opening
stand-alone emergency centers in Sienna Plantation, Pearland and Fulshear. Houston Methodist is still successful in recruiting the brightest physicians and scientists in the country. Of course, everything we do leads back to
focusing on the patient, and your continued
support makes it all possible. Philanthropy plays a vital role in achieving our vision. Every contribution, big or small, has the potential to impact patients -–now and for generations to come. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and your role in
elevating
Houston Methodist to a level that is on par with the best academic medical centers in the country.
MARC BOOM, MD PRESIDENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HOUSTON METHODIST
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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Barbara Blough WAS TREATED FOR BREAST CANCER BY HOUSTON METHODIST ONCOLOGISTS AND SURGEONS. “EVERYONE CA RED ABOUT HOW I FELT. THEY WERE SO KIND AND THEY WOULD JOKE AND LAUGH WITH ME AND TELL ME I HAD THE RIGHT ATTITUDE .”
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
THE
HOPE OF LIFE AFTER
BREAST CANCER When Barbara Blough discovered
surgery as soon as possible. The
refused to accept her as a patient
the quarter-sized lump in her breast
problem was, she had no health
unless she cashed in her entire
in spring 2012, she immediately
insurance. Blough, who works as
State of Texas education system
suspected something was wrong.
a b u s d r i v e r f o r t h e Fo r t B e n d
retirement account, which would have
There’d been a history of breast
Independent School District, had
required her to pay a 30 percent early
cancer in her family, so she visited
an option to obtain health insurance
withdrawal penalty.
her doctor for a mammogram. He
through her employer. But she had
sent her for a second mammogram
not signed up because the deduction
way to The Rose, a nonprofit breast
and biopsy. The news that came back
from her paycheck would have left
care center that provides screening
was not good: inflammatory, triple
her short of money to pay for her
and diagnosis for women regardless
negative breast cancer.
house note and her daughter’s
of their ability to pay. A savvy patient
college tuition.
navigator at The Rose in turn referred
she says of her initial reaction to the
her to the Denver Harbor Clinic,
diagnosis. “I wanted my daughter to
entered the catch-22 of the American
where Houston Methodist oncologists
finish college. I knew she would drop
health care system; she did not make
Dr. Angel Rodriguez and Dr. Jaime
out and come home to take care of
enough money to easily afford health
Mejia run a weekly breast-health
me if she found out.”
insurance, but she made too much
clinic serving the predominantly
Blough needed an oncologist,
money to qualify for Medicaid. She
Hispanic, low-income residents of the
chemotherapy treatment and possibly
says another health care institution
eastside Houston neighborhood.
“I didn’t tell anybody at first,”
At the age of 47, Blough had
Fortunately, Blough found her
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THE
BEAUTY
OF GENEROSITY
Dr. Rodriguez quickly confirmed
every chemo treatment,” says Barbara.
designated as a primary care facility
the diagnosis, outlined a course of
“Everyone at Houston Methodist cared
for Houston Methodist’s family medicine
treatment and recommended that Blough
about how I felt. They were so kind and
residents, physicians who have completed
apply for the charity care program
they would joke and laugh with me and
medical school and who plan to specialize
overseen by Houston Methodist. Once
tell me I had the right attitude.”
in the practice of family medicine. Located
her grant application was approved,
she started presurgery chemotherapy.
began, Barbara Blough is officially in
Harbor Clinic serves a Fifth Ward
A few months later, Blough underwent a
full remission.
population estimated at 28,000, virtually all
mastectomy of her right breast and lymph
“We are both excited, and I am
of whom are uninsured and about three-
nodes; the surgery was conducted by
cautiously optimistic about her prognosis,”
quarters of whom are eligible for Medicaid.
Dr. Barbara Bass, Houston Methodist’s
says Dr. Rodriguez, who also serves as
John F. and Carolyn Bookout Distinguished
director of Houston Methodist’s Triple
Hospital expanded the partnership through
Endowed Chair of Surgery.
Negative Breast Cancer Clinic. (Triple
the creation and management of the
negative is a form of breast cancer in
Denver Harbor Breast Clinic.
Foundation endowment, Houston
which there is no expression of estrogen
Methodist provided care for Blough,
receptors, progesterone receptors or
County’s population underserved, we hope
including her mastectomy, chemo-
Her2/neu. There are currently no approved
that this program will be the beginning of
therapy and further treatments.
targeted therapies for these types of
a concerted effort to bring breast cancer
The surgery was followed
cancer cells, though Dr. Rodriguez says
screening to the whole population,” says
by more chemotherapy, administered
clinical studies are in progress.)
Dr. Jenny Chang, director of Houston
under Dr. Rodriguez’s supervision at
Houston Methodist Cancer Center.
ship with the Denver Harbor Clinic
Methodist has a multidisciplinary
“My niece, Peggy, went with me to
dates back to 2006, when it was
breast center, one of the few in Houston
6
Through a generous Cullen
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Now, a year after her treatment
Houston Methodist’s partner-
in a converted taco cantina, the Denver
In 2011, Houston Methodist
“With at least 30 percent of Harris
Methodist Cancer Center. “Houston
accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and we strive to offer the best breast care to all our patients.”
The program is supported by
grants from the Susan G. Komen® -Houston Affiliate, the Avon Foundation for Women and the American Cancer Society.
“The American Cancer Society
is proud to provide funding and support to Houston Methodist and specifically their screening and early detection efforts through Denver Harbor,” says Betti Guzman, senior director of community engagement for the American Cancer Society. “Women like Barbara deserve quality care and access to receive it. Supporting patients and programs like this through Houston Methodist ensures women like Barbara have their health care screening needs taken care of.”
Dr. Rodriguez wa s pa rt o f a N I N T E R D I S C I P L I N ARY t e a m t h aT p r o v ided B a r b a r a B l o u g h w i t h C O N T I N u i t y OF C AR E THROUGHOUT H E R E N T I R E TR E ATM E N T PRO C E SS .
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The grants are written by Dr. Mejia, director of hematology and oncology clinical research and development.
“The comm i tment is from
the entire team,” D r. Mejia s ays. “I couldn’t do anything if it was not for Houston Methodist. The current focus is on healthy women, giving them education and mammograms. The next step is to focus on patients who are deemed to be at high risk.”
In spring 2013, at the Avon
Walk for Breast Cancer Houston, the Avon Foundation awarded Houston Methodist with a $100,000 safety net grant to go toward expenses at the Denver Harbor Breast Clinic.
“We’re pleased to be able to fund
access to mammograms at the Denver Harbor Clinic’s Breast Health Initiative, as well as a bilingual patient navigator,” says Marc Hurlbert, executive director of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
Dr. Mejia SAYS O F T H E D E N V E R H A R B O R C L I N I C P R O G R A M : “OUR FOCUS IS O N GIVING WOMEN EDUCATI ON AND MAMMOGRAMS.”
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
THE
JOYOF
HEALTH
RESTORED “Our grant will help patients like
saving lives and ending breast cancer
Hallelujah!” and Dr. Rodriguez echoes her
Barbara Blough get the much needed
forever and this partnership allows us
words. At Dr. Bass’s recommendation,
breast cancer care they need.”
to continue that promise. Through the
she is currently exploring options for
Breast Health Initiative, the Denver Harbor
reconstructive surgery.
and Mejia, since its opening, the Denver
Clinic is serving a high-risk, underserved
Harbor Breast Clinic has provided
population with little access to health
Danyell graduated from Lamar
mammograms to hundreds of women
care services. This collaboration makes
University in Beaumont and returned to
who had never before received one.
it possible for those patients to receive
Houston. Concerned the cancer might
Many factors contribute to health care
life-saving breast health screening and
someday develop in Danyell, Houston
disparities among the poor, including
support that they wouldn’t otherwise
Methodist ran a test to determine if
awareness, education and access to
be able to afford.”
Barbara’s cancer was genetic.
health care, as well as time to be seen by
For her part, Barbara Blough
a physician, time for diagnostic tests, time
is extremely thankful she found Dr.
I was so relieved I cried in the doctor’s
for treatment and access to clinical trials,”
Rodriguez, the Denver Harbor Clinic
office,” Barbara says.
says Dr. Rodriguez. “With these grants,
and Houston Methodist.
we are able to address all of the above.”
its generous contributors, that same genetic
and I believe Dr. Rodriguez was placed
counseling is now available to all patients at
to be able to fund the work with the
there for a reason,” she says. “Without
the Denver Harbor Breast Clinic.
Houston Methodist breast health
him, Dr. Bass and Houston Methodist’s
program at Denver Harbor,” says Adriana
special program, I probably wouldn’t be
M. Higgins, EdD, executive director of
here today. They saved my life.”
To learn more or schedule an appointment with the
Susan G. Komen® -- Houston Affiliate.
Houston Methodist Cancer Center, call 713.790.2700
“Komen Houston is committed to
Barbara shouts, “I’m cancer-free!
According to Drs. Rodriguez
“It is our honor and privilege
“I have a lot of faith in God,
Now, at each follow-up visit,
In May, Barbara’s daughter
“When they told me it wasn’t,
Thanks to Houston Methodist and
or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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THE
INSPIRATION
OF A REMARKABLE LIFE F R O M T H E T I M E E M I LY H E R R M A N N W A S DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN 1998, SHE QUIETLY D ED ICATED HERSELF TO H ELPING OT H E R S W I T H CA N C E R . H E R L E GACY O F H O P E L I V E S O N AT H O U S T O N M E T H O D I S T A S T H E E M I LY H E R R M A N N C A N C E R R E S E A R C H LABORATORY CONTINUES ITS GROUNDBREAKING TRANSLATIONA L RESEARCH AND INNOVAT IVE PATIENT TREATMENTS.
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Six years after Emily’s death, her family, friends and
Led by internationally acclaimed oncologist Dr. Jenny
former workplace colleagues at Walter Oil & Gas gathered
Chang, the lab’s research team is pioneering new treatment
at the research lab in December 2013 to celebrate her
protocols and investigating potential cures. Projects include
life and launch another fundraising initiative to establish
an implantable drug delivery system for breast cancer
the Emily Herrmann Chair in Cancer Research. The new
prevention therapy, an insertion of “suicide” genes against
chair will recognize a distinguished cancer researcher,
breast cancer stem cells using photothermal nanoblades
support the latest in medical education through visiting
and utilization of state-of-the-art microfluidics technology
lectureships, provide seed funds for innovative research
to prevent triple negative breast cancer metastasis.
projects and further strengthen the momentum toward
discovering new medications, treatments and cures.
and Frank W. “Billy” Harrison and Carole and Jim Looke,
“I have no doubt that the breakthrough research
pledged $500,000 in matching gifts for this latest initiative
taking place at Houston Methodist will lead to advances
to create the Emily Herrmann Chair in Cancer Research.
in cancer therapy,” says Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter, Emily
It is the next big step in developing the research laboratory
Herrmann’s close friend and the generous benefactor whose
and breakthroughs in cancer care.
company helped create the Emily Herrmann Cancer Research
Laboratory at Houston Methodist shortly before her death.
loving wife and a dedicated mother. She is survived by her
“I am hopeful that these advances will eventually lead to a cure
husband of 24 years, Mike, and children Daniel, John and
for a disease that claims so many lives each year,” says Rusty.
Suzann. Throughout her 10-year battle with breast cancer,
Emily maintained her strength, humor and dignity and prayed
The lab opened in 2011 thanks to a generous gift from
Rusty Walter and his wife Paula, along with Ann
Emily was beloved by many as a wonderful friend, a
Walter Oil & Gas and through the largess of Rusty Walter and
for progress in the quest to understand and treat cancer, at
his sister, Carole Walter Looke. Emily Herrmann worked for
one point saying: “I will continue to pray that a cure will
Walter Oil & Gas for 20 years, and as treasurer and controller
be found soon and that the [Houston] Methodist Cancer
was a strong force in the company’s growth and success.
Center will be instrumental in finding it.”
EMILY HERRMANN (1953-2007)
“M Y O N C O LO G I S T T O L D M E T H AT E A C H P E R S O N ’ S B AT T L E W I T H
C A N C E R I S D I F F E R E N T A N D H A S T O B E D I L I G E N T LY F O L LO W E D A N D WAT C H E D . H E A L S O T O L D M E T H AT A P O S I T I V E AT T I T U D E WA S I M P E R AT I V E I N C A N C E R T R E AT M E N T A N D S U RV I VA L . I S O O N R E A L I Z E D T H AT A B AT T L E W I T H C A N C E R WA S B I G G E R T H A N I WA S , S O I I M M E D I AT E LY T U R N E D M Y B AT T L E O V E R T O G O D A N D E N T R U S T E D M Y C A R E A N D G U I D A N C E T O H I M .”
Rusty Walter challenged others at the lab’s opening
to join in advancing cancer research, and Walter Oil & Gas pledged to match any gifts, dollar for dollar, to fund high-
To learn more about the Emily Herrmann Chair for Cancer Research, or to
impact research projects. This initial effort far surpassed
make a gift, visit houstonmethodist.org/Emily.
expectations, raising $350,000 that was used as seed funding for innovative projects, all with the potential to yield significant results in the battle against cancer. houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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HOUSTON METHODIST KENNETH R. PEAK CENTER F O R B R A I N A N D P I T U I TA R Y T U M O R T R E AT M E N T AND RESEARCH
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
T H E C E N T E R I S U N I Q U E I N M A N Y W AY S .
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCHERS IN NANOT E C H N O L O G Y, G E N E T H E R A P Y, N E U R O C H E M I S T R Y, S T E M C E L L T E C H N O L O G Y AND GENETICS ARE WORKING SIDE-BYSIDE WITH WORLD-CLASS CLINICIANS INCLUDING NEUROSURGEONS, NEUROLO G I ST S , R A D I AT I O N O N C O LO G I ST S , M E D I C A L O N C O L O G I S T S A N D R E H A B I L I TAT I O N SPECIALISTS TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED C A R E F O R E A C H A N D E V E R Y PAT I E N T.
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF KENNETH AND DONNA PEAK, THE CENTER PROVIDES I N D I V I D U A L I Z E D C A R E T O PAT I E N T S W I T H B R A I N , S P I N A L A N D P I T U I TA RY T U M O R S A N D OT H E R B R A I N A N D P I T U I TA RY D I S O R D E R S T O D E V E L O P P E R S O N A L I Z E D T R E AT M E N T NEVER BEFORE THOUGHT POSSIBLE.
D R . D AV I D S . B A S K I N ( L E F T ) , DIRECTOR OF THE PEAK CENTER, WITH RESEARCHER MARTYN SHARPE
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Institute. The diagnosis was not
to a n a l y z e t h e e n t i r e g e n e t i c
and respected member of Houston’s
good; Peak had a very aggressive
m a k e u p o f t h e t u m o r. We t h e n
oil community, had not been feeling
tumor called a glioblastoma that had
took every chemotherapy agent
like himself. A disciplined runner,
spread throughout major portions of
known to man, tested them to
he’ d been both e red by weakness
his brain.
see what worked, then combined
on one side of his body that was
all this informati on to design a
making it difficult for him to keep up
have been measured in days to
highly specialized treatment. At
his routine.
weeks. After st andard treatments
on e p o i n t i n t i m e , w e e v e n u s e d
failed, Dr. B askin and his team
superselective microcatheters
Baskin, vice chair and residency
explored additional novel technologies
t o d e l i v e r ch e m o t h e r a p y d r u g s
program director of Houston
that are still in development.
d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e b r a i n ’s b l o o d
Methodist Hospital’s Department of
vessels that were actually feeding
Neurosurgery and a senior member
sending his tumor tissue to
the tumor at the stem of his brain,”
of the Houston Methodist Research
four major genetic laboratories
Dr. B askin explains.
Kenneth Peak, a prominent
He went to see Dr. David
His survival would normally
“In his case, it meant
D R . D AV I D S . B A S K I N , K E N N E T H P E A K ’S NEUROSURGEON, USED THE MOST A D VA N C E D T R E AT M E N T S T O E X T E N D M R . P E A K ’S L I F E .
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
As a result of a number of treat-
ments, Peak’s tumor shrank considerably over the course of the next several months,
2 4 / 7 PAT I E N T - F O C U S E D C A R E
and he was able to remain mentally alert and physically functional.
The Kenneth R. Peak Center for Brain and Pituitary Tumor
Treatment and Research provides patients immediate access
“Mr. Peak was a very smart man,”
says Dr. Baskin. “This was a man who ran
and around-the-clock care. Patients’ personalized treatment
major companies. He motivated people as
plans are tailored to their unique conditions, with access
soon as he walked into the room. He was a
to ongoing national brain cancer protocols, as well as novel
master at organizing new ideas and quickly
research projects unique to Houston Methodist.
creating successful ventures. He realized that this was an extraordinary effort.
“We had long conversations
along with his wife Donna, who is an incredible woman. She has a PhD in biochemistry and was 101 percent upto-date with everything we were doing. She has a tremendous understanding of
A team of dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate caregivers provide an unprecedented and comprehensive continuity of care. The team considers every aspect of a patient’s treatment, from the individual genetic makeup of each patient’s tumor, drug side effects, the important role of nutrition and emotional concerns, considering alternative therapies as appropriate.
molecular biology. One could have very
Technological advances and protocols under development and in
high-level scientific conversations with
use at the Peak center include:
her and get new ideas, like speaking
• Minimally invasive endoscopic brain surgery to remove
with a senior research colleague. Donna
pituitary and other skull base tumors through a patient’s nostril,
was instrumental in helping to design
sparing intensive recovery from traditional open surgery
and execute Mr. Peak’s personalized treatment, and brought a creative scientific outlook to the table during our many discussions.”
At one point, Kenneth asked Dr.
Baskin if the kind of out-of-the-box treatment he was getting was available for everybody. Dr. Baskin replied, “We do the best we can,
• Immune therapy and tumor vaccines made from the patient’s own tumor, to use the immune system to kill cancer cells • Robotic nanosyringes that inject chemotherapy directly into cancer cells, sparing healthy ones • Smart bombs that selectively deliver chemotherapy to a cancer cell’s mitochondria, thus killing the cancer’s energy source And that’s just the beginning of what is possible in the Peak center.
and we do very well. But in order to deliver this
Visit houstonmethodist.org/peakcenter for more information
on a larger scale, it’s always been my dream
about clinical trials and to view patient stories. If you have
to build a brain tumor center and to have
questions about the Peak center or would like to schedule
a whole bevy of people available for
an appointment, please call 713.441.8500 or email Dr. Baskin
each and every patient -– multispecialty
at dbaskin@houstonmethodist.org.
doctors, caregivers, nurse practitioners, research scientists -– a combined effort to try to bring this to the next level.” houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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In the end, the best medical science
and cancer treatment options. It will give patients
available in the world could not save Kenneth
access to novel research studies not available
Peak. He passed away in April 2013 at the
elsewhere. Investigational therapies include
age of 67. But before he died, he and Donna
immunotherapy, nanosyringes for drug delivery,
made a $10 million commitment to Houston
mitochondrial chemotherapy “smart bombs,”
Methodist to establish the Kenneth R. Peak
stem cells, gene therapy, genomic, proteo-
“I T’S A LW AY S B E E N
Center for Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment
nomic and DNA profiling, and high throughput
MY DREAM TO BUILD A
and Research. The Peak center, which is already
screening of every tumor to determine the
BRAIN TUMOR CENTER
up and running, should move into a beautiful
most effective course of treatment.
A N D T O H AV E . . .
new location before the end of 2015. It will
be housed in Houston Methodist’s state-of-
brain and spine, Dr. Baskin says the Peak center
the-art outpatient facility and will collaborate
will focus on cancers that have metastasized to
extensively with the Houston Methodist Cancer
the brain (usually from the breast or lung), as well
Center, under the direction of world-renowned
as pituitary tumors. While pituitary tumors are
breast cancer researcher Dr. Jenny Chang.
rarely malignant, they can cause blindness or
other life-threatening disorders due to hormonal
A C O M B I N E D E F F O RT TO T RY TO B R I N G T H I S T O T H E N E X T L E V E L .” D R . D AV I D S . B A S K I N
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“Donna Peak was instrumental in this
In addition to tumors originating in the
gift,” says Dr. Baskin, “because Mr. Peak looked
changes, if they go untreated.
to her to explain to him what was going on. He
was a brilliant human being, and had an innate
devastating set of diseases,” says Dr. Baskin.
ability to grasp complex issues quickly. However,
“We are bringing together specialists from
understanding neuroscience and tumor biology
all over the world and, using state-of-the-
was like learning a foreign language to him, and
art technology, designing novel, personalized
Donna was his teacher. But Donna looked to him,
treatment for each patient, and when possible,
too, to make major decisions all along the way.
eradicating tumors and killing cancer.”
“When people have cancer, one
“Brain and pituitary tumors are a
Dr. Baskin, who began his medical and
sometimes sees the very worst in families, not
research career at Baylor College of Medicine
the best. Minor stresses turn into major rifts.
in 1984 and now is a professor of neurological
Personality differences become major issues.
surgery at Houston Methodist and the Weill
But not with the Peaks. This is a loving and
Cornell Medical College, emphasized that
wonderful family, who rallied together to fight
Houston Methodist is covering all of the
Ken’s cancer with their hearts, souls and
construction and operational costs, so that the
minds. The captain of the ship was Donna
gifts from the Peaks and other contributors will
Peak, with scientific brilliance and a profound
be devoted entirely to patient care and research.
love for Ken that one rarely has the privilege to
“Houston Methodist’s generosity is unusual in the
see. She idolized him to the last second.”
medical world, where such gifts almost always
have to support a portion of operational
In keeping with Kenneth Peak’s wish
for everyone to have access to the same kind of
costs for the institution. Their willingness to
care he received at Houston Methodist, the Peak
cover construction and infrastructural costs
center will offer personalized neurosurgical
leverages this gift and allows me to use all of
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
these funds for what they were
For a man who spends his days
gratitude for the gift he and Houston Methodist
intended for, with the operation of the
getting inside people’s heads, literally,
have been given by Kenneth and Donna Peak.
center supported by the hospital.
Dr. Baskin seems to have maintained the
ability to not take himself too seriously.
who had the worst of the worst, who we
unique, and know that each tumor has
Among the weighted volumes of scientific
really couldn’t help as much as we’ve helped
different genetic information and biological
research lining the shelves of his
so many people, could still have the vision,
behaviors. The Peak center will capitalize
Scurlock Tower office is a thin book called
foresight, compassion and commitment to
on these differences, starting with an
Your Brain on Cubs, documenting the
the Houston community to provide such
initial $5 million commitment to research
biochemical changes that apparently
generous support? Here’s a man who knew
which we hope will further our goal to
result from rooting for a team that has not
he was dying, but who made this gift to
provide personalized treatment using new
won the World Series in more than 100 years.
help others after him. It speaks volumes
technologies to achieve cure rates never
about him and his family, and sets a high
before thought to be possible.”
expresses his profound appreciation and
“We consider each patient to be
But he is not kidding when he
“How paradoxical is it that the man
bar for all of us to cure brain tumors.”
K E N N E T H P E A K WA N T E D OT H E R PAT I E N T S TO H AV E AC C E S S TO N OV E L R E S E A R C H ST U D I E S A N D O U T - O F - T H E - B OX I N V E ST I GAT I O N A L T H E R A P I E S .
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fighting 18
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
IT IS HEARTBREAKING WHEN ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS CAN NO LONGER RECOGNIZE THE FACES OF THEIR LOVED ONES. THE NANTZ NATIONAL ALZHEIMER CENTER AT HOUSTON METHODIST IS LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST DEMENTIA, WITH CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAINING FOR PHYSICIANS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.
memory loss houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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“ ALTHOUGH I DON’T KNOW JIM NANTZ PERSONALLY, HIS DONATION IN HONOR OF HIS FATH ER INSPIRED ME TO DO SOMETHING SIMILAR FOR MY MOM.” -- BILLY HARRISON
Like many people with a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s
cells cannot be reversed. The good news is that research
disease, Frank W. “Billy” Harrison has seen firsthand how it can
breakthroughs have revealed that Alzheimer’s and other neuro-
erase a lifetime of memories. His mother has had Alzheimer’s for
degenerative diseases -– disorders that involve accelerated
many years, and she is now in its advanced stages. So, while
nerve cell damage or death -–appear to have similar underlying
Harrison understands that his mother’s disease cannot be
processes. These disease processes are at the core of
reversed, he decided to honor her in a another way.
Houston Methodist’s efforts to understand and combat
Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders such as
Harrison learned about the Alzheimer’s research hap-
pening at Houston Methodist, so he made a contribution in his
Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou
mother’s name to help further those efforts. The clinic space in
Gehrig’s disease), Huntington’s and others.
the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, where patients are seen by
their physicians, has been named the Pat Harrison Alzheimer’s
ment of an internationally acclaimed expert in neuroimaging,
Consultation Suites in Mrs. Harrison’s honor.
Joseph Masdeu, MD, PhD, which was made possible by a
generous gift from Bob and Annie Graham. Dr. Masdeu joins
“Houston Methodist has such a great reputation in
IMAGING EXPERT These efforts include the recruit-
research and in patient care, and I wanted to honor my
other Houston Methodist researchers, including Stephen Wong,
mom with a gift in her name,” explains Harrison, who is
PhD, PE, John S. Dunn Sr. Distinguished Endowed Chair in
the co-founder and co-owner of Houston Energy, L.P.
Biomedical Engineering, to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s.
who are you? “My mom is still living, but sadly, she is too sick to
“Research on Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative
come in to see the suites named for her. But for future gen-
diseases is coalescing around certain malformed proteins
erations, including my friends, family and the people of
that trigger damaging inflammatory processes in brain cells,”
Houston, I wanted to help take Houston Methodist to the
says Stanley H. Appel, MD, the Peggy and Gary Edwards
next level in Alzheimer’s research. It’s certainly one of the
Distinguished Endowed Chair and director of Houston Methodist
biggest health care challenges as our generation ages.”
Neurological Institute. “Neuroimaging allows us to study these
HOPE ON THE HORIZON Alzheimer’s disease
starts years before symptoms appear, and the damage to brain
20
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
disease processes at cellular and molecular levels in the brains of living people, so this is where Dr. Masdeu’s expertise comes in.”
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
21
EMMY AWARD-WINNING CBS SPORTS COMMENTATOR JIM NANTZ AND HIS WIFE COURTNEY PARTNERED WITH HOUSTON METHODIST NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE TO CREATE THE NANTZ NATIONAL ALZHEIMER CENTER. THEY HAVE MADE A GENEROUS LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO AGGRESSIVELY SUPPORT RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AS A LASTING TRIBUTE TO JIM’S FATHER, JIM NANTZ JR., WHO BATTLED ALZHEIMER’S FOR 13 YEARS. PICTURED BELO W: JIM NANTZ AND HIS B E LOVED FATHER
To schedule an appointment at the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, call 713.441.1150. To learn more, visit nantzfriends.org.
22
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
GETTING THE PICTURE One of the keys to understanding
repurposed for other diseases in addition to the ones for
the disease process in Alzheimer’s appears to be beta amyloid –
which they were approved. “Instead of starting from
a microscopic protein fragment that is always present in
scratch looking for Alzheimer’s drugs, we work toward
the brains of people with Alzheimer’s but is absent in those
identifying drugs that we can reposition,” explains Dr.
without the disease. “The causes and effects surrounding
Wong. “That requires merging data from many sources,
beta amyloid and nerve cell damage are still unclear, but we
including neuroimaging and brain mapping information
believe that neuroimaging data is crucial to our ongoing
from Dr. Masdeu, longitudinal clinical patient data from
research,” explains Dr. Masdeu, who was most recently
Houston Methodist, public clinical trial and research data-
the senior staff physician in the Section on Integrative
bases, and drug screening and preclinical results from our
Neuroimaging at the National Institutes of Health. “For
Chao Center for B RAI N. Especially in the case of
example, using positron emission tomography (PET)
Alzheimer’s, computer modeling can accelerate the testing
scanning, we can measure exactly how much beta amy-
of potential drugs and cut years off the time it would take
loid is present, and exactly where it’s located in the brain.
to run drug trials on people and learn the results.”
We believe that collating these and other research data with
clinical findings will point the way to treatments that can stop
without proper financing, and the availability of funding from
Alzheimer’s before the damage starts. However, testing preventa-
government sources is steadily decreasing. This is just one of the
tive Alzheimer’s drugs is extremely problematic given the time lag
many reasons that philanthropy will continue to play a crucial role
of several years between the onset of the disease and the onset
in the ongoing research into neurodegenerative diseases.
of symptoms. This is where Dr. Wong’s expertise comes in.”
we will not forget
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Dr. Wong is
THE PATH AHEAD Of course, none of this happens
“Although I don’t know Jim Nantz personally, his
donation in honor of his father inspired me to do something
the founding director of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao
similar for my mom,” explains Harrison. “I will continue to support
Center for BRAIN (Bioinformatics Research and Imaging for
the Nantz National Alzheimer Center’s efforts in Alzheimer’s
Neurosciences). He is a world-renowned expert in bioinformatics,
research because it’s so important that we find a cure.”
a field of research that gathers massive amounts of biological
and biochemical information for various purposes, including
having good people and the right resources to put them to work,”
computer modeling. The goal is to create mathematical and
says Dr. Appel. “We have the ideas and we have the opportunity
“virtual” models of disease processes in humans, on which
here at Houston Methodist. I call it ‘pioneering the future of medical
experiments can be run.
care.’ We want to be practicing next year’s medicine today. But
we still need help from the friends of Houston Methodist to
Among Dr. Wong’s numerous projects with bioinfor-
“We cannot do all the research we need to do without
matics, one of the most promising is drug repositioning. This
support the kind of efforts that we think are going to make a
process uses huge databases and high throughput image
difference, because we know it will take a significant amount
screening to identify FDA approved drugs that could be
of work and resource investment to get there.” houstonmethodist.org/foundation
23
AS MANY AS 70 MILLION AMERICANS SUFFER FROM DIGESTIVE DISORDER S . THE LYNDA K. AND DAVID M. UNDERW O OD CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE DISORDERS AT HOUSTON METHODIST IS MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM.
Between 60 and 70 million Americans suffer from
is a very long delay in the diagnosis, because people
digestive disorders. Many of these conditions are
are reluctant to complain about diarrhea or a change
highly treatable or curable. Yet, they often go
in their bowel habits.”
undiagnosed and untreated for one critical reason:
People are embarrassed to talk about them, even
early detection, the outlook for these disorders is much
to a medical professional.
improved, and there are many effective therapies now.
The main message, Dr. Quigley says, is that with
SOMETIMES TELLING YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT DIGESTIVE DISORDERS IS HARD TO STOMACH
The Underwood center, funded
by a generous gift from David and Lynda Underwood, was launched in May 2013. David Underwood is Houston Methodist’s longest-serving board member, vice chair and longtime chair of the finance committee. His leadership and keen financial stewardship helped establish Houston
Methodist as a financially secure, leading academic
Chair of Medicine in Digestive Disorders and
medical center. David, Lynda and their family have
co-director of the Lynda K. and David M. Underwood
faithfully supported Houston Methodist, giving
Center for Digestive Disorders at Houston Methodist,
generously of their time, expertise and philanthropy,
has spent most of his professional life researching
most recently to create the Underwood center.
“gut health.” He is the immediate past president of the
American College of Gastroenterology.
patient-focused care, which is done in an environment
Vital to the center’s effectiveness is the
“Colon cancer, which is one of the most
that fosters education, training and research. Through
common cancers in the United States, is largely
the Underwood center’s relationship with the Houston
preventable through screening and early detection,” Dr.
Methodist Research Institute, patients can become
Quigley says. “Yet, despite a lot of publicity, screening is
involved in trials of new therapies and diagnostics. The
far from complete across the population. There are a
Underwood center exemplifies Houston Methodist’s
lot of other disorders out there, such as irritable bowel
core mission of education, research and patient care.
syndrome and ulcerative colitis, that can be treated
very effectively, yet we know from research that there
provide enhanced care and research in this area, so
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Dr. Eamonn Quigley, David M. Underwood
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
“Lynda and I saw a need in our community to
“PATIENT CARE IS DONE IN AN ENVIRONMENT T H AT F O ST E R S E D U CAT I O N , T R A I N I N G A N D R E S E A R C H . T H R O U G H L I N K AG E W I T H THE R ESEARCH INSTITUTE, PATI E NTS CAN BECOME INVOLVED IN TRIALS OF NE W THERAPIES AND DIAGNOSTICS.“
we’re grateful to have the opportunity to provide such
Distinguished Endowed Chair in Medicine at Houston
a service in Houston,” says Mr. Underwood, who also
Methodist. They in turn recruited Dr. Quigley.
serves as chairman of the board of directors for the
Texas Medical Center.
access to the best current care, but also to therapies
being developed and introduced to the clinic from
The Fondren Foundation Program for
Inflammatory Bowel Disease was established in December 2013 through a generous gift from The Fondren Foundation. This support enabled the creation of the program that is focused on fully integrated patient care, education and translational research in IBD. “We are pleased to continue our long tradition of supporting the important work of Houston Methodist,” says Robert E. Fondren of The Fondren Foundation. “The Underwood Center for Digestive Diseases and the
“This integrated approach not only ensures
our scientist and research partners,” Dr. Bass says.
RESEARCHERS
HUNGRY TO
FIND ANSWERS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center will provide much
“Our hope is that it will be a one-stop treatment
needed research and support for those afflicted with
center for digestive disease and serve as a beacon
Crohn’s, colitis and other digestive disorders. The
for pioneering research and exemplary education
Fondren Foundation is proud to be a part of this
for gastroenterology professionals.” Adds Dr.
important effort to find a cure for these diseases.”
Robbins, “We are very grateful to David and Lynda
Underwood for allowing us to realize this vision.”
The Underwood center’s integration
of specialists -– including gastroenterologists,
Dr. Quigley says that medical science is
gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeons, body
making rapid advances in the study of “microbiota,”
imaging radiologists and molecular pathologists -–
the microorganisms that inhabit the human digestive
is crucial to effective management of disorders of
system. “This is the hottest area in biological science
the digestive system. The center was founded by
at the moment,” he says. “We already know of several
Dr. Barbara Bass, John F. and Carolyn Bookout
instances where disturbances in the microbiota led
Distinguished Endowed Chair of Surgery, and
to disease stage, and where restoring the microbiota
Dr. Richard Robbins, Charles and Anne Duncan
can alleviate that disease stage.”
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
27
STUDYING “GUT FLORA“ OR “MICROBIOTA“ IS THE HOTTEST AREA IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE AT THE MOMENT, ACCORDING TO DR. QUIGLEY. HE SAYS, “RESTORING THE MICROBIOTA CAN ALLEVIATE DISEASE.“
The classic example is what happens when
One of the most controversial areas in the
we take antibiotics, says Dr. Quigley, and we’re
treatment of digestive disorders has been the subtle
learning more and more about changes in the
relationship between psychological and biological
microbiota that may well play a role in the causation
conditions. The Underwood center is pursuing an
or the continuation of diseases such as colitis,
integrative approach to treatment, working in
Crohn’s disease, fatty liver and other liver diseases.
tandem with dietitians from the Houston Methodist
MEDICAL ADVANCES
ON GUT FLORA ARE GROWING
“It’s not very far away when we will be able
to give specific therapies to modulate microbiota, to restore it to ‘normal’ and hopefully alleviate the
28
Wellness Center as well as evaluating psychological factors. For decades, doctors assumed that disorders originated in the patient’s mental state and then manifested physically. “I want to say very firmly that is not the case. There’s been a major shift away from that idea,” Dr. Quigley explains. He believes that Houston
Methodist’s ability to provide comprehensive care makes the Underwood center unique.
“The center’s state-of-the-art diagnostic
condition,” he says.
and therapeutic facilities and personnel set Houston
Methodist apart,” he says. “Gastroenterology and
Dr. Quigley works with biomarkers to
improve diagnosing irrit able bowel syndrome.
digestive surgery collaborate hand-in-hand with
“Right now, the only way we can diagnose irritable
imaging, pathology, allied diagnostics and other
bowel syndrome is by excluding other conditions that
disciplines. We have the ability to pull together a
might cause the same symptoms,” Dr. Quigley says.
whole range of diagnostic and therapeutic options
and to have those handled by people who really
“There has been a concerted effort to
identify physical changes, which might better
are experts in the field.”
identify patients with irritable bowel syndrome
For more information about the services available at the Underwood center, or to schedule
without several negative tests.”
an appointment, call 713.441.9770 or visit houstonmethodist.org/underwood-center.
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
LI VI N G P RO O F P R O F E S S I O N A L W E D D I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R H E AT H E R ST E R L I N G S U R V I V E D A R U P T U R E D B LO O D V E S S E L I N H E R B R A I N T H AT C O U L D H AV E B E E N FATA L . H E R E ’ S H O W S H E A N D H E R FA M I LY
From Cakes By Gina
ARE MOVING ON AND GIVING BACK.
When Heather Sterling moved back to Houston
in 200 9 after art school in Chicago, the
to normal, her parents considered ways to
headaches she’d been experiencing weren’t
show their appreciation. “Dr. Zhang’s bill
getting better. “I had just started my photog-
seemed minor compared to what he did for
raphy business,” recalls Heather, now 26.
us,” says Mrs. Oden. “When Jim (Tamie’s
“Late one night in January 2011, I experienced
husband) asked Dr. Zhang how we could
massive pain, like something fell on my head
help, Dr. Zhang said ‘research.’ Heather
from the ceiling.”
benefited from past research, so we hope
our contribution will help someone else.”
That was her last memory for several
As Heather’s life started returning
days. Heather had an arteriovenous malforma-
The Odens’ initial gift was matched by Jim’s
tion (AVM), a defect in a blood vessel in the
employer, Apache, and the Odens hope to
brain that ruptured. Fortunately, an astute
continue to raise more money.
paramedic recognized that Heather was
experiencing brain trauma. He re-routed the
helping Dr. Zhang find answers to difficult
ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital,
questions about AVMs. “We’re trying to
where neurosurgeon Jonathan Zhang, MD,
understand why AVMs occur,” says Dr.
performed emergency, life-saving surgery to
Zhang. “We’re working on the physics and
remove the huge blood clot that had formed.
hemodynamics of blood vessels, research
Dr. Zhang eventually removed the entire AVM.
that incorporates advanced mathematics
and computer modeling.”
“Surgically removing the AVM reduces
The Odens’ gift will go toward
the chances of redevelopment,” explains Dr.
Zhang. “Since we don’t know the underlying
purpose, and we also have purpose for our
cause of AVMs, we will continue to monitor
giving,” says Mrs. Oden. “We plan to stay
Heather. If she ever develops another AVM in
involved with Houston Methodist, and con-
the years ahead, we’ll have even better tech-
tinue speaking on behalf of the hospital and
nology to treat it.”
Dr. Zhang.”
“There are many people to thank for
“We know Heather was saved for a
in California, and she often travels back to
the staff of the ICU, where Heather received
Houston to photograph weddings. But she
fabulous care from the moment she arrived,
knows her life has changed. “I have a new
and Dr. Zhang, who gave us confidence and
perspective on what’s really important to
Oden, Heather’s mother.
HEATHER STERLING AND HER MOTHER TAMIE ODEN
Currently, Heather lives and works
Heather’s survival, including the paramedic,
hope every day,” says Mrs. Tamie
JAMES ODEN, DIRECTOR APACHE CORP. AND HEATHER’S FATHER
me,” she admits. “Life is too short to worry about anything else.”
Y. JONATHAN ZHANG, MD, HOUSTON METHODIST NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE
For additional information or to schedule an appointment with the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, visit houstonmethodist.org/ni or call 713.441.3850.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
31
Regenerative Medicine 32
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
If an octopus loses an arm, the tentacle will grow back, or “regenerate.� Today, researchers at Houston Methodist Research Institute are discovering regenerative treatments to bring patients new hope for healing.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
33
The ideas sound like the stuff of a science fiction movie:
• A hydrogel that can be injected into an injured spine to regenerate bone tissue, similar to the way a salamander grows a new tail or a starfish grows a new arm.
• The use of “nanoscaffolds” –- imagine Russian nesting dolls made up of tiny nanoparticles, one inside the other –- to allow the reconstruction and recovery of nerve connections from the spinal cord to urological functions.
• A computerized exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to stand up and walk while directing the computer with their brain waves.
It is the Neuroregenerative
Medicine Program and the Regenerative Medicine Program at Houston Methodist Research Institute. And the time frame is not centuries in the future, but now, or very soon.
In 2013, The Cullen Trust for
Health Care awarded $3 million to establish
Dr. Tasciotti IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE TIME IT WILL TAKE FOR NANOMEDICINE TREATMENTS TO PROGRESS FROM THE BENCH TO THE BEDSIDE.
the Regenerative Medicine Program. Two
for a robotics research collaboration
therapies and treatments for a host of
years earlier, in 2011, Houston Methodist
between the University of Houston and
diseases and conditions, and we look
was awarded a $500,000 challenge grant
Houston Methodist Research Institute.
forward to the pioneering work underway
from The Brown Foundation toward the
(See the story on page 37.)
by these brilliant researchers as they tap
launch of the Neuroregenerative Medicine
into the ability of cells and tissues to heal
Research Program. In 2013, the Cullen
forefront of the burgeoning field of
and defend themselves. This research
Foundation and The Institute for
regenerative medicine,” says Dr. Cullen
represents the future of medicine.”
Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR)
Geiselman, board chair with The Cullen
Foundation, through Mission Connect,
Trust for Health Care. “Regenerative
a start on these projects possible,”
awarded grants totaling $695,000
medicine holds great promise for new
says Dr. Robert Grossman, professor of
34
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
“Houston Methodist is at the
“A number of things have made
neurosurgery and Robert
the barriers to natural recovery, and
G. Grossman Chair in
based on those two factors, figure out
Neurosurgery. “First and
a way to facilitate the natural repair by
foremost, we appreciate
dealing with the barriers,” he explains.
the tremendous generosity
of The Brown Foundation,
involves the use of nanotechnology-–
The Cullen Trust for
nanoparticles are, in effect, a bridge
Health Care, TIRR
between bulk materials and molecular
Foundation, The Cullen Foundation and numerous others who have provided
Dr. Boone S AYS T H AT “T H E B E ST F O R M S O F R E PA I R A R E I N H E R E N T TO YO U R O W N B O DY.”
The program’s specific focus
structures -–for spinal cord repair and bladder reconstruction after a spinal cord injury (SCI). It is difficult to overstate the
funding for this leading-edge research.
and Dr. Ennio Tasciotti, associate
trauma that follows an injury to the spinal
We are truly grateful for their vision and
member, Houston Methodist Research
cord. SCI often results in the loss of
investment to make this work a reality.”
Institute, and co-chair, Department of
everyday neurological functions, causing
Nanomedicine.
varying degrees of motor, sensory,
Dr. Grossman says the timing
is right for other reasons as well.
“Neuroregeneration implies
bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction.
“The tremendous growth of computer
that there is some damage or
programming, with the miniaturization
injury to the nervous system
of electronics, and the development
that needs to be repaired,”
of molecular biology allow us to have
says Dr. Boone. “The best
a much better understanding of the
forms of repair are inherent to
structure and chemistry of the nervous
your own body.” Many things
system.” The Neuroregenerative
stand in the way of that
Medicine Program links three comple-
normal repair mechanism, Dr.
mentary components: spinal cord
Boone says. It’s particularly
injury and other neurological dis-
difficult in the nervous system,
orders; urological (bladder and
because the cells are less apt
kidney) dysfunction; and biomaterials
to regenerate centrally than
engineering and stem cell technology.
they are peripherally.
Dr. Grossman is joined by colleagues
Dr. Timothy Boone, chair of the Depart-
icine is trying to understand
ATLAS OF THE HUMAN SPINAL CORD, HELPING
ment of Urology at Houston Methodist,
the natural processes and
SURGEONS WITH NEUROREGENERATIVE THERAPY.
“Regenerative med-
Dr. Grossman
C R E AT E D A N A N ATO M I CA L
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
35
The adjustment to this stark new reality
says. “That discovery was made possible
he says. “In this case, with regenerative
brings with it a barrage of physical and
by an atlas of the human brain created in
medicine, the big advantage of nano
emotional challenges.
Germany. Until now, we have not had a
is that we can create materials that
similar atlas for the spinal cord.”
are closer to the actual architecture
priorities has been the creation of an
and structure of the tissues that we
anatomical atlas of the human spinal cord.
technology lab the clinical trials are taking
want to regenerate.”
The atlas is currently being prepared for
place, says he is optimistic about the time
publication, but it is available to surgeons
it will take for nanomedicine treatments to
trial in which bone tissue was successfully
who are engaged in human clinical trials
progress from the bench to the bedside.
regenerated in rats. Another revolutionary
for neuroregenerative therapy.
research project involved bone regenera-
of nanotechnology to the biomedical
tion in a sheep’s leg. By implanting a
forward in clinical trials involving the
arena, to problems that we couldn’t find
polymeric scaffold reinforcement in
injection of stem cells into the spinal
solutions for with current techniques,
the injured leg, researchers averted
cord,” he says. “You have to have an atlas
whether they are pharmacological or
amputation and the sheep was running
to know the exact position of where to
surgical,” Dr. Tasciotti says.
and walking normally within weeks.
Among Dr. Grossman’s top
“I think it will be a major step
inject, and how deep you should go.
“For example, we now know that
Dr. Tasciotti, in whose spinal
“Nanomedicine is the application
“Nanomedicine offers a lot of
Dr. Tasciotti points to a clinical
“Ten years ago, we would have been
Holy Grails, from the magic silver bullet
talking about science fiction,” he says.
Parkinson’s Disease can be treated with
that attacks the cancer cell and spares
“With the right team and the right
deep brain stimulation,” Dr. Grossman
the other tissues, to a lot of other fields,”
resources, we can solve these problems.”
OUR DEEPEST THANKS TO THE LEAD CONTRIBUTORS TO THESE PROGRAMS The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for Health Care TIRR Foundation The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Society for Leading Medicine Becker Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. R. Drayton McLane Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William N. Mathis Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Selsberg Mr. Darrell Rosenthal E. J. and Wilda Grivetti Mr. Bobby K. Newman Shadywood Foundation Anonymous
Starfish can regrow limbs. For humanity, regenerative medicine is the “next evolution of medical treatments..” 36
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
REX In 2007, Dr. Eugene Alford, a respected
Jose Contreras-Vidal, PhD. It takes its
surgeon at Houston Methodist, was
name from its manufacturer, Rex Bionics
clearing brush on his family’s ranch in
of New Zealand.
Bellville, Texas, when a dead tree fell
on him, resulting in a severe spinal cord
bounds ahead of what they are doing in
injury. After months of intensive therapy,
surgery,” says Dr. Alford.
he eventually recovered well enough to
use a wheelchair and resume his surgical
purchased the latest version, nicknamed
practice, but his legs were permanently
NeuroRex, with the support of a grant
paralyzed.
from TIRR Foundation. “This version
has integrated circuitry that makes
Five years later, Dr. Alford walked
“Dr. Contreras is leaps and
Houston Methodist recently
into a room full of doctors and scientists at
it possible to communicate with
the Houston Methodist Research Institute.
our brain-machine interface (BMI)
He is still paralyzed from the waist down,
system based on a high-density scalp
but he is able to stand upright and move
electroencephalogram (EEG),” says
with the help of Rex, a robotic exoskeleton
Dr. Contreras.
that relies on an external brainwave/
machine interface.
improve and restore neurological functions
in individuals with spinal cord and brain
In other words, Dr. Alford thinks
“Facilitating research that will
about moving, and Rex moves.
injuries is what TIRR Foundation’s
neurotrauma research program, Mission
Rex is the result of a partnership
between Houston Methodist Research
Connect, is all about,” says TIRR executive
Institute’s Neuroregenerative Medicine
director Cynthia Adkins. “When you see
Research Program, under the direction of
a person who is completely wheelchair
Dr. Robert Grossman, and University of
dependent stand and walk, assisted only
Houston computer engineering professor
by the Rex, it is wonderful.”
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
37
FAMILY
TIES FOR GENERATIONS, THE BLANTON/SCURLOCK/WAREING
FAMILY HAS HELPED HOUSTON METHODIST
GROW AND THRIVE
1
It started with Eddy Scurlock and William Blanton, who served together on the board of The Methodist Hospital. Their children married in 1928.
38
MethodistHealth.com/Foundation
2
The late Jack S. Blanton Sr. and Laura Lee Scurlock Blanton, who died in 1999, were tireless supporters of Houston Methodist. Jack and his widow Ginger continued their involvement.
3
Jack S. Blanton Sr.’s three children continue the family legacy. Elizabeth Wareing, Jack Blanton Jr. and Eddy Blanton all give their time, talent and treasure to support Houston Methodist.
4
A fourth generation continues the work, with involvement in The Society for Leading Medicine and other organizations at Houston Methodist.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
39
THE TOWERING REDWOODS IN CALIFORNIA, THE CATHEDRALS OF EUROPE AND EVEN THE CURRENT TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES LIFE EASIER, ALL HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON: THEY TOOK GENERATIONS OF EFFORT TO CREATE. GREAT STRUCTURES AND ADVANCES ARE NEVER THE RESULT OF A SINGLE GENERATION.
AT HOUSTON METHODIST, MANY FAMILIES WHO HAVE SUPPORTED
THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH PHILANTHROPY HAVE SECOND OR THIRD GE N ERAT I ONS I NVO LV E D . HO W EV ER , T H E S C U R LO C K / B L A N TO N / WAREING CLAN IS NOW ON ITS FOURTH GENERATION OF SUPPORTERS.
Elizabeth and Eddy C. Scurlock
40
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
The Foundations of the Past The story begins in the late 1940s with two early trustees on Houston Methodist’s board of directors: William N. Blanton and Eddy C. Scurlock. William’s son, Jack S. Blanton Sr., married Eddy’s daughter, Laura Lee Scurlock, and they carried on the tradition of giving of their time, talents and treasure to Houston Methodist. Jack and Laura Lee’s three children, Elizabeth Blanton Wareing, Jack Blanton Jr. and Eddy Blanton -–and many of their children-– continue the family’s involvement with Houston Methodist today.
Elizabeth, who volunteered as a teenager in the
BlueBird Clinic, worked in Houston Methodist’s social services department as her first job, under the direction of former hospital administrators Ted Bowen and Larry Mathis. Like her father and grandfathers before her, she currently serves on the board of directors at Houston Methodist. Jack Jr. previously served on the Houston Methodist Research Institute Government and Community Affairs Committee. Eddy is active on the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute National Council.
Jack S. Blanton Sr.
(See our In Memoriam article on page 57.)
“I don’t remember a time when our family was not
involved with Houston Methodist,” Elizabeth explains.
Moving Forward For both the Blanton and Scurlock families,
“Although I never specifically asked my grandfathers why
supporting Houston Methodist has always been about more
they were involved, they were both active in the United
than just financial giving. “The gift of time is the most valuable
Methodist Church, so it was a natural outreach. My
thing that anyone can offer. I admire my dad and my grandfathers
parents also had that sense of service. My father, in
for giving their time and talents, as well,” says Elizabeth. “They
particular, had an enthusiasm about the hospital which
supported the hospital with all their resources. It wasn’t about
was contagious. One of the gifts he had was bringing
just having their name listed on the board.”
people together and solving problems. He would always
say 'How can I help you?’ He and my mother always
approach,” agrees Eddy. “They believed that when you built
wanted to be of service.”
something, you were required to be involved, not just write a check.
A good example is how one of our grandfathers acquired the
“I think both my grandfathers learned early on from
“Yes, both our father and grandfathers had a hands-on
their parents to be generous and caring – simply living
property where the Scurlock Tower and Marriott Hotel now sit.”
biblical values, including caring for the sick and less fortunate,”
continues Eddy. “Also, our father ’s involvement with
discussed purchasing the property from Bill Williams, who
Houston Methodist was a great example of leadership and
owned the restaurant located there. In 1971, Eddy Scurlock
philanthropy. It’s given Jack, Elizabeth and me a foundation
learned through business contacts that Williams was in talks
for helping others in our community.”
with another party to buy the property.
For years, the board of Houston Methodist had
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41
Working in the Present The Scurlock and Blanton
Scurlock-–fearing the hospital would not be able to
raise the money in time-–negotiated to buy the property himself.
names are prominent elsewhere across the Houston Methodist
This gave the hospital time to raise the money and purchase
Hospital campus in support of numerous causes. Two of these
the property from him. The medical tower was named after
causes include stroke and neurodegenerative disorders.
Scurlock in appreciation of his efforts to secure the future of
Houston Methodist.
Methodist Hospital is one of the nation’s first certified com-
prehensive stroke centers and the only one in Texas. This
“Our grandfather had a different way of think-
The Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at Houston
ing about things because he was a visionary,” says Jack
means that in Harris County-–where the stroke death rate is
Jr. “Because of his vision and our father’s vision,
twice the national average-–patients who receive care at the
Houston Methodist expanded significantly over the
Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center have better outcomes with
years, and we are very proud that they were so actively
fewer complications than at other area hospitals. Dr. David Chiu,
involved in the history of this great institution.”
medical director of the center, helped develop the certifica-
tion standards now used by accrediting agencies nationwide.
“Daddy had an expression: ‘I’m for you,’” says
Elizabeth. “He was ‘for’ Houston Methodist for over 50
The Blanton family has also created the Jack S. Blanton
years. We hope we can contribute a little bit of what he
Distinguished Endowed Chair at the Houston Methodist
did over the years for the hospital.”
Neurological Institute, a position currently held by Gustavo C.
IT SEEMS THAT
GIVING
BACK IS IN THEIR GENES
Elizabeth Wareing
42
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Giving to Houston Methodist can also hit close to
home. “Recently, I encouraged a friend not to wait until he developed an illness to consider giving money for research,” says Eddy. “Give now while you are in good health, and the research might make a difference in your life.”
“Houston Methodist really is an exciting place,”
agrees Elizabeth. “My view is that a contribution to Houston Methodist is ‘leveraged,’ because we already have such amazing infrastructure and physicians. We are literally making discoveries that make life better for human kind. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?”
Jack Blanton Jr. Román, MD. Dr. Román is a renowned expert in memory problems, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
“We are so honored to be part of the Stroke Center’s
accomplishments and Dr. Román’s work,” explains Eddy. “We’ve had friends who’ve suffered strokes and were treated at the Stroke Center, and of course Alzheimer’s is affecting so many people these days. It’s gratifying to support this worldclass institution right here in Houston.”
Planning for the Future Looking to the future,
the Blanton and Wareing families are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Current changes in health care reimbursement are not only affecting patient care, but they are affecting critical research as well.
“Every medical procedure you have ever had started
with research,” explains Jack Jr. “People take it for granted
Eddy Blanton
that research will always continue, and new cures will be found. However, that isn’t necessarily the case today. So ‘Leading Medicine’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a plan to continue being a world leader in medicine and research.”
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43
If you are driving across town and are not sure how to get where you’re going, you can go online to get directions. Easier still, just punch the address into your GPS and a soothing voice will guide you along the way. BUT FOR PATIENTS WHO’VE RECENTLY R E C E I V E D A D I A G N O S I S T H AT R E Q U I R E S H O S P I TA L I Z AT I O N O R A T E A M O F P H Y S I C I A N S , T H E R E I S N O R O A D M A P. T H E Y O F T E N F E E L LO ST.
At Houston Methodist, however, there is a Care Navigator program designed to assist patients and their physicians and nurses with coordinating plans of care, to ensure that patients are receiving the right care in the right setting at the right time. Care Navigator nurses maintain detailed documentation of each interaction with a patient and of any interventions and referrals provided to the patient. “If you have a new health problem, you are at the mercy of the system,” says Dr. Paul Hodgins, Chief Medical Officer at ConocoPhillips. “The Houston Methodist Care Navigator Program is designed to help patients through this process-– improving the outcomes for patients by ensuring access to the right specialists,” he says. The program has received strong support including a generous unrestricted contribution from ConocoPhillips.
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45
The Society FOR LEADING MEDICINE
Houstonians have long been famous for
their generosity, especially when it comes
was formed not only for the people who
physicians and researchers at Houston
to supporting bold, visionary ventures
have supported Houston Methodist over
Methodist. Society members enjoy
such as the Texas Medical Center. Houston
the years, but with a vision of significantly
facilitated access to care at Houston
Methodist in particular has benefited
expanding membership to include first-
Methodist and fun events such as the
from a strong legacy that has made it the
time contributions. There are several levels
Houston Texans Family Field Day and
national leader in medicine it is today.
of participation, allowing contributors
member appreciation parties.
to join The Society for as little as $1,000,
handed down through many Houston
and increase their participation as the
was founded by an exceptional group of
families, and today there are new gener-
years go on.
community leaders with enthusiasm and
ations of Houstonians who want to continue
dedication to Houston Methodist, and
that legacy of support in a way that can be
access to many programs and opportunities
you will read about some of them in the
sustained for years to come. These aspira-
designed to educate members about the
following pages. At this critical moment
tions led to the creation of The Society for
excellence of Houston Methodist. For
in health care, we invite you to join these
Leading Medicine, Houston Methodist’s
example, Leadership Grand Rounds and
leaders to help fulfill Houston Methodist’s
new annual giving society.
House Calls events offer personal conver-
vision for the future.
This tradition of giving has been
The Society for Leading Medicine
Society members at all levels have
sations and interactions with renowned
The Society for Leading Medicine
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE FOUNDING LIFETIME MEMBERS
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N T H E S O C I E T Y,
P R E S I D E N T ’S C I R C L E M E M B E R S
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS
please contact Amanda Harris
Carolyn J. and Robert J. Allison Jr. Randee and Everett Bernal James G. Floyd and Glenna S. Floyd Ann and Johnny Johnson Matthew and Rosemarie Johnson Doug Pitcock
The Cockrell Foundation Estela and David A. Cockrell Janet and Ernest Cockrell Stephanie and Ernest Cockrell Carol Cockrell Curran and Richard B. Curran Christy and J. Webb Jennings Laura Jennings Turner and John A. Turner Michael M. and Joann H. Cone Jenny Elkins Karen and David Haug
at 832.667.5813 or abharris@houstonmethodist.org. Please mail membership gifts to: Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Attention: The Society P.O. Box 4384 Houston, Texas 77210-4384 houstonmethodist.org/thesociety
houstonmethodist.org/foundation
47
theCockrells
CHAIRS OF THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE Estela and David A. Cockrell, chairs of
relationships can produce remarkable results.
The Society for Leading Medicine, exemplify
“The decision to chair The Society
future of philanthropy at Houston Methodist
the past and the future of philanthropy at
was influenced by our relationships with
is well served by The Society’s multigen-
Houston Methodist.
Houston Methodist President and CEO
erational focus, and we are thrilled to be
Dr. Marc Boom, the Houston Methodist
involved in the collaborative research pro-
Foundation has supported health care and
Hospital Foundation team, and David’s
grams that are advancing medicine,” adds
medical research, and Houston Methodist
longtime involvement with the institution as
David. “Houston Methodist Hospital is the
is a long-time beneficiary. Most recently,
a director of The Cockrell Foundation,” says
number one clinical care hospital in Texas,
this support includes the Cockrell Center
Estela. “We believe the annual fund model
and we think The Society’s efforts can help
for Advanced Therapeutics at Houston
can support Houston Methodist’s mission
make Houston Methodist the number one
Methodist Research Institute.
to expedite the translation of research into
hospital and research facility in America.”
clinical care. We would especially like to
members have also generously donated
see progress in converting regenerative
help share Houston Methodist’s message,”
their time. For example, Ernest H. Cockrell,
medicine and stem cell research into
says Estela. “In years past, the community
David’s father, is a life member of Houston
patient therapies more quickly. By combining
wasn’t always aware of the hospital’s
Methodist’s Board and past chair of
this work with precision medicine, Houston
numerous achievements. But now, we’re
Houston Methodist Research Institute.
Methodist physicians and researchers
showcasing these accomplishments,
The next generation of Cockrells leading
have the potential to create tailored,
and The Society is helping throw the
the next generation of philanthropy is a
preventative health plans for patients,
‘coming out party.’ David and I are excited
powerful testament to the idea that long-term
which is the future of medicine.”
to be part of that.”
48
For five decades, The Cockrell
Over the years, Cockrell family
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
“Estela and I also believe the
“Additionally, The Society will
The Cone family, starting with patriarch
So, involving this younger group in The
Methodist,” adds Scott. “It’s good to
Mike Cone, has supported Houston
Society expands our contributor base,
know you can call the hospital, and get
Methodist for many years. Scott Cone,
and grows it for the future.”
help in finding the best physicians for
Mike’s son, has continued the tradition by
you and your family.”
serving on the board of Houston Methodist
to many programs that are unique to
Research Institute, among other roles.
Houston Methodist. “I think one of
Cones have supported includes the area
When discussions began about creating
the most interesting opportunities is
of robotics. “Houston Methodist surgeons
The Society for Leading Medicine, the
participating in the Leadership Grand
are leaders in the use of robotic tech-
whole family, including Scott and his wife
Rounds,” Mike says. “It’s an exclusive,
nology, expanding the surgical options
Dru, and mother Joann, were on board
behind-the-scenes tour of a world-
available to patients while improving
with the plan from the beginning.
renowned medical center from the inside.
the quality of patient care,” says Mike.
An up-close and personal experience
“Additionally, Houston Methodist trains
The Society was to give us a way to
such as viewing live open-heart surgery
surgeons from all over the world in the
engage younger generations, the 30- to
allows people to see their contribution in
latest robotic techniques. We are glad
45-year-old demographic,” explains
action in a powerful way.”
to support forward-looking initiatives like
Scott. “These folks have the ability to
these, because they truly embody the
give, but not at the highest levels yet.
Society is the facilitated access to Houston
“One of the purposes for creating
Society members have access
“Another popular feature of The
One area of medicine that the
mission of ‘Leading Medicine.’”
Furniture in this article provided by Alyson Jon.
FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE
theCones
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49
the Johnsons
FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE
When Rosemarie and Matt Johnson
with Estela and David Cockrell, they
moved to Houston in 2009 for Matt’s
learned about The Society for Leading
learning more about the various research
job, the former New Yorkers didn’t waste
Medicine. “Estela is so passionate about
and clinical initiatives at Houston Methodist
any time getting involved in philanthropic
both Houston Methodist and The Society,”
surrounding genetics and genetic testing.
causes across the city. They have supported
explains Rosemarie. “Her passion sparked
“All families have inherited diseases,
numerous causes including children’s
a great deal of curiosity about the hospital
including ours,” says Rosemarie. “So it
health initiatives, the arts and others.
and its mission, so we were interested in
follows that genetic research could even-
However, two very personal experiences
learning more.”
tually benefit every human being. That’s
led the Johnsons to join The Society
powerful.”
for Leading Medicine.
Johnsons to get involved, both because of
the excellence of the hospital and the
Estela Cockrell to thank her for introducing
Methodist Hospital was through our
multigenerational focus of The Society.
the Johnsons to The Society. “I wanted to
personal experience with our physicians,”
“We have small children, and we are
let Estela know how grateful we were for her
explains Matt. “We were very impressed
looking forward to the educational and
invitation to get involved,” says Rosemarie.
by their expertise and knowledge, and
family programs offered by The Society,”
“Supporting Houston Methodist will
they made us feel comfortable right away.”
says Matt. “We also believe it’s a chance
continue to be very important to our family
Then, through the Johnsons’ friendship
to teach our children about philanthropy.”
in the years ahead.”
50
“Our first exposure to Houston
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
It was a natural decision for the
The Johnsons are also intent on
Not long ago, Rosemarie wrote
The history of Houston is filled with people
Leading Medicine when we were asked.”
fix your problem, but it takes a special
who came from elsewhere but went on to
place to want to keep you healthy.”
make important contributions to the city.
multigenerational approach, because
Eva and Beau Bisso are two great examples
we have young children and also aging
Wellness Program, because it promotes
of this long Houston tradition.
parents,” says Eva. “While we enjoy the
a proactive relationship with a health care
fun family-oriented events like meeting
provider,” continued Eva. “However, if you
Orleans during the evacuation of Hurricane
the Texans football players, we also want
are diagnosed with something, Houston
Katrina, and they didn’t know anyone when
to support an outstanding hospital like
Methodist offers access to the same
they arrived. “But it was incredible how
Houston Methodist because chances
medical specialists that attract people
Houston embraced us so warmly,” says
are we’ll eventually need their services.”
from all over the world.”
Beau, who eventually moved the head-
quarters of his company, Bisso Marine, to
the Bissos are interested in Houston
contributions to The Society will benefit the
Houston. “Philanthropy has always been
Methodist’s efforts to promote well-
Houston community, but they recognize that
important to our family, because it provides
ness and avoid hospital stays. “The
these efforts could impact their own health.
balance in life, and helps keep your
research and the clinical programs that
As Beau points out, “The research happening
priorities straight. So it was a natural
aim to keep people healthy are critical,”
today at Houston Methodist just might
choice for us to join The Society for
explains Beau. “Most hospitals can
save our own lives someday in the future.”
The Bissos came from New
“We also were attracted to the
However, for the moment,
“One example is the Executive
The Bissos are gratified their
FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE
the Bissos
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51
1
JANUARY 9, 2013 NANTZ NATIONAL ALZHEIMER CENTER SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION In celebration of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center’s second anniversary, Jim Nantz, his wife Courtney and mother Doris joined Houston Methodist for a celebration and unveiling of the new Nantz Friends wall. At the time of the event, the Nantz Center had raised over $8.2 million for Alzheimer’s disease research.
2
FEBRUARY 6, 2013 THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE LAUNCH PARTY Hosted by Chairs Estela and David A. Cockrell, Houston Methodist launched The Society for Leading Medicine at the Houston Ballet Center for Dance. The evening featured remarks by Drs. Marc Boom, David Baskin, Patrick McCulloch and Ennio Tasciotti, and a sneak peek of Houston Ballet’s La Bayadère. As of December 2013, The Society has raised over $1.4 million through 229 memberships.
SPECIAL EVENTS 52
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
3
MAY 23, 2013 UNDERWOOD CENTER Houston Methodist honored the Underwoods for their generous gift to create the Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders. The center brings together extensive resources in the field of digestive disease to provide patients with an unparalleled level of quality care.
4
JUNE 29, 2013 TABLE ROCK RANCH Paula and Rusty Walter generously hosted Houston Methodist guests for a mid-summer adventure at their beautiful ranch in Colorado. The day included fly-fishing, hayrides, hiking and much more.
5
JULY 10, 2013 PEAK PERFORMANCES Rod and Cam Canion, Pat Cooper, Julie and Marc Boom, Nancy and Jack Dinerstein and Susan and Dick Stasney hosted Peak Performances, Houston Methodist’s summer event in Aspen. Held in Pat Cooper’s beautiful home, the event featured Houston Methodist medical leaders and their insights on achieving and maintaining optimal human performance.
6
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 BATTING PRACTICE Dr. Jeremy Finkelstein, Eddy Blanton and Larry Dierker attended batting practice at Minute Maid Park. Guests swung for the fences in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in a Major League park. Batting practice was followed by dinner in the Diamond Club and remarks by Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine physicians.
7
OCTOBER 21, 2013 FAITH & MEDICINE LUNCHEON In partnership with the Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology, Houston Methodist Hospital hosted the first annual Faith & Medicine Luncheon. With introductions by Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston, and Dr. William Lawrence, Dean of the Perkins School of Theology, Drs. Mauro Ferrari and William Abraham addressed the convergence of spirituality and health care. Pictured from left to right: Cathy Jodeit, Paula Walter, Rev. Charles Millikan and Libby Nelson. houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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RENDEZVOUS IN BLUE NOVEMBER 7, 2013
1
CELEBRATING 94 YEARS OF LEADING MEDICINE
Guests at Houston Methodist’s “Rendezvous in Blue” gala enjoyed dinner, an electrifying floor show and a high-energy dance party at the Hilton Americas – Houston on November 7. Jenna Bush Hager and Marc Vandermeer emceed the festivities which raised $1.7 million for research, education and patient care throughout the system. The evening included a special performance by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel and Handbell Choirs, remarks from Houston Methodist President and CEO, Dr. Marc Boom; Houston Methodist Vice President of Spiritual Care and Values Integration, Dr. Charles Millikan; and Weill Cornell Medical College Board of Overseers Chairman, Sanford Weill. The gala, which was presented by Weatherford, also honored six couples whose outstanding stewardship has helped Houston Methodist achieve success: Ginger and Jack S. Blanton Sr.; Carolyn and John Bookout; Janet and Ernie Cockrell; Anne and Charles Duncan; Lynda and David Underwood; and Paula and Rusty Walter.
4
3
2
6 5
6
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
7
1. David Underwood Michael Linn Rusty Walter John Bookout John Bookout III 2. Denis DeBakey Lavonne Cox Morrie and Rolaine Abramson 3. Ernie D. Cockrell, David A. Cockrell 8
4. Anne and Charles Duncan 5. Dr. Dick Stasney, Spencer Stasney, Jack and Ginger Blanton, Allison Stasney and Susan Stasney 6. David Underwood, Trina Murray, Lynda Underwood, Christine Underwood, David Underwood and Fulton Murray 7. Sanford I. Weill, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom and Dr. Antonio Gotto 8. Rusty and Paula Walter, Greg and Libbie Nelson, Paola and Dr. Mauro Ferrari 9. Jenna Bush Hager and Marc Vandermeer emceed the festivities. Shown here with photos of the evening’s honorees.
9
10
10 Chairs Emily and Holcombe Crosswell and Loretta and Bob Moses with Jenna Bush Hager “ RENDEZVOUS IN BLUE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, in part because of our honorees. Their families and friends all joined together to recognize and celebrate their legacy of service to Houston Methodist,” says gala chairs Emily Crosswell and Loretta Moses. “Additionally, we expanded our circle of supporters to include many generous Houstonians who are now engaging with us and learning about the excellence of Houston Methodist.”
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IN MEMORIAM
D. Gibson “Gib” Walton ON FEBRUARY 7, 2013, the Houston Methodist family lost a cherished friend with the passing of Gib Walton. GIB WAS VITAL LY IMPORTANT to the growth and evolution of Houston Methodist. He joined the Board of Directors in 1997 and served as the vice chair of the Board in recent years. A brilliant legal mind, he shared his skills as chair of the Governance Committee and at the time of his death was chair of the Houston Methodist Research Institute Board. Gib also served as an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Performing Arts Medicine, and worked on a number of other committees. In addition, he was a great champion for creating and nurturing the I CARE values across the Houston Methodist system. PROFESSION AL LY, Gib was a highly respected attorney and partner with the global law firm Hogan Lovells, LLP and co-leader of its Global Projects, Engineering and Construction practice. Previously he was a partner and member of the Management Committee at Vinson & Elkins. He was elected President of the State Bar of Texas, and later served as Chairman of the St ate B ar Foundation.
A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN, Gib’s extensive service to the community included serving as President of the Houston Bar Association; chair of the Houston Bar Foundation; member of the Committee on Admissions for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas; chair of the U.S. Magistrate Judge Selection Committee, Southern District of Texas; member of the Board of Directors at Brookwood Community and Briarwood School; and trustee of the Cullen Trust for Healthcare. PRIVATELY, Gib was a deeply spiritual man. His faith inspired his active role in the United Methodist Church, both locally and beyond. He was a key lay leader in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. He served for nearly 20 years as Co-Chancellor and Chancellor of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, in which capacity he was the Conference’s legal advisor. He was an elected delegate to numerous Annual, Jurisdictional and global General Conferences of the denomination. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Gib was ardently devoted to his family. So it is with a heavy heart that the entire Houston Methodist family offers its thoughts and prayers to Gib’s wife Martha and their two children. There is no way to measure how deeply he is missed.
56
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
IN MEMORIAM
Jack S. Blanton Sr. O N D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 3 , Houston Methodist, the city of Houston and the state of Texas lost a champion, a civic icon and a dear friend as Jack S. Blanton Sr. died peacefully in his Galveston vacation home. FE W HAVE BEEN MORE COMMITTED to leading Houston Methodist toward growth and advancement than Jack S. Blanton Sr. Jack joined the Board of Directors in 1967 and served faithfully for 46 years. In 2008, he was named a life member of the Board for his unflagging commitment to Houston and his immense contributions to the development of Houston Methodist. In 2009, he received our Ella F. Fondren Award for his philanthropic support of research and medical care programs, particularly in neurology and the Center for Performing Arts Medicine. His work and generosity made possible the creation of the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center, nationally recognized as one of the region’s top centers for the treatment of stroke. A member of The Society for Leading Medicine, Jack was also an enthusiastic supporter of our fundraising efforts. At the recent “Rendezvous in Blue” gala, Jack and his wife Ginger were honored as one of the institution’s legacy couples. He served in a number of important roles on the Board, including vice chairman and assistant treasurer. HIS CAREER began in 1950 when he joined Scurlock Oil Company in Houston, becoming its president in 1958 and then chairman in 1983, after the company was sold to Ashland Oil. H I S L E A D E R S H I P enhanced every aspect of the Houston community, as Jack served on the boards of the
Houston Endowment, the Texas Medical Center and the
Houston Zoo, among others. He is known for diversifying the investment portfolio of the Houston Endowment, helping double its assets to more than $1 billion in the 1990s. Jack’s other life-long quest was improving state education, especially at his alma mater --- The University of Texas. He was appointed to the board of regents of The University of Texas System by Gov. Mark White in 1985 and expanded the university’s presence to South Texas, establishing The University of Texas in Brownsville. HIS CHARACTER showed in business and in his personal life. Jack rarely took himself seriously, except on the tennis court where he always competed to win. He appreciated the simple things in life, from Blue Bell vanilla ice cream to cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved a good joke and enjoyed wearing funny hats to amuse his grandchildren. HIS FAMILY and his friends mourn the loss of such a dynamic, caring human being. The entire Houston Methodist family offers our condolences and prayers to Jack’s wife Ginger, his children Elizabeth, Jack and Eddy, and his nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Jack’s impact as a friend, a colleague and a true civic leader will be remembered with deep gratitude.
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LEADERSHIP
HO U STO N M E TH O D I ST BOA RD O F D I R E CTO R S Morrie K. Abramson Carlton E. Baucum, Treasurer John F. Bookout, Senior Chair Marc L. Boom, MD, President & CEO Emily A. Crosswell Mary A. Daffin Connie M. Dyer Gary W. Edwards Eric J. Haufrect, MD, President of the Medical Staff Mark A. Houser Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Rev. Kenneth R. Levingston Vidal G. Martinez Robert K. Moses Jr., Asst. Secretary Gregory V. Nelson, Vice Chair Thomas J. Pace III, DMin Joe Bob Perkins Keith O. Reeves, MD C. Richard Stasney, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff (Advisory) David M. Underwood, Vice Chair Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, Asst. Treasurer Elizabeth Blanton Wareing, Secretary Stephen Wende, DMin Ewing Werlein Jr., Chair Rev. B. T. Williamson (Advisory) Sandra Gayle Wright, RN, EdD Life Members Ernest H. Cockrell James C. Dishman Charles W. Duncan Jr. Isaac H. Kempner III Nat S. Rogers
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Morrie K. Abramson John F. Bookout, Chair Marc L. Boom, MD, President & CEO Michael M. Cone Emily A. Crosswell, Secretary Charles W. Duncan Jr. John S. Dunn Jr. Marvy A. Finger John W. Johnson Raleigh W. Johnson Jr. Vidal G. Martinez Robert K. Moses Jr. David M. Underwood, Vice Chair James V. Walzel Elizabeth Blanton Wareing Ewing Werlein Jr.
H O U STON ME THODIST R E S E ARC H IN STITU TE B OAR D OF DIRE CTORS Morrie K. Abramson Steven D. Arnold John F. Bookout, Senior Chair John F. Bookout III Marc L. Boom, MD, President & CEO Giorgio Borlenghi Joseph R. Canion Albert Y. Chao Ernest D. Cockrell II, Secretary Mary A. Daffin Dan O. Dinges Andrew Von Eschenbach, MD Joe B. Foster Mauro Ferrari, PhD, President & CEO Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, Dean Antonio Gotto, MD, DPhil, Retired Dean Mark A. Houser, Vice Chair/Chair Elect Catherine S. Jodeit Gregory V. Nelson C. Richard Stasney, MD Stuart W. Stedman Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, Chair Elizabeth Blanton Wareing Ewing Werlein Jr.
H O U STON ME THODIST D E B AKE Y HE ART & VAS C U LAR C EN TE R Robert J. Allison Jr. Seth M. Barrett J. Denny Bartell Christopher R. Black Marc L. Boom, MD, President & CEO John R. Butler Jr. Philip J. Carroll Gerardo A. Chapa Mary A. Daffin Ray Davis Denis A. DeBakey Prof. Lois E. DeBakey, PhD Joann P. DiGennaro William J. Doré Jr. William J. Doré Sr. Connie Dyer, Co-Chair Eva K. Farha Linda C. Gill William E. Gipson Marc P. Gordon Miguel A. Hernandez Jo Ruth Kaplan William E. King Cynthia G. Kostas George J. Kostas Carole E. Looke John M. McCormack Robert K. Moses Jr. Frank D. Perez Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson, Co-Chair Douglas R. Quinn Valentina Ugolini, MD Elizabeth Walter
HOU STON METHODIST PHYS IC IAN S ORGAN IZATION B OARD OF DIRE CTORS Stanley H. Appel, MD Barbara L. Bass, MD, FACS Timothy B. Boone, MD, PhD Gavin W. Britz, MBBCh, MPH, FAANS E. Brian Butler, MD Stuart M. Dobbs, MD Jaime Gateno, DDS, MD Eric J. Haufrect, MD Alan L. Kaplan, MD Andrew G. Lee, MD Alan B. Lumsden, MD James M. Musser, MD, PhD Joseph J. Naples, MD Robert A. Phillips, MD, PhD, Chair, President & CEO Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC Richard J. Robbins, MD Kevin E. Varner, MD
HOU STON METHODIST N E U ROLOG ICAL IN STITU TE N ATION AL C OU N C IL Morrie K. Abramson James R. Bath Everett E. Bernal Randee K. Bernal Eddy S. Blanton John F. Bookout J. David Cabello Gary W. Edwards, Chair Thomas D. Friedkin Kate H. Gibson, Co-Chair S. Malcolm Gillis, PhD Robert H. Graham Dorothy Jenkins Mary F. Johnston Elise Joseph Thomas C. Knudson Gregory A. Kozmetsky Leon M. Payne Arthur A. Seeligson III Donna S. Stahlhut Henry J.N. “Kitch” Taub II Anne G. Thobae David M. Underwood Dancie Perugini Ware Elizabeth Blanton Wareing W. Temple Webber III
HOU STON METHODIST LIVE R C EN TE R TAS K FORC E Paula D. Criel Burt H. Keenan Lawrence W. Kellner Linda G. Lykos Eugene A. O’Donnell
HOU STON MET HOD I ST CEN T ER FOR PER FOR MI NG ART S MED I CI NE ADVI SORY B OAR D Bobby R. Alford, MD E. William Barnett Janice H. Barrow Virginia Blanton Anthony K. Brandt, PhD Philip J. Carroll Albert Y. Chao Evan D. Collins, MD, MBA Lavonne C. Cox, RPh James W. Crownover Francoise Djerejian Deborah K. Duncan Victor Fainstein, MD Jerry E. Finger Jeremy Finkelstein, MD Gina E. Fish, RN J. Todd Frazier Robert Freeman, PhD Elizabeth Ghrist Susanne M. Glasscock Richard L. Harper, MD Eric J. Haufrect, MD Patricia P. Hubbard Robert E. Jackson, MD Christof Karmonik, PhD Tom Krouskop, PhD, PE Michael W. Lieberman, MD, PhD Sharon Ley Lietzow Judy E. Margolis Hoyt T. “Toby” Mattox Nicholas A. Phillips Keith O. Reeves, MD Ann Scanlon McGinity, PhD, RN L. E. Simmons Jerome B. Simon Lois F. Stark C. Richard Stasney, MD Ron Tintner, MD Laura Jennings Turner Kevin E. Varner, MD Richard E. Wainerdi, PhD, PE Margaret Alkek Williams Aline Wilson Ed Wulfe Robert A. Yekovich, DMA
HOU STON MET HOD I ST CAN CER CENT ER TASK FOR CE Ann H. Elvin Maryanne W. McCormack Rick Moore Loretta B. Moses Jane L. Parker Betty A. Sommer Glenn R. Smith
H O USTO N M E T HO D IST H AS B E E N B L ESSED WIT H FA R S IGH TE D CO NTR IBU TO R S who possess the willingness to generously give. We have benefited from philanthropic gifts given by those personally touched by a particular illness as well as from those who graciously want to contribute so that others may benefit.
In 2013, our generous contributors helped raise
approximately $33 million through more than 4,000 gifts.
No matter the catalyst, I sincerely thank each
John Bookout, C H AIR
individual, family, corporation and foundation who has given
HOUSTON METH O DIST HOSPITAL
to Houston Methodist. I also recognize the dedication of
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our boards, advisory councils, task forces and volunteers who share their time and expertise with our institution. Your commitment brings breakthroughs to light.
IN SH O RT, YO UR CO N T R IBU T IO N S E N A B LE U S TO CO NTIN U E L E A DIN G M E D I C I N E .
Your support saves lives daily.
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Magazine Credits Executive Director: Susan Coulter, JD Managing Editor: Katelyn Furman Editors: Patti Muck, Nathan Cernosek, Katie Lipnick Creative: Richards/Carlberg, Art Director Karen Holland Writers: Josh Powers, Rick Mitchell, Robin Phillips Photographers: Terry Vine, Frank White, Mark Laita Illustrators: Martin Leon Barreto, Matthew Cook, Chris Gall, Jack Molloy, Bruce Morser, Charis Tsevis Online giving: houstonmethodist.org/foundation Subscription information: houstonmethodist.org/foundation-magazine houstonmethodist.org/foundation
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MAN Y T HANKS Contributors are listed online at houstonmethodist.org/foundation.
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