Innovations - Spring 2014

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LEADING THE CURE FOR CANCER • SPRING 2014

VISIONARY Inspired by the legacy of its co-founder, the Institute thrives Donald L. Morton, MD 1934 – 2014


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JWCI Faculty Letter from the Chairman of the Board

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Welcome from the Institute

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New Faculty

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Research Update

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In the News Integrative Health Fellows Update

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The Life and Legacy of Dr. Morton

Raised in challenging circumstances, he rose to prominence in oncology.

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To Patients, He Offered Hope Friends and patients recall a compassionate physician.

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Memorable Events Honor Roll

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Former Fellow

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Research on Immunotherapy

The benefits of yoga extend beyond fitness for cancer survivors.

VISIONARY

What's Happening

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His Colleagues Remember a Visionary Man

Among the accolades in his lifetime, Dr. Morton saved the life of the renowned physicist Dr. Richard Feynman.

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Leaving the Institute in Good Hands The Institute faculty vows to maintain a tradition of excellence.

Training young scientists was a hallmark of Dr. Donald L. Morton's career.

ON THE COVER

Dr. Donald L. Morton was a beloved friend, mentor and colleague to many. To patients, he was a hero. Illustration by Anita Bilan.


INNOVATIONS

FACULTY JWCI FACULTY

JOHN WAYNE CANCER INSTITUTE EDITORIAL STAFF

Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Wall Chief of Medicine Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Vice President, Public Affairs and Development Andy Trilling Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Communications Andrea R. Salazar Marketing Manager Tabitha Ji

Garni Barkhoudarian, MD Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Professor of Surgery Chief of Medicine Interim Chief of Science Chief of the Gastrointestinal Research Program Lisa Chaiken, MD Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology Maureen Chung, MD, PhD Professor of Surgery Director of Margie Petersen Breast Center Director of Breast Oncology Fellowship Program Director of Margie and Robert E. Petersen Breast Cancer Research Program Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN Professor of Oncology Director of Breast Cancer Navigation Program, Margie Petersen Breast Center L. Andrew Di Fronzo, MD Professor of Surgery Maggie DiNome, MD Assistant Professor of Surgery Associate Director of Margie Petersen Breast Center

Mark B. Faries, MD Professor of Surgery Director of Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Director of Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program Director of Therapeutic Immunology Leland J. Foshag, MD Surgical Oncologist Chester F. Griffiths, MD Professor of Surgery Dave S. B. Hoon, MSc, PhD Professor and Director of Molecular Oncology Chief of Scientific Intelligence Director of Genomics Sequencing Sharon Huang, PhD Assistant Professor of Molecular Oncology Reiko F. Irie, MD Director of Biotechnology John Jalas, MD Assistant Professor of Pathology Peter Jones, MD Associate Professor of Surgery Daniel F. Kelly, MD Professor of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery Director of Brain Tumor Center and Pituitary Disorders Program

Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD Professor of Immunology Director of Translational Immunology Laurent Lessard, MD Assistant Professor of Molecular Oncology Diego Marzese, PhD Assistant Professor of Molecular Oncology Sebastian J. Sasu, MD Associate Professor of Pathology Peter A. Sieling, PhD Professor of Immunology Assistant Director of Translational Immunology Myung-Shin Sim, MS, DrPH Associate Professor and Director of Biostatistics Frederick Singer, MD Director of Endocrinology and Bone Disease Program Hitoe Torisu-Itakura, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Immunology Roderick Turner, MD Professor of Pathology Jinhua Wang, PhD Assistant Professor of Molecular Oncology

Vivanti N. Jain, MD Adjunct Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery J. Arthur Jensen, MD Plastic Surgery David Krasne, MD Pathology Ronald S. Leuchter, MD Gynecologic Oncology Brian D. Madden, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor of Palliative Care Ali Mahtabifard, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery Silvana Martino, DO Medical Oncology Lisa C. Moore, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor of Endocrinology Carol Nishikubo, MD Medical Oncology

Steven J. O’Day, MD Medical Oncology Jay S. Orringer, MD Plastic Surgery Lawrence D. Piro, MD Medical Oncology Lauren L. Reager, MD Dermatology Adriana N. Schmidt, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology Ira Smalberg, MD Radiology Marilou Terpenning, MD Adjunct Professor of Medical Oncology Robert C. Wollman, MD Radiation Oncology Paul S. Yamauchi, MD, PhD Adjunct Professor of Dermatology

JWCI ADJUNCT FACULTY VP, Branded Media Emily S. Baker Art Director Ajay Peckham Editor Shari Roan Copy Editor Laura Watts Contributor Sandi Draper Photographer Lauren Pressey Managing Partners Charles C. Koones Todd Klawin

Stan Alfred, MD Adjunct Professor of Dermatology Peter Boasberg, MD Medical Oncology Stanley A. Brosman, MD Urology Sant P. Chawla, MD Medical Oncology Alistair Cochran, MD Pathology David Elashoff, PhD Biostatistics Robert Elashoff, PhD Biostatistics Joshua Ellenhorn, MD Adjunct Professor of Surgery Clark B. Fuller, MD Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Edwin Glass, MD Nuclear Medicine Omid Hamid, MD Medical Oncology

Donald L. Morton, MD Faculty Emeritus† †Deceased

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Meeting the Challenges of Cancer Cancer research requires dedication, perseverance and hope—all qualities that defined the late Donald L. Morton, MD, cofounder of the John Wayne Cancer Institute. In this issue of Innovations, we honor his legacy and celebrate his accomplishments with great pride. Dr. Morton laid the groundwork for what is now a world-class Institute with faculty who are pioneers in several of the most promising and innovative areas of research such as molecular oncology, immunotherapy and minimally invasive surgical techniques. My family welcomed the opportunity to use my father’s name to honor his battle against the disease and promote world-class cancer research. Today the Institute is a testament to that vision. The emphasis on translational medicine means our researchers

are working hard to move the discoveries they make in the laboratories to the bedsides of patients as quickly as possible. Research also requires the resolve and allegiance of the community. You, our supporters and donors, have allowed the pace of our research to accelerate with your gifts of time and funding—and we thank you. Without your generosity and commitment, we would not witness so many significant accomplishments. I hope you feel as proud as I do of our impressive past and promising future.

Patrick Wayne hairman of the C Board of Directors

REMEMBERING THE DUKE RIO LOBO, 1970 Photo courtesy mptvimages.com

John Wayne stars in the final film of a trilogy directed by the distinguished director Howard Hawks. Rio Lobo was Hawks’ last film. In the movie, Wayne’s character, Col. Cord McNally, searches for a traitor who contributed to the defeat of McNally’s unit and the death of a friend during the Civil War. Wayne’s costars included Jorge Rivero and Jennifer O’Neill with a bit part played by the young actress Sherry Lansing. Lansing left acting shortly thereafter and eventually became CEO of Paramount Pictures.

JOHN WAYNE CANCER INSTITUTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrick Wayne CHAIRMAN

Randy Axelrod, MD

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Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD

Michael Hunn

Jay B. Lichter, PhD

Douglas M. Mancino

Michael L. Wall

Michael I. Wayne


WELCOME FROM THE INSTITUTE

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future Life is a series of transitions, and we observe and honor several important transitions that have taken place at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in recent months. First, of course, is to remember with deep appreciation the life and career of our co-founder Donald L. Morton, MD, who passed away earlier this year. Dr. Morton’s contributions to cancer treatment and research are on display daily at the Institute. He worked hard to establish a culture of collaboration and excellence that is paying dividends today. We also celebrate the new sponsors of Saint John’s Health Center: Providence Health & Services. Under Providence, we find ourselves associated with a large and prestigious healthcare network that understands and appreciates cancer research and the mission of the Institute. We look forward to working with our new colleagues at Providence to find new treatments

and cures for cancer. More than 30 years after its founding, the John Wayne Cancer Institute ranks at the forefront of innovative cancer research. Earlier this year, one of the most highly regarded medical journals in the world, the New England Journal of Medicine, published a landmark study on sentinel node biopsy for melanoma patients led by members of our staff. We continue to lead or participate in multiple international research collaborations that are solving some of the most pressing questions in oncology. These successes have generated renewed energy and confidence among our faculty and supporters. As we lay plans for our continued growth and development, we acknowledge with gratitude the many Institute volunteers, supporters and donors without whom we simply could not pursue this vital and challenging work.

Michael L. Wall

cting President and A Chief Executive Officer

Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Professor of Surgery, Chief of Medicine and Chief of the Gastrointestinal Research Program

Message from Providence Health & Services

On behalf of Providence Health & Services and our Southern California region, it is my great

honor to thank and recognize the donors and supporters of the John Wayne Cancer Institute for your tremendous generosity and dedication to making this wonderful research institute a true resource for the community. As Providence assumes sponsorship, I know that together we are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. With your support, we are confident that we will continue the tradition of excellence that the John Wayne Cancer Institute has created to provide world-class research and make a difference in the lives of all those who come to us. We want you to know that

the Institute has joined a compassionate and historic organization that serves patients in Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon and Washington state. Providence is the second-largest health system in Los Angeles and the eighth-largest private employer with six medical centers, more than 13,000 employees, 40 clinics, two medical foundations, more than 4,000 physicians and a comprehensive network of care from home care to hospice to long-term care. We are very humbled and proud to include the John Wayne Cancer Institute in the

Providence family. During this time of great reflection, as we come together, we will be working collaboratively with our donors, boards and supporters as well as the Institute’s leadership and physicians to chart our course for the future. Together we will grow and remain true to our mission of serving those in need and creating healthier communities.

Michael Hunn

S enior Vice President, Regional Chief Executive, Providence Health & Services

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AT THE FOREFRONT

Introducing the New Faculty Lisa Chaiken, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology Dr. Chaiken was born in Torrance, California, and attended Harvard University before entering the University of Califoria, Los

Angeles, medical school. Her residency was in radiation oncology at UCLA. Dr. Chaiken chose that specialty because “cancer is an exciting area of advancements and research,” she says. Dr. Chaiken has worked on targeted treatments such as stereotactic treatments for

cancer in the brain, the base of the skull and lung, as well as radiation implants for breast and gynecologic tumors. She joined the John Wayne Cancer Institute recently to pursue a special interest in breast cancer, gynecologic tumors, and head and neck cancers.

Chester F. Griffths, MD, professor of surgery Born in New York City, Dr. Griffiths attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and is double board-certified in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His father, Cadvan Owen Griffiths, Jr., MD, is a much-admired physician who inspired his

son’s career choice. But Dr. Griffiths was motivated to specialize in cancer because of an undiagnosed ailment he suffered as a child. He was treated at Saint John’s Health Center for three years and decided that he would “become a physician to care for those in need.” He was licensed to practice medicine by the age of 21. Dr. Griffiths, with Dr. Daniel Kelly, is chief of endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgery

at the Providence Saint John’s Health Center Brain Tumor Center. His current research projects include advancing minimally invasive procedures for transnasal endoscopic skull base tumors as well as the study of preservation of olfactory function following nasal-skull base surgery. He has presented his research at national and international meetings and has authored numerous published research papers and book chapters.

John R. Jalas, MD, assistant professor of pathology Dr. Jalas' work is motivated by the desire to better understand the mysteries of cancer and spare more people from the disease. Dr. Jalas attended college at the University

of Texas. He earned a PhD in chemistry at the University of Minnesota followed by his medical degree there two years later. He completed a residency and a fellowship in surgical pathology at the University of California, San Francisco. He is currently working on a project to assess the immune response to colon cancer. The goal of the research is to develop an “immunoscore”

that will predict which patients are most and least likely to benefit from chemotherapy. “Our data will allow patients who won’t benefit from chemotherapy to be spared its side effects,” he explains. “In addition, our data could lend insight into the biology of the immune response to cancer, potentially providing new therapeutic targets.”

Peter Jones, MD, associate professor of surgery Dr. Jones, a native of Sacramento, earned a bachelor's degree at the University of California, Irvine, before attending medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he also completed a general surgery residency, a plastic surgery residency and a surgical oncology fellowship. He was a fellow under the late Donald L. Morton, MD, from 1978 to

1980. Dr. Jones then opened a private practice in plastic and hand surgery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and retired two years ago. However, a request by Dr. Morton and Dr. Reiko F. Irie, director of biotechnology, altered his retirement plans. They asked Dr. Jones to expand upon the innovative research he had performed in the lab more than 30 years ago involving testing melanoma patients’ serum for an antibody which might affect their clinical course. Dr. Jones credits Dr. Morton and the

specimen repository as the foundation for innovative research. “This sets the John Wayne Cancer Institute apart from other cancer institutes because we are readily able to correlate the presence or absence of a factor in serum or tissue to the clinical course of patients followed over many years. This enabled the identification of the antibody on which we are now focused. There are many more discoveries waiting to be made locked away in the freezers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.”

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AT THE FOREFRONT

Diego Marzese, PhD, assistant professor of molecular oncology Dr. Marzese earned a doctorate in molecular biology from the National University of Cuyo, Argentina, where he studied alterations of genes related to breast cancer. But Dr. Marzese became interested in finding improved treatments for cancer much earlier in life.

At age 16, he was diagnosed and successfully treated for cancer. That experience inspired him to enter the field of cancer research. At the Institute, he has completed a postdoctoral training under Dave S.B. Hoon, PhD, centered on the genomic and epigenomic aberrations in genes that regulate melanoma. His research concerns cancer that's resistant to treatment and cancer that has spread.

Dr. Marzese is exploring which genes or gene networks are altered to allow melanoma to spread to the brain. Dr. Marzese is also pursuing system biology and integrative research on the highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancer to identify unexplored potential therapeutic epigenetic targets for this challenging disease.

Sebastian Sasu, MD, associate professor of pathology Dr. Sasu was born in Cluj, Romania, and received his medical training at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj. After fellowships at Tufts

University in Boston and the University of California, Los Angeles, and a residency at the University of Southern California, he joined the Pathology Medical Group at Saint John's Health Center in 2007 and began working with the John Wayne Cancer Institute researchers.

His primary area of interest is biomarker research. Dr. Sasu is trying to identify new, specific cancer markers that can be used for accurate diagnosis or as therapeutic targets. Dr. Sasu focused on atherosclerosis early in his career, but he eventually grew interested in cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.

The Institute Welcomes Douglas M. Mancino to the Board Douglas M. Mancino, one of the country’s top healthcare and tax-exempt organization lawyers, has joined the John Wayne Cancer Institute board of directors. A partner in the Los Angeles office of Hunton & Williams LLP, he serves as national co-head of his firm’s healthcare practice. For more than 40 years, Mancino has represented all types of healthcare and nonprofit organizations on tax, business and financial matters. He has extensive experience in audit, appeals and tax controversy issues. He has served as counsel to healthcare clients in a number of cases that have defined the limits of tax-exempt organizations participating in healthcare joint

ventures and addressed the tax-exempt status of health maintenance organizations. A graduate of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Mancino has authored five books and treatises and more than 85 articles concerning tax-exempt organizations and healthcare issues. He is a former president of the American Health Lawyers Association and has served as vice chair of publications for the American Bar Association’s tax section. He became acquainted with Saint John’s Health Center and the Institute when he moved to California in 1980. He met Sister Marie Madeleine Shonka, SCL, began advising the hospital and became interested in cancer centers. “I’ve actually had a lot of experience in representing providers of oncology-related services,” Mancino explains. “I have a keen understanding, from a layman’s point of view, of cancer and its treatments and the research surrounding it.”

In joining the board of the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Mancino says he hopes to support its continued success. “I was impressed by the level of quality that the Institute has, the research it conducts and its reputation nationally. I view this board as an opportunity to provide my experience in governance with a greater-than-usual understanding of the Institute. It’s also an opportunity to learn.” A resident of Westwood, Mancino is married and enjoys golfing, scuba diving, skiing and boating. He also participates in numerous civic and charitable activities. He is currently chairman of the board of trustees of the Children’s Burn Foundation and a member of the boards of directors of the Irvine Health Foundation, the Media & Policy Center, The Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy and Health Net, Inc. He is a member of the executive board and an executive vice president of the Music Center Leadership Council. SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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AT THE FOREFRONT

Making Strides in Therapeutic Immunology A novel cancer therapy that’s under development for metastatic melanoma may also benefit patients with a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer. The therapy is an individualized treatment using immune cells taken from a patient’s tumor. The tumor sample is placed in a culture, and researchers extract cancer-fighting white blood cells called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes—or TILs. Billions of copies of these cells are manufactured and then injected back into the patient. Clinical trials of the therapy, called adoptive cell therapy with autologous TILs, are showing promising results in patients with metastatic melanoma, according to Mark B. Faries, MD, director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program and therapeutic immunology, who has led the research. Melanoma that has spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body is especially difficult to treat, with five-year survival rates of less than 6%. The problem is that metastatic melanoma is notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some newer medications, such as vemurafenib and ipilimumab, have improved survival rates. Although the response rate of vemurafenib is approximately 80%, the effect of the medication does not last long and recurrence may occur within a year due to the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. The response rate of ipilimumab is as low as 5% to 11% When conventional treatments have failed, patients are often eager to try adoptive cell therapy. However, it’s available only at a few key centers in the United States, such as the National Cancer Institute, because the production of the cells is logistically and technically difficult. Institute researchers plan to submit an Investigational New Drug application to treat metastatic melanoma with the therapy. Dr. Faries’ promising results in autologous TILs research prompted questions on whether the approach can apply to other types of cancer. Translating research findings from one type of cancer to another is a hallmark of the Institute. Hitoe Torisu-Itakura, MD, PhD, assistant professor of immunology, is evaluating the feasibility of an adoptive cell therapy program for application in breast cancer, especially an aggressive type of breast cancer that is frequently resistant to currently available therapy. Dr. Torisu-Itakura and her colleagues have developed standard operating procedures for a planned study and are in the process of validating lab equipment and assays to meet Food and Drug Administration requirements. + Dr. Torisu-Itakura’s research receives generous support

from the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation, the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) and Sharon and David Keller.

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Mark B. Faries, MD, is director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program and therapeutic immunology.

Hitoe Torisu-Itakura, MD, PhD, is conducting studies on TILs therapy.


AT THE FOREFRONT

Multi-Center Melanoma Study Published in the New England Journal of Medicine In the largest study of its kind, researchers have confirmed that a strategy to assess the spread of melanoma—pioneered by scientists at the John Wayne Cancer Institute—saves lives and spares some patients from troubling surgical side effects. The study, called the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-I), was led by the late Donald L. Morton, MD, and co-authored by his colleagues at the Institute and around the world, including Mark B. Faries, MD, director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The study validated the use of sentinel node biopsy, the revolutionary procedure developed by Dr. Morton more than 30 years ago. Dr. Morton suggested that the spread of melanoma could be determined by examining the lymph node closest to the original tumor. Traditionally, doctors removed all of the lymph nodes in the area of the primary tumor to thwart the spread of cancer. However, this extensive surgery increases the risk of pain, infection and long-term swelling. Dr. Morton suggested, however, that removing only the lymph node closest to the tumor, dubbed the sentinel node, provided an accurate assessment of how the cancer might

spread without having to examine additional nodes. Sentinel node biopsy has been widely embraced and now applies to other cancers, such as breast cancer. The new study, released in February in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, confirms the long-term value of sentinel node biopsy for patients with melanoma. It found that early removal and analysis of the sentinel node at the time of surgery decreased the chances of the melanoma recurring. After 10 years, among patients who underwent sentinel node biopsy, 71.3% were still free of cancer compared to 64.7% in patients who did not have sentinel node biopsy. For patients with melanoma in their lymph nodes, early treatment using the biopsy technique increased survival by 44%. The new study should ensure that melanoma patients receive evidence-based sentinel node biopsy as part of the disease assessment. “This publication is the culmination of nearly 20 years of research carried out worldwide,” says Dr. Faries. “We now have the best evidence yet that the sentinel node procedure not only gives patients the most accurate information about their future, it also increases their chances for survival.” SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

Many people undergoing conventional cancer treatments are interested in complementary health practices. This "Integrative Health" column highlights the research behind various activities and how patients may benefit.

Turning Yoga’s Mystique Toward Breast Cancer WRITTEN BY SANDI DRAPER

Research from around the world in breast cancer patients has shown that yoga may be able to help improve physical functioning, sleep and overall quality of life while reducing fatigue, stress and inflammation. With benefits like that, it’s no wonder yoga is increasingly embraced by cancer patients. A new weekly yoga class offered by the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is aimed at meeting the demand for yoga among patients and acknowledges growing scientific support for its value. The hour-long classes, which began in early March, are free to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at the center. The classes are taught by certified yoga instructor and breast cancer survivor Kamla Subramanian, who leads participants through gentle, therapeutic exercises adjusted for each person's level. Yoga classes are just one example of how cancer treatments have evolved dramatically over the years. “Twenty years ago, when a woman was diagnosed with breast cancer, the surgeon cut the tumor out and sent the patient off to the oncologist,” says Maureen A. Chung, MD, PhD, director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center,

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director of the breast oncology fellowship program and director of the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Breast Cancer Research Program. “Surgeons really didn’t have a lot to offer patients. But now, cancer treatments are more complicated and individualized, and there are more choices. Today we are treating the patient’s whole sense of well-being. Yoga is part of complementary, or integrated, care.”

The program has been so successful, a second class for individuals considered at high risk of developing the disease is now offered, too. Reducing stress is part of a thorough diseaseprevention strategy. “The majority of evidence does indicate that stress—defined as a significant life event—is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence,” says

Maggie DiNome, MD, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Clinic, chief of general surgery at the Health Center and associate director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center. “There is also evidence that suggests that reducing stress improves survival.” One study, she notes, assessed the impact of a professional psychological intervention designed to reduce stress in Participants at a recent yoga program fundraiser


INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

Studies show yoga can improve mood and sleep and reduce inflammation.

breast cancer patients and found a 45% reduction in breast cancer recurrence and an almost 50% drop in the risk of death. Yoga lowers levels of stress-related hormones, including cortisol, melatonin and GABA. Another recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that practicing yoga for as little as three months can reduce fatigue and lower inflammation in breast cancer survivors. On average, fatigue was 57% lower in women who had practiced yoga compared to the non-yoga group, and their inflammation levels were reduced by up to 20%. Those who practiced yoga also experienced improved mood and sleep. In addition, the more the study participants practiced yoga, the better their results. The women

in the study, which was funded by the National Cancer Institute, had all completed their breast cancer treatments before the study began. They were all new to yoga and practiced yoga in small groups for 12 weeks. Still, scientific cause-and-effect evidence that yoga can improve outcomes for breast cancer patients is limited, Dr. Chung says. “But what the data demonstrate is that cancer patients who participate in yoga twice a week feel better during treatment and have a better emotional outlook.” Yoga has many other health benefits that aren’t unique to cancer. Perhaps that’s why the practice has soared in popularity. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, yoga is the sixth most commonly used complementary health practice

among adults, and more than 13 million people practice it. “Yoga is just a fabulous form of exercise that can help improve circulation and increase blood flow,” says Dr. DiNome. “It is also an effective way to stay fit and control one’s weight.” Another benefit to yoga is that anyone can participate. “Yoga’s not competitive,” Dr. Chung says. “You are not competing with the person beside you. We want patients to go to the class for themselves. Classes can help with flexibility and stretching to prevent scarring. Just breathing and taking the time to think about yourself is beneficial.”

yo·ga \yōgə\ noun a Hindu spiritual discipline that includes breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures; widely practiced for health and relaxation

+ The Cancer Prevention

Clinic receives generous support from Martha and David Ho.

For more information about the yoga program, please email yogaprogram@providence.org or call 310-582-7100. SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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IN THE NEWS

Keeping Up With the Fellows The John Wayne Cancer Institute’s surgical oncology fellows are making important contributions to cancer research. Some of their recent presentations and publications include:

VICTORIA O’CONNOR, MD,

SIMON LAVOTSHKIN, MD, a

NEFERTITI A. BROWN,

the Harold McAlister Charitable

first-year fellow in complex general

MD, the Institute’s Auxiliary

Foundation fellow, presented research

surgical oncology, presented a study

breast fellow, presented

at the Southern California American

on immunoscoring of colon cancer

data at the Pacific Coast

Cancer Society meeting in January,

in May during Digestive Diseases

Surgical Association meeting

further elucidating the role of magnetic

Week, the world’s largest gathering

in February demonstrating

resonance imaging to screen high-risk

of physicians and researchers in

the value of MRI to detect

patients or augment the assessment

gastroenterology, hepatology,

breast cancer tumors in the

of breast cancer. Dr. O’Connor also

endoscopy and GI surgery. In addition,

contralateral breast that are

presented a study at the Society for

Dr. Lavotshkin’s study has been

not found by conventional

Surgical Oncology (SSO) meeting on

accepted for plenary presentation at

imaging techniques.

a medication therapy for patients with

the May annual meeting of the Society

gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.

ELIZABETH A. ARENA, MD, presented a poster at the

GARY B. DEUTSCH, MD, MPH, presented a paper at

SSO meeting on patients with head and neck melanoma.

the SSO meeting on patients with gastric cancer. The study

The research suggests that removing the parotid gland to

found that inclusion of information on the number of lymph

assess for cancer should be strongly considered in patients

nodes tested for cancer to the current cancer staging system

with metastases in the neck. While removing the gland has

more accurately predicts five-year survival. Dr. Deutsch

the potential for complications, the study found that patients

also has a case report in press in the Journal of the American

with deep melanoma lesions and lesions located in the front

Medical Association regarding a unique case involving a

scalp may benefit the most from parotidectomy.

patient with a small bowel obstruction.

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AT THE FOREFRONT

The Institute leadership challenges new minds entering the field to accurately describe the most pressing problems in surgical oncology, and fosters skills to solve them.” —Partha Ray, MD, Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Fellow, John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2008-10

Former Institute Surgical Oncology Fellow Awarded NCI Grant

A former surgical oncology fellow at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Dr. Partha Ray, has received a $1 million Small Business Technology Transfer grant from the National Cancer Institute to advance research he began at the Institute on a diagnostic test for a deadly form of breast cancer. Dr. Ray, a surgical oncologist with the Carle Cancer Center/Mills Breast Cancer Institute in Urbana, Illinois, participated in a surgical oncology fellowship at the Institute from 2008 to 2010. Under the tutelage of Donald L. Morton, MD, Dr. Ray began work on a molecular diagnostic test to identify a gene, dubbed FOXC1, which is a biomarker for basal-like breast cancer. This cancer is a form of triple-negative breast cancer, a dangerous sub-type of the disease. But even among cases of triple negative breast cancer, the basal-like form is the most worrisome. These cancers tend to occur more frequently in younger women, AfricanAmerican women and those with the BRCA-1 gene mutation. The grant will enable Dr. Ray, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Illinois, to conduct a multi-institutional clinical trial on as many as 1,000 patients to demonstrate the test’s validity. “The idea is to develop a standard commercial test that any cancer center can use,” he explains. “It can’t be a complicated or expensive test. Expensive and complicated tests often plague the breast cancer field. If you can’t afford it or use it, how useful is the test?” Dr. Ray, who was a Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation fellow, credits his training at the John Wayne Cancer Institute for his approach to research. He praises the Institute’s philosophy of allowing fellows the freedom to pursue a research project under close mentorship. “The Institute leadership encourages scientific inquiry and challenges the new minds entering the field to really be able to accurately describe the most pressing problems in surgical oncology today and then fosters skills to solve them,” he explains. “I feel these skills have been imparted to me. You can only get this when you are allowed an open forum to raise these questions, where you can be mentored in your research approach.” The Institute faculty is always delighted to hear about the accomplishments of former fellows, says Mark B. Faries, MD, director of the Institute's complex general surgical oncology fellowship program. “The men and women in our fellowship program represent the best and brightest of a new generation of oncology surgeons,” says Dr. Faries. “Dr. Ray maximized the opportunities provided by his training at the Institute and is now carrying the Institute’s ideals to other regions of the country and to his current colleagues and students. We are tremendously proud of his work and the impact he’s having on the field.”

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AT THE FOREFRONT

Peter A. Sieling, PhD, is researching the role of the immune system and cancer development.

Unlocking The Mysteries Of Cancer And The Immune System WRITTEN BY SHARI ROAN

It may seem as if bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, would have little to do with melanoma or breast cancer. But Peter A. Sieling, PhD, a cellular immunologist, has spent his career making a connection between the two seemingly disparate fields. Now he appears to be in just the right place at the right time, as scientific evidence mounts suggesting the body’s own natural system for fighting infections may be the key to preventing or treating some types of cancers. The role of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate challenges from harmful substances, like germs, and cancerous cells. “The immune system in relationship to

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cancer has similar but also different questions,” he says. “The types of cells in our body that fight against tumors—the immune cells— are almost identical to the cells that fight microbial infections.” Dr. Sieling earned his PhD studying bacterial infections and went on to investigate how the immune system responds to bacterial infections, an area he has worked in for 20 years. During that time, something interesting was brewing in cancer research: the notion that the immune system plays an important role in the development of at least some types of cancer. He was intrigued with applying his expertise to cancer. For almost three years, he has been

working in the field of tumor immunology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. “I thought this was a wonderful place to apply all of these principles,” he says. His work is performed at the Institute’s Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research. “He has a vast expertise in immunology,” says his colleague, Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD, director of translational immunology at the Institute. “He’s very focused. He’s a stable force. He has great integrity. I just like to work with good people, and he’s good in all ways: brilliant in his knowledge, brilliant in the technical aspects and an overall good person.”


AT THE FOREFRONT Dr. Sieling’s projects include studies on Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). In some melanoma patients, administering doses of BCG stimulates the immune system to fight the cancer. “We don’t know all of the reasons why it works. But we are hypothesizing that it’s because the immune system recognizes mycobacteria,” he explains. He hopes to elucidate how BCG works against melanoma in order to refine the therapy. For example, it may be possible to give patients components of some type of bacterium that fights melanoma while removing the dangerous or unnecessary parts of the microbe.

The types of cells in our body that fight against tumors—the immune cells— are almost identical to the cells that fight microbial infections."

He is also exploring evidence that the immune response has a role in recognizing and eliminating breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease with many sub-types. Studies are needed to identify which sub-types of breast cancer would respond best to immune system therapies. Much of Dr. Sieling’s research explores the behavior of immune-system cells called lymphocytes. These cells— T cells, T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells—all have specific roles. One of his studies involves isolating cells in several areas: in the breast cancer tumor, near the tumor and far from the tumor. That information could explain how the various lymphocytes are functioning in relation to the cancer. “We’re studying the mechanisms to try to understand them better because these therapies don’t work in 100% of cases,” he says. “The immune system is so complex. Some therapies may work in some patients but not others.” Immunotherapies hold great promise because they target the molecular underpinnings of the cancer and would be unlikely to carry the kinds of side effects associated with less-targeted treatments, such as chemotherapy. One immune system therapy is already approved for melanoma—an immunomodulator called ipilimumab. “We’re convinced in the case of melanoma that the immune system is vital to recognize and eliminate the tumors,” he says. “In some other cancers, the jury is still out. But it’s clear that the immune system functions to eliminate and prevent many types of cancer.”

DOES BACTERIA PLAY A ROLE IN BREAST CANCER? A surprising finding by Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD, about the role of bacteria in influencing breast cancer was published recently in the journal PLOS ONE. The paper will help advance the growing field of cancer immunology, which explores the role of infections and immune system response in cancer. Some bacteria, such as the human papilloma virus, can cause cancer. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer. But Delphine J. bacteria can be beneficial Lee, MD, PhD too. That’s the focus of the study by Dr. Lee, director of the department of translational immunology and the Dirks/ Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Dr. Lee found evidence that bacteria are more prevalent in healthy breast tissue compared to tissue from a cancerous breast tumor. Moreover, the study showed that the fewer bacteria present in breast tumor tissue, the greater the odds that the patient had advanced disease. So measuring the amount of bacteria could provide information on diagnosing and staging breast cancer. It’s not surprising that bacteria can have a positive impact on health. The human body is awash in microbes that perform important functions. For example, bacteria in the intestines helps digest food and keep the cells that line the intestinal tract healthy. The same thing may be happening in breast tissue. Bacteria may help keep breast tissue healthy and reduce the potential for cancer to develop. It’s possible, Dr. Lee suggests, that bacteria in breast tissue rallies immune cells to do their jobs in fighting off cancer. Healthy levels of bacteria may have cancer-fighting properties in other parts of the body too. With further research, it may be possible to use bacteria to create strategies to prevent cancer or new therapies to stop cancer in its tracks. “To prevent breast cancer, we must understand the cause and the conditions that foster its development,” she explains. “This research is a new step toward that understanding.” + Dr. Lee’s research receives generous support from the Associates

for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs), the Avon Foundation, the Carolyn Dirks and Brett Dougherty/Joseph B. Gould Foundation and NIH grants.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING September 6–7 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

October 8 QVC Presents FFANY “Shoes on Sale”

Santa Barbara, CA The Santa Barbara coastline and Santa Ynez Mountains provide the stunning backdrop for the 29-mile Avon Walk. Launched in 2003 by the Avon Foundation, the two-day event raises funds for breast cancer programs. The John Wayne Cancer Institute is proud to partner once again with Avon as a beneficiary, the medical sponsor and a sponsor of the dedicated volunteers and participants.

The Waldorf Astoria, New York, NY The John Wayne Cancer Institute is honored to be a partner at the 21st annual QVC Presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale” event. Over the years, the Fashion Footwear Association of New York Charitable Organization (FFANY) has contributed more than $5 million to the Institute in support of novel and impactful breast cancer research that has helped eliminate patient suffering for women around the world.

September 10 Planned Giving Donor Recognition Luncheon

Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, CA The Guardians of the Future, a distinctive group of individuals who have provided support for the John Wayne Cancer Institute through either their estate plans or other charitable gift planning, will gather with their Providence Saint John’s counterparts, the Friends for the Future, for an update on the latest news and research at the Institute and the Health Center at this annual recognition luncheon.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING October 23 JWCI Auxiliary Membership Luncheon

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, CA The highly anticipated annual boutique and luncheon helps support the operations of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary, which has successfully raised millions of dollars for the Institute over the past 29 years.

December 7 Benefactors Dinner

Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles, CA Our benefactors are an integral part of the John Wayne Cancer Institute’s continued success and achievements in the fight against cancer. The Institute will honor the generosity of donors who have helped us carry out our mission by supporting innovative cancer research at the highest levels of giving in 2014. Attendees will meet with members of the Wayne family and the Institute’s faculty and fellows and will hear updates and research highlights.

November 22 Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) Annual “Talk of the Town” Fundraising Gala

Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA On an extraordinary evening in November, the ABCs will recognize individuals who have made a difference in the fight against cancer. This glittering, black-tie event attracts more than 800 guests as well as major media attention. Celebrities and supporters alike gather to raise critical funds for the Institute’s breast and prostate cancer research. The celebratory evening includes dinner, dancing, guest performances, a boutique and an auction.

For more information on any of the events, please contact us at development@jwci.org or 310-315-6111.

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VISIONARY

REMEMBERING A GIANT The influential work of Donald L. Morton, MD, established strong roots.

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VISIONARY

IN SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

F

rom the humblest beginnings, Donald L. Morton, MD, became the pride of his family, an internationally recognized leader in the field of surgical oncology, and a friend and mentor to many. Dr. Morton died at Saint John’s Health Center on January 10 at age 79. Dr. Morton co-founded the John Wayne Cancer Clinic at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1981. The clinic moved to Saint John’s Health Center and became the Institute in 1991. Standing on the shoulders of their co-founder, the Institute staff grew in prominence to become one of the most reputable cancer research organizations in the world. But Dr. Morton never lost sight of his roots, always stressing the importance of education and the value of having good friends and a loving family. He was born during the Depression in Richwood, West Virginia, in a home with no electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. His father was a coal miner and built the family’s small house. Dr. Morton loved learning and attended classes at Berea College in Kentucky before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree in 1955. He was awarded his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, in 1958. He completed a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and then joined UCLA. He eventually became chief of general surgery and chief of the division of oncology. In the 1970s, Dr. Morton turned his attention to a vexing problem in cancer surgery. Cancer often becomes lifethreatening when cells break away from the original tumor and spread to lymph nodes where they can easily travel to other organs and tissues. Forty years ago, doctors treating patients for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and melanoma, removed many lymph nodes in order to stop the cancer’s spread. The removal of so many nodes caused severe side effects for patients and

Dr. Donald Morton operates with his colleague Dr. Mark Faries.

increased the cost of surgery and length of recovery time. But Dr. Morton suggested that removing and analyzing a single lymph node nearest the tumor was all that was needed to assess the risk of cancer metastasis. Studies proved him correct. The sentinel node biopsy became the standard procedure in oncology. In the late ‘70s, Dr. Morton treated actor John Wayne, who was suffering from stomach cancer. As with all of his patients, Dr. Morton did his best to help Wayne, even administering an experimental treatment. Wayne died in 1979, but Dr. Morton and the Wayne family honored the late actor’s battle with the disease by establishing the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Over the last 32 years of his career, Dr. Morton continued to make noteworthy contributions to his field. He became interested in melanoma and created one of the first experimental vaccines to treat the disease. The approach to treating cancer by harnessing the body’s immune system—the foundation of cancer vaccines—has been adopted by research teams around the world to treat various forms of cancer. He was also ahead of his peers in anticipating the genetics era of cancer research. Early on, Dr. Morton began preserving biopsy specimens, and today the Institute is home to one of the most important specimen repositories in the world, with the support of the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary, The Ahmanson Foundation and the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation. Moreover, Dr. Morton possessed “an uncanny skill in shaping his ideas and visions into successful federal grants,” according to his friend, Charles M. Balch, MD, a professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Morton ranked among the top of all clinical/social science researchers in receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health. He often had funding for two projects at a time. During the course of his stellar career, Dr. Morton authored nearly 1,000 scientific papers. His other significant contribution to the field was his dedication to training surgical oncologists. Through the Institute’s surgical oncology fellowship program, he trained more than 150 fellows at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. More than 80% of those fellows have become university professors, deans or department chairs. Recently the Institute became one of the first eight programs in the country to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in complex general surgical oncology. Dr. Morton will be remembered for his contributions to improving the lives of people who suffer from cancer. But he was foremost a beloved husband, father and friend. The father of four children, he often reminded his colleagues that family, friendships and collaborations were the keys to success in all aspects of life. SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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VISIONARY

Lorraine Morton, Sister Maureen Craig, SCL, and Dr. Donald L. Morton

PATIENTS AND FRIENDS RECALL AN APPROACHABLE GENIUS Dr. Morton was equally at ease with patients and donors as he was with fellow scientists. Thousands of individuals were treated by Dr. Morton or touched by his kindness over the course of his illustrious career. A few of his patients and friends recall his humanity.

W

hen first introduced to Dr. Morton, Melinda Wayne Muñoz says she was prepared to meet a different type of man. His reputation as an academician, researcher and surgeon had preceded that meeting. But the man she met exuded great humility and sincerity. “His compassion for his patients alongside his passion for medicine were very impressive,” says Muñoz, the daughter of John Wayne. She serves on the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary board of directors.

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Dr. Morton was unusual among researchers of his stature because he made a point of getting out of the lab to spend time with patients. “He said, ‘We don’t cure rats. We cure human beings,’” she recalls. Dr. Morton was able to explain cancer research to a wide variety of audiences, says Ethan Wayne, the youngest son of John Wayne. Ethan is chief executive officer of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in Newport Beach and president of John Wayne Enterprises. When the idea first arose to name a cancer research institute after


VISIONARY “He had this wonderful enthusiasm for what lay ahead in the hands of these young researchers.” Dr. Morton delighted in scientific discovery, she notes. “He had a passion for research. He was devoted to it. But he drew a connection between research and people. He always asked, ‘How will this research help people?’” Patients who sought him out at the John Wayne Cancer Institute found a man who gave them time, attention and compassion. Elizabeth Riedel, who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, credits Dr. Morton and his family Dr. Morton with saving her life after a celebrate his 2011 Spirit of diagnosis of melanoma on her eyebrow. Saint John's Award. Riedel recalls Dr. Morton urging her to stay positive. During an appointment, he brought in his team to discuss the his famous patient, actor John Wayne, Dr. Morton advised the Wayne treatment plan, which included removing the tumor while carefully sparing family on how to proceed. “We really relied on Dr. Morton’s guidance important facial nerves and sensitive structures in the face, such as the to help us build something that was a legacy to John Wayne,” Ethan says. salivary glands. He told Riedel: “We’re going to give you half a facelift.” He adds that his late father would burst with pride at the research “They laughed,” she recalls of the moment. “This cheered me up.” accomplishments of the Institute as well as the renowned surgical Seventeen years later, Riedel is grateful she was referred to the John oncology fellowship program. John Wayne had an easy rapport with Dr. Wayne Cancer Institute. “Dr. Morton saved my life,” she says. Morton and trusted him deeply. Marte Franklin of central California, often thinks about the care “As a doctor, he was a straight shooter. He was direct. My father that spared her son’s life about 18 years ago. Her son, Mark, was living appreciated that,” he says. “My father understood that this was a smart in Portland when he was diagnosed with a rare form of malignant guy who could make a difference to a lot of people.” melanoma. He had tumors in his lungs, liver and near his kidney, and The Wayne family watched over the years as Dr. Morton pioneered his Portland physician suggested he would survive only about three new surgical oncology techniques and novel months. A family member searched the treatments for melanoma. “He is the paradigm country for a top expert in melanoma and Dr. Morton kept of a research physician,” says Patrick Wayne, found Dr. Morton. another son of the actor and chairman of the “Dr. Morton told Mark he didn’t know exactly saying, ‘Sister, isn’t this Institute. “Through his dedication and passion, what could cure it or if it could be cured, but that great? The cure for cancer he would do everything he could,” Franklin recalls. he reached a position of excellence unmatched by any of his peers.” Once Mark arrived at the Institute, he could be in this room. Golly, Dr. Morton possessed a confidence and calm underwent chemotherapy and then surgery. He I’m so proud of them.’ that lifted up everyone around him, says Sister was declared cancer-free one year later and has Marie Madeleine Shonka, SCL, the former been in good health since. He had this wonderful president and chief executive of Saint John’s Mark’s successful treatment inspired Marte to enthusiasm for what lay Health Center. “I knew him as a very spiritual become an annual fund donor and a member of person. When he suggested we should take the Guardians of the Future, the legacy society ahead in the hands of the ‘leap of faith,’ the move of the John Wayne that recognizes friends and patrons who have these young researchers.” remembered the Institute in their estate plans. Cancer Institute to Saint John’s Health Center was sealed. It was a providential venture for both —Sister Maureen Craig, SCL “Dr. Morton gave me back my son,” she says. of our institutions.” Another former patient, Patricia Elton, was Sister Maureen Craig, SCL, became close motivated to volunteer with the Institute after friends with Dr. Morton over their many years working together at the Dr. Morton treated her for breast cancer at age 63. She remembers a doctor John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center and was who understood how cancer terrified his patients. always impressed by his desire to see others succeed. She recalls sitting Today she is cancer-free and enjoys spending time with her three next to Dr. Morton at an annual Saint John’s Health Center Foundation grandchildren. She is a member of the Institute’s Auxiliary and a recent trustee event in Ojai and listening to the Institute’s fellows make their recipient of the Auxiliary’s Angel Award. scientific presentations. “It’s a good life lesson for my grandchildren to see that their “Dr. Morton kept saying, ‘Sister, isn’t this great? The cure for cancer grandmother contributes to help a man and an organization that could be in this room. Golly, I’m so proud of them,’” she recalls, smiling. has dedicated their very existence to saving the lives of others,” she says. SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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VISIONARY “We all have lost a shining example of a dedicated physician and of a patient-oriented scientist, and many of us have also lost a true friend. But Don Morton has already now a lasting place in the global history of medicine because of his unique personality, his enormous work for the benefit of so many cancer patients and for the advances in surgical oncology. All this should stimulate us to follow his example.” — Hans Starz, MD, professor of dermatology, University of Munich and Klinikum, Augsburg, Germany

“Don’s passing has had the same devastating impact as the loss of a close family member. He was truly an amazing clinical scientist. Like so many others, I was profoundly sad to hear of his passing but have no doubt that his many great achievements will always be remembered.” — John Thompson, MD, executive director, Melanoma Institute Australia; professor of melanoma and surgical oncology, University of Sydney

“Don was one of my few extrainstitutional mentors. He always was a source of wisdom and encouragement to me in my ongoing aspirations to be a contributing surgeon-scientist. A wonderful, warm, positive human being. Appropriately irreverent of authority when not used for the good of the whole. Someone who would not back down from what he believed but would be transparent when something did not work out as anticipated. He was one of my heroes, and I will miss him dearly.” — Raphael Pollock, MD, chief of surgical oncology, Arthur James Cancer Hospital, Ohio State University Medical Center

A LEADER LOST Dr. Morton’s colleagues remember “I remember flying back from a cancer conference. Dr. Morton upgraded me to first class, and I sat next to him for the flight back. I was a bit anxious about what I could find to talk to the boss about for so long, but it was an absolutely pleasant time as he shared about his early childhood and family. He comes from pretty rough beginnings. I was amazed at how engaging and open he was to a mere fellow. A few years later, he took care of my mother when she had cancer, and I will never forget how generous and gracious he was to us all. In all he did, he set a very high standard without being condescending or demeaning. He believed in people and brought the best out of them. I am certain that, on some level, many of us are still working to make him proud.”

— David Euhus, MD, chief of breast surgery section, professor of surgery (PAR), Johns Hopkins Hospital/University

“Many of the Israeli Society of Surgical Oncology benefited from the privilege of knowing Dr. Morton as a mentor, collaborator, supporter, friend, but above all as an iconic role model in surgical oncology and melanoma and a ‘mensch’—a real good man. Donald Morton left a huge impact in melanoma and surgical oncology worldwide, and many of his students and fellows who serve now as leaders will continue his legacy, his way and remember his name and contributions.” — Joseph M. Klausner, MD, professor and chairman of surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

“When I tell patients that I trained under Dr. Morton and his colleagues at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, there is a palpable sense of relief in their faces and a feeling of trust that they will receive exceptional care.” — Dean Nora, MD, director, breast center, Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills, California; surgical oncologist; former fellow under Dr. Morton

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“He always stressed that the success of his research efforts were only possible through the contributions, friendship and collaboration of other dedicated people like yourselves who shared his vision. Perhaps he was most proud of the success and contributions of those he had trained. He lives on not only in the breakthroughs he authored but also through the spirit and tenacity that his example bestowed upon the many people he has mentored. I will be forever grateful for the privilege of having worked with him and being entrusted by him to help ensure that his work will be completed.” — Mark B. Faries, MD, director of the surgical oncology fellowship program, director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program and therapeutic immunology, John Wayne Cancer Institute


VISIONARY “He was always optimistic about the outcome of either patients or research. In the research world, writing research grants and publications can be very, very challenging. But the word rejection never existed in his vocabulary. He saw rejection as an opportunity of making something better. He had this incredible way of telling his students not to despair or be discouraged but to just try harder the next time. His favorite word was tenacity.”

“His patients loved him and truly trusted him to be their steadfast ally in their fight against melanoma. He was a kind soul, a mentor to many current leaders, and a respected and cherished friend to all in the field. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of scientific accomplishments, patient care and personal relationships will clearly endure.”

— Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, chief of medicine and gastrointestinal research, John Wayne Cancer Institute

“Beyond his towering, seminal, professional achievements, products of his extraordinary intellect, his unquenchable curiosity and his indomitable persistence, he was an incredibly gentle, beneficent, noble man who helped all of us to be better than we could have been without him. His legacy will live on forever.” — Dan Coit, MD, chief of melanoma surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

“Don was the staunchest of friends, a fine surgeon, a man of great wisdom, a passionate teacher, proud to be an American, but also keenly aware of his Scottish roots. He was, above all, a loving husband and father to his dear family and a surrogate parent to all the young men and women of his large surgical and scientific family.” — Alistair Cochrane, professor, department of surgery, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, UCLA

— Michael B. Atkins, MD, deputy director, Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C.

“The melanoma and surgical community in Melbourne ... all knew Don as a great surgeon and scientist, but my memories were of a delightful colleague with a sense of humor.”

— Michael A Henderson, MBBS, BMedSc, MD, FRACS, professor of surgery, division of cancer surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia

“He was my first mentor in surgical oncology; he was for so many people. He was always generous with his time and willing to help young, academic surgeons launch their careers by showing them how he had organized his career and academic programs.”

“Dr. Morton’s mentorship was instrumental in helping me understand and experience what a privilege it is to care for people with cancer. This intangible knowledge propels my passion and dedication to provide the best care that I can with each and every patient that I meet. I have also learned from Dr. Morton to continually seek to improve the way we practice medicine through research.” — Connie G. Chiu, MD, complex general surgical oncology, Santa Monica, CA

SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY The sentinel node biopsy, which was pioneered by Dr. Morton, helps doctors assess the spread of breast cancer and melanoma while minimizing surgery and side effects. • Doctors inject a radioactive dye (blue dye) near the tumor, which illuminates the drainage pathway of the tumor and identifies the sentinel node. • The sentinel node is then removed and analyzed by a pathologist for cancer cells. • If cancer is found, additional lymph nodes may be removed. If the sentinel node is cancer free, the other lymph nodes are spared.

— Charles M. Balch, MD, professor of surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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VISIONARY

SAVING THE LIFE

Dr. Richard Feynman solved the Challenger mystery following lifesaving surgery by Dr. Morton.

OF NOBEL LAUREATE PHYSICIST DR. RICHARD FEYNMAN

D

r. Donald L. Morton saved many lives over the course of his long career, and each case was as important as the next. However, one operation in particular led to a significant moment in history. Dr. Richard Feynman, the preeminent Caltech theoretical physicist who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1965, was diagnosed with cancer in 1979. A few years later, tests showed the cancer, a sarcoma, had spread around his intestines. He opted for a high-risk surgery with Dr. Morton. Peter Jones, MD, associate professor at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and a former fellow under Dr. Morton, was at Dr. Morton’s side the day they operated on Dr. Feynman in 1981. “The tumor was so large, many surgeons would have declined to operate,” says Dr. Jones. “And providing chemotherapy alone would have likely extended Dr. Feynman’s life by only a few months.” “Dr. Morton agreed to perform the operation knowing it was Dr. Feynman’s only option for extended survival,” Dr. Jones recalls. “The operation was 14 hours and stressful, but successful.” On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff. Honoring a request from the acting director of NASA, William Graham, Dr. Feynman agreed to serve on a presidential commission investigating the accident along with Neil Armstrong and Charles “Chuck” Yeager. Dr. Feynman dug into the task. The pivotal moment in the investigation came on February 11, 1986, when, on national television, Dr. Feynman held up sample material of the “O-ring” rubber gasket from one of the shuttle’s solid-fuel booster rockets and dropped it into his glass of ice water. The demonstration illuminated Dr. Feynman’s

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theory that the gasket lost resiliency at freezing temperatures—thus allowing gases to escape and the shuttle to explode. Dr. Feynman died on February 15, 1988, having enjoyed many years of life since that day when Dr. Morton stepped into the operating room and did his best to treat the great physicist. “Thanks to the surgery, Dr. Feynman went on to live seven more years and solve the Challenger mystery,” says Dr. Jones. “Dr. Morton and Dr. Feynman were both pioneers and pushed the limits of knowledge in their respective fields.”

The paths of two great men intersected and changed history for the better.” —Dr. Peter Jones


VISIONARY

MARK B. FARIES, MD

Director of the complex general surgical oncology fellowship program, Director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program From left: Dr. Dave S.B. Hoon, Dr. Delphine J. Lee and Dr. Mark B. Faries

THE

PATH AHEAD With the groundwork laid by Dr. Morton, the Institute is poised to impact cancer treatment and research for years to come.

“There is so much Dr. Morton imparted to me and everyone else during his career,” Dr. Mark Faries says. “One important thing was his ability to bring out the best in other people.” Dr. Faries is spearheading promising research on “adoptive immunotherapy.” The approach is to develop personalized cancer treatments using immune cells taken from a patient’s tumor. The tissue sample is incubated in special cultures that enhance the growth of cancer-fighting white blood cells. Scientists identify and select the cells that kill the malignant tumors—called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)—and then make billions of copies of those cells, which are injected back into the patient. The treatment revs up the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer. Such cutting-edge work is typically only possible in major cancer research centers like the John Wayne Cancer Institute, which is a recognized leader in immunotherapy. Dr. Faries is also advancing one of the Institute’s major recent accomplishments: the publication of the results of the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-I), which validated the benefits of sentinel node biopsy in melanoma patients. In addition, Dr. Faries oversees the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial II (MSLT-II), which will examine what happens when the remaining lymph nodes in the area of the sentinel lymph node are removed following a positive sentinel node biopsy. The MSLT-II trial continued on page 26

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VISIONARY MARK B. FARIES, MD continued from page 25 has already reached its planned enrollment of more than 4,000 patients around the world. Moreover, Dr. Faries is conducting a clinical trial that will assess the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques for removing lymph nodes in cancer patients. The research in his lab reflects what he views as the uncommon strengths of the Institute. “The Institute has always had this unique mix of characteristics of a big institution and a small institution. That mix is something you don’t see anywhere else. We can lead multi-center trials, such as the MSLT trials. At the same time, we still have a tight-knit, small, efficient group of researchers here. That makes us nimble and more flexible. It improves our ability to collaborate, to do things outside of the traditional silos of a university environment.”

DELPHINE J. LEE, MD, PHD

study—understanding the way BCG helps us fight cancer could lead to new therapies.’” Dr. Lee has established two major cancer Director of the Dirks/Dougherty research avenues in the Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research in Laboratory for Cancer Research at the the department of Institute: understanding how the immune system fights cancer and how to use bacteria, translational immunology such as BCG to enhance the immune response. While cancer vaccines have proved As a dermatologist, Dr. Delphine Lee began to be challenging, the latest approach— studying the skin disease leprosy early in immunotherapy—involves prompting a her career. She was intrigued by the fact stronger immune response to fight cancer. that the immune systems of some patients Dr. Lee’s research is augmented by the spontaneously limit the infection while extraordinary blood and tissue repository, others have disease that spreads. What was which provides patient samples from it about the immune system of each decades ago. + Dr. Lee’s research receives generous support individual patient that could produce “It’s an immunologist’s dream to from the Associates for Breast and Prostate the varying responses? When she met study the blood of cancer patients and Cancer Studies (ABCs), the Avon Foundation, Dr. Morton, he convinced her that compare the ones who survive for years the Carolyn Dirks and Brett Dougherty/Joseph B. Gould Foundation and NIH grants. her research would advance the work to those who don’t,” Dr. Lee explains. “I underway at the Institute. really don’t think there is a collection of Leprosy is caused by a type of bacteria called mycobacteria. At the immune cells like that anywhere else.” Institute, Dr. Morton and his team used a type of mycobacterium “Now we’re seeing the emergence of effective new therapies. And called myobacterium bovis BCG to boost immunity in cancer that is reinvigorating studies in immunotherapy,” she says, adding patients, an idea he first developed while working at the National that immunotherapy, the specimen repository and the Institute’s Cancer Institute and treating a woman with a particularly ability to draw in many collaborators to work on complex problems challenging case of advanced melanoma. At the John Wayne Cancer in oncology are hallmarks of the Institute. Institute, he and his team found that administering doses of BCG “We have a great team,” the doctor explains. “If we pool all of our seems to stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer. vast differences of expertise, both clinically and scientifically, with “When Dr. Morton told me about the use of Bacillus Calmetteour patient population and our ability to collect specimens and Guérin, I was dumbfounded,” Dr. Lee recalls. “He said, ‘We don’t history from our patients, we are really unstoppable. Every piece of know how this works.’ And I thought, ‘This is what I want to the machine is here.”

AN HONOR FROM HIS COLLEAGUES Dr. Morton was honored in April with the posthumous awarding of the Medallion for the Advancement of Surgical Care. The elite honor was bestowed by the American Surgical Association, which noted that the Medallion is “given on rare occasions to a surgeon who has made seminal contributions over his/

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her career that have advanced clinical surgery and surgical education and established new paradigms in surgery. The recipient shall have made innovative and lasting contributions to the advancement of care to the surgical patient.” The ASA is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious surgical organization.


VISIONARY

DAVE S.B. HOON, MSC, PHD

in Dr. Hoon’s laboratory. He identifies tumor cells that are circulating in a patient’s blood and can use Director of molecular information gleaned from those oncology cells to predict patient responses to Chief of scientific a particular treatment. He can also identify circulating tumor-related intelligence DNA in the bloodstream that may Director of the genome be useful in monitoring a patient’s sequencing center response to treatment. Another approach involves analysis Dr. Dave Hoon recalls many of how the tumor changes during discussions in which Dr. Morton progression over time—epigenetic urged his colleagues to focus on (modified genomic DNA) changes translational research that may that reflect the characteristics of the open opportunities tumor as it evolves from in improving cancer a small growth to tumors + Dr. Hoon’s research receives generous support from the diagnosis and treatment. that may be spreading to Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation, the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs), That is the focus in the other areas of the body. the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Fund and NIH/NCI grants. department of molecular Finally, Dr. Hoon’s group oncology. is studying the epigenetic “One of Dr. Morton’s big influences on me was in properties of metastatic brain cancers to help identify which translational research,” he says. “He was doing this back in the patients are at highest risk of developing metastasis. ‘70s. When I started doing molecular studies, he encouraged Under the new sponsorship of Providence Health & me to focus on monitoring patients molecularly for responses Services, Southern California, the John Wayne Cancer to treatment in melanoma. He was a strong supporter of Institute has enormous potential to grow, Dr. Hoon says. these programs and new approaches using molecular genetics. “We’ve gone through many changes in the last several This led to significant, fruitful collaborations with years, but this is a new and exciting time with Providence, Dr. Morton that produced publications in high-impact which allows us to be part of a very strong and dynamic journals as well as multiple, major National Institutes of organization. They have experience with and a firm Health funding on projects from 1986 to the present.” understanding of cancer programs.” The result of that advice is now fully evident. Dr. Hoon and The Institute, however, will be able to maintain its core his colleagues have pioneered the study of assessing circulating identity and visionary leadership in cancer research. “The tumor cells and circulating DNA to improve diagnosis and Institute is unique because it combines clinical and laboratory patient monitoring. research and focuses on making it as seamless as possible,” There are several areas of genetic and molecular research Dr. Hoon says. “Others have tried to copy it, and it’s difficult.”

THE DONALD L. MORTON, MD, MELANOMA RESEARCH PROGRAM The board of the John Wayne Cancer Institute has named the world-renowned melanoma research program in honor of Donald L. Morton, MD. Dr. Morton dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients with melanoma. In this effort, he was more successful than perhaps anyone in history, and his contributions will continue to benefit patients for generations. With the naming of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program, the board is honoring the memory of one of the Institute’s amazing founders. This program will advance Dr. Morton’s values so the work he started may be preserved and extended into the future. The program

will focus on the three issues that were most important to Dr. Morton throughout his career: the education of young surgeon-scientists, the use and improvement of surgery as a treatment for cancer and immunotherapy. While it’s impossible to repay the enormous debt owed to such a great individual, the Institute board hopes that by carrying on the work Dr. Morton held so dearly, it can honor his memory and preserve his legacy. To learn more about supporting the lifesaving cancer research at the Donald L. Morton, MD, Melanoma Research Program, call the John Wayne Cancer Institute development office at 310-315-6111.

SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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MEMORABLE EVENTS

Annick Brunaud, Patrick Infante

Patrick Wayne, Melinda Wayne Muñoz

Dr. Anton Bilchik, Nadia Bilchik Kesler

JWCI Auxiliary Odyssey Ball The 29th Annual John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Odyssey Ball was held on Saturday, April 5, at the Beverly Wilshire. Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, chief of medicine at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, was honored with “The Duke” Special Service Award, presented by his son. Dean Bilchik observed that the award “is given to an individual who has shown themselves to not only be a champion in the fight against cancer but also to someone with a social conscience.” Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters and global human rights advocates HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini represented the Mandela family as they accepted the “True Grit” Humanitarian Award. The princesses noted: “We leave you with our grandfather’s last words when he was stepping down from office: ‘It is in your hands.’ It is upon all of us in this room to make sure that we honor both Nelson Mandela and John Wayne legacies to find a cure for this disease.” JWCI Auxiliary board members Susan Veerman and Cynde Wilen co-chaired the event under the leadership of Auxiliary president and John Wayne’s granddaughter, Anita Swift. This year’s fundraising was led by the generous support of our sponsors: Odyssey Sponsors— Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson; Visionary Sponsors—the Wayne family; and Platinum Patrons— Suzanne and Rob Davidow, Gayle and Marc Ezralow, Providence Health & Services, Wells Fargo, and the Carole Zumbro and George Adler family. Actor, motivational speaker and U.S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez emceed the evening, and Broadway legend Davis Gaines performed.

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Richard Bry, Sheldon Adelson

Lewis Wallensky, Hollace Brown, Patrick Wayne

Mark Dyne, Wendi Dyne

Howard Banchik, Jackie Banchik

Cynde Wilen, Patrick Wayne, Susan Veerman

Anita Swift

Patrick Wayne, HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini, Dr. Anton Bilchik, HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway

Jeff Worthe, Kristin Worthe, Gayle Ezralow, Marc Ezralow Shirley Lipstone, Ruth Weil, Ilene Eisenberg, Jackie Banchik, Hollace Brown, Diane Feldman

Dean Bilchik

Karen Weil, Alan Weil


MEMORABLE EVENTS Davis Gaines (special performer)

Dr. Chester Griffiths, Dr. Daniel Kelly

Dr. Elizabeth Arena, Dr. Victoria O’Connor, Dr. Simon Lavotshkin, Ruth Weil, Dr. Gary Deutsch

Dr. Cara Natterson, Dr. Paul Natterson

J.R. Martinez (evening host)

Joyce Eisenberg Keefer, Joyce Green, Ruth Weil

Dr. Anton Bilchik, HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini, Anita Swift, Patrick Wayne

Danielle Morton, Lorraine Morton, Dr. Miriam Adelson

We leave you with our grandfather’s last words when he was stepping down from office: ‘It is in your hands.’ It is upon all of us in this room to make sure that we honor both Nelson Mandela and John Wayne legacies to find a cure for this disease.” —HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway & HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini Ethan Wayne

Patrick Wayne, Nadia Bilchik Kesler

Suzanne Davidow, Robert Davidow

Dr. John Robertson, Michael Wall

Dr. Delphine Lee, Patrick Loo

Dr. Anton Bilchik, Joyce Eisenberg Keefer

Gerard DiNome, Dr. Maggie DiNome

James Saletnik, Dr. Maureen Chung

HRH Zaziwe DlaminiManaway, Dr. Anton Bilchik, HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini

Dr. Anton Bilchik, Norma Bilchik, Dr. Miriam Adelson, Sheldon Adelson

Dr. Lawrence Piro, Judy Piro SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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MEMORABLE EVENTS

Marisa Wayne

Ilene Eisenberg and family Back Row: Katie Lewis, Marisol Zarco, Michael Wayne, Terry Curtin, Jody Pritchard, Merritt Loughran, Peggy Moretti, Jessica Royer Front Row: Mona Horton, Anne Marie Scibelli, Kathleen Duncan, Andrea Zuckerman, Colleen Pennell

Anita Swift, HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini, J.R. Martinez

Mary Kay Wolf, Raouf Boudjakdji

Roberta Novick, Martin Gardner

Shane Bush, Melanie Wayne Bush

Nicole Faries, Dr. Mark Faries

Toby Waldorf, Robert Waldorf

John Gebbia, Gloria Gebbia

Roger Wacker, Angelle Wacker

The Wayne family

Jillian Lipstone, Shirley Lipstone, Susan Veerman, Jordan Friedberg, Janine Gershon Friedberg

Brynie Silver, Steven Silver, Steve Kesler, Brian Bilchik

Dr. Anton Bilchik, Norma Bilchik, Dean Bilchik

Emilio Arechaederra, Maria Arechaederra

David Manaway, HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, 30Sheldon INNOVATIONS, SPRING Adelson, HRH2014 Zamaswazi Dlamini, Keith Grandberry

Barbara Tfank, Peter Markham,David Baird, Tracy Baird

Michael Hunn, Michael Wall

Leonard Ross, Nadia Bilchik Kesler, Dr. Miriam Adelson


MEMORABLE EVENTS

Providence Saint John’s Fundraiser for New Breast Center Yoga Program Maggie DiNome, MD, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Clinic at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, hosted a fundraising yoga class and luncheon with actress Kate Beckinsale at the home of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation trustee Mary Flaherty. The event, attended by artist P!nk, celebrity fitness expert Jeanette Jenkins and yoga instructor and author Mandy Ingber, successfully raised funds to launch a new yoga program for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment and those at high-risk for developing the disease.

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1. Kate Beckinsale 2. Dr. Maggie DiNome, Kate Beckinsale, P!nk 3. P!nk doing warrior pose 4. Event guests participate in yoga led by Mandy Ingber. 5. Mary Flaherty, Kate Beckinsale, Dr. Maggie DiNome 6. Mandy Ingber, Kamla Subramanian, Dr. Maggie DiNome, Kate Beckinsale, Michael Wall, P!nk, Jeanette Jenkins, Dr. Maureen Chung, Mary Flaherty 4

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MEMORABLE EVENTS Benefactors Dinner John Wayne Cancer Institute honored its major supporters at the 2013 Benefactors Dinner at the Four Season Hotel in Los Angeles on December 8, 2013. Benefactors who support innovative cancer research at the highest levels of giving were recognized for their consistent and valued generosity by the Institute’s leadership and the Wayne family. Highlights of the evening included research updates from the Institute’s chief of medicine, Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, and comments from the fellows who shared their personal stories about what brought them to the Institute.

Michael Wall, Barbara Wall, Michael Hunn, Patrick Wayne, Brenda Surowitz, Dale Surowitz

Ilene Eisenberg, Dr. Anton Bilchik, Lois Rosen

Anita Swift, Patrick Wayne, Martha Harper

Shane Bush, Melanie Wayne Bush, Patrick Wayne, Marisa Wayne, Anthony Ditteaux, Michael Wayne

John Gebbia, Gloria Gebbia, Patrick Wayne, Anita Swift, Michael Wayne

Seymour Rosenblum, Sheri Rosenblum

Michael Wayne, Laura Coats, Patrick Wayne, Thom Schulz

Michael Wayne, Christine Wayne

Michael Wayne, Victoria Murray, Carl Murray, Martha Doornink, Ronald Doornink, Roberta Novick, Patrick Wayne

Howard Banchik, Jackie Banchik, Patrick Wayne

32 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014

Jill Robertson, Dr. John Robertson, Donna Tuttle, Michael Hunn

Mel Keefer, Joyce Green, Joyce Eisenberg Keefer, Patrick Wayne


MEMORABLE EVENTS

Susan Veerman, Richard Veerman, Ruth Weil, Marisol Zarco

Danny Feldman, Diane Feldman, Patrick Wayne

Anita Swift, James Saletnik, Hollace Brown, Dr. Maureen Chung

Thank-you gifts for benefactors

Hollace Brown and Lewis Wallensky

Carlye Morgan, Michael Morgan

Dr. Delphine Lee, Thom Schulz, Laura Coats, Patrick Loo

Rick Lewis, Katie Lewis, Victoria Murray, Carl Murray

Sister Maureen Craig

Dr. Anton Bilchik, Norma Bilchik, Michael Wayne Ruth Weil, Dr. Simon Lavotshkin

Dr. Michael Sigman, Dr. Nefertiti Brown ( JWCI Auxiliary breast fellow), Ruth Weil, Dr. Joslyn Albright (Tarble Foundation fellow), Dr. Victoria O'Connor (The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation fellow), Ryan O'Connor

Ronald Ross, Danielle Brown Ross, Patrick Wayne

Martha Doornink, Ronald Doornink

Lisa Greenberg, Marty Greenberg

Alan Borstein, Brenda Borstein

Jackie Banchik, Dr. Frederick Singer, Sandra Singer

Joan Berlin Reeder, Stephen Reeder

Deborah McIntosh, Michael Caan

Dr. Victoria O'Connor

Dr. Maureen Chung, James Saletnik, Dr. Nefertiti Brown

SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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MEMORABLE EVENTS

ABCs “Talk of the Town” The Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) hosted its 24th annual star-studded, black-tie event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 23, 2013. Proceeds benefited breast and prostate cancer research at the Institute. Patrick Wayne presented actress Ann-Margret with the Spirit of Entertainment Award. Actor and Saint John’s Health Center Foundation trustee Robert Wagner was honored with the Spirit of Hollywood Award, and business leaders and community advocates Bill Patterson and Roseann Patterson accepted the Spirit of Hope Award. ABCs president Gloria Gebbia and vice president Sheri Rosenblum co-chaired. Actress and comedian Kym Whitley hosted, and award-winning R&B legends The O’Jays gave an energetic performance that brought guests to their feet. To date, the ABCs have raised more than $14 million to support breast and prostate cancer research at the Institute.

Robert Wagner, Ann-Margret, Roseann Patterson, Bill Patterson, Patrick Wayne

Special performance by The O’Jays JWCI faculty and guests Top Row (from left): Dr. Laurent Lessard, Dr. Nancy McLaughlin, Dr. Maggie DiNome, Gerard DiNome, Dr. Delphine Lee, Patrick Loo Bottom Row (from left): Dr. Roderick Turner, Michele Turner, Dr. Mark Faries, Nicole Faries

Patrick Wayne, Ann-Margret, Michael Wayne

34 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014

Carlton Gebbia, David Gebbia

Robert Wagner, Gloria Gebbia, Patrick Wayne, Donna Tuttle


MEMORABLE EVENTS

Kym Whitley, Mike Epps

Michael Wall, Patrick Wayne, Gloria Gebbia, Robert Wagner

Marty Greenberg, Lisa Greenberg

Jill Oakes, Jordan Farmar

Jerome “Pooh” Richardson

Seymour Rosenblum, Sheri Rosenblum, Dr. Craig Rosenblum

John Gebbia, Gloria Gebbia

Chad Michael Murray, Nicky Whelan

Beverly Cohen, Robert Cohen

Roseann and Bill Patterson

Robert Wagner, Sister Maureen Craig SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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MEMORABLE EVENTS JWCI Auxiliary Luncheon The John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary honored Patricia Elton with the Angel Award and Susan Love, MD, MBA, with the Public Service Award at their Annual Membership Luncheon and Holiday Boutique on October 17, 2013, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. After receiving her award from Institute chairman Patrick Wayne, Patricia Elton, a breast cancer survivor and long-time supporter of the Institute, recalled with gratitude the lifesaving treatment she received from Donald L. Morton, MD. Delphine Lee, MD, PhD, director of translational immunology at the Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research, presented Dr. Love with an award for her dedication to eradicate breast cancer. Katie Lewis and Marisol Zarco co-chaired the event, and actor/writer/producer Gerard DiNome emceed.

Dr. Marilou Terpenning, Dr. Susan Love, Dr. Delphine Lee, Dr. Maggie DiNome, Dr. Maureen Chung

Patricia Elton accepts the Angel Award.

Martha Harper, Michael Wall, Dr. Anton Bilchik, Patrick Wayne, Anita Swift

Dr. Daniel Kelly, Dr. Anton Bilchik, Dr. Marilou Terpenning

Auxiliary past presidents Top Row (from left): Ruth Weil, Hollace Brown, Anita Swift, Lois Rosen, Ilene Eisenberg, Bottow Row (from left): Roberta Novick, Jackie Banchik, Shirley Lipstone

Gerard DiNome, Patrick Wayne

Katie Lewis, Patricia Elton, Dr. Susan Love, Marisol Zarco

Transition Ceremony In February, Providence Health & Services, Southern California, and the founders of Saint John’s Health Center, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, held a moving ceremony to commemorate our sponsorship transition. Institute researchers, donors and board members were in attendance along with Saint John’s leadership and physicians to bid farewell to our previous sponsors and welcome in the new.

Michael Wayne, Dr. Mark Faries, Ruth Weil, Dr. Delphine Lee

36 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014


MEMORABLE EVENTS Dr. Lee and Dr. Love Fundraising Event In February, the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary hosted a salon conversation with Delphine Lee, MD, PhD, and Susan Love, MD, MBA, to benefit breast cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. Together, Dr. Lee’s team at the Institute and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation are exploring the possibility that breast cancer development could be influenced by a bacteria or virus. The clinical impact of this study could lead to major improvements in treatment through the development of highly innovative therapies for breast cancer, such as utilizing probiotics in treatment and prevention, or using bacteria to help assess the severity of disease. Dr. Lee’s initial study was made possible by a grant of $300,000 from the Avon Foundation for Women.

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1. Marisol Zarco, Elizabeth Rawjee, Colleen Pennell, Dr. Delphine Lee, Dr. Susan Love, Sonya Rosenfeld, Jessica Royer, Katie Lewis 2. Dr. Delphine Lee, Michael Wall, Dr. Susan Love 3. Dr. Love addresses group 2

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Michael Hunn of Providence Addresses First Board of Advocates Meeting In early March, the Riviera Country Club George Thomas Room was filled to capacity with friends of the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Providence Saint John’s Health Center, eager to hear the latest Institute and Health Center news and get to know Providence Health & Services’ senior vice president and regional chief executive, Michael Hunn. Previously known as the Board of Counselors, the newly named Board of Advocates is a select group of trustees, friends and patrons who help further the missions of our two institutions and serve as ambassadors to the community. Guided by their four new co-chairs, Allan B. Goldman, Dr. Sophie Andriashuck, Ruth Weil and Dr. Robert Amonic, the board plans to meet biannually as well as hold a summer social event.

Co-chairs: Allan B. Goldman, Dr. Sophie Andriaschuk, Ruth Weil, Dr. Rob Amonic

Jackie Banchik, Danny Feldman, Diane Feldman

Sister Maureen Craig, SCL; Brett Dougherty, Carolyn Dirks

Dr. John Robertson, Tonian Hohberg, Pat Epstein, Jerry Epstein SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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Honor Roll The John Wayne Cancer Institute is deeply grateful for the philanthropic support of all our donors and friends. Your generosity funds breakthrough cancer research, sparks promising new treatments and provides inspiration to our physicians, scientists and fellows. Thank you for your partnership in our mission to eradicate cancer.

ANNUAL GIVING The John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is honored to recognize the following generous donors who have made an annual commitment of $250 or more between January 1, 2013, and January 31, 2014. DIAMOND CIRCLE ($500,000+) Sally Anne Burge Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation Mickey and Bud Erhardt YELLOW SAPPHIRE CIRCLE ($250,000+) The Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation of New York John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary EMERALD CIRCLE ($100,000+) The Carole Zumbro and George Adler Family Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies Inc. (ABCs) Avon Foundation for Women The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation John Wayne Cancer Foundation Ruth Weil

38 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014

RUBY CIRCLE ($50,000+) Patricia C. Brown Foundation John E. Conner The Carol and Barry Kaye Charitable Foundation Alice and Verne McKinney The Lois Rosen Family Roy E. Coats Memorial Fund/ Laura Coats and Thom Schulz BLUE SAPPHIRE CIRCLE ($25,000+) Robyn and Michael Altman Joan Berlin Reeder Borstein Family Foundation Danielle Brown Ross and Ronald Ross The Davidow Charitable Fund Entertainment Industry Foundation Estate of Claude E. Gainer and Thelma J. Gainer McCormick Family Trust Donna J. Mettler Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Schwartz Sandra and Frederick Singer

PLATINUM BENEFACTORS ($10,000+) Jackie and Howard Banchik Frank E. Baxter Bingham McCutchen’s Gracia Bremer Charitable Foundation Gerald Bronstein Dr. Tandra and Dr. Patrick Cadigan Neal and Karen Dem Ilene Eisenberg Patricia A. Elton Roberta and Robert Feldman Leon and Toby Gold Foundation The Bob & Gaye Harris Foundation Ruth G. Jervis Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane Cancer Education and Research Foundation Mrs. Hildegard T. Knoll Meningioma Mommas Victoria and Carl Murray Mrs. Marguerite Perkins Mautner Linda Bernstein Rubin and Tony Rubin Susan and Henry Samueli Michael Sannes Nancy and Michael S. Sitrick Jacquelyn and Larry Stephenson Surf City Tourneys, Inc. Sandra and Robert Teitsworth Audrey J. Walton and Ann Walton Kroenke Charitable Foundation

Beti Ward Mrs. Kimberly Harris and Mr. Scott Weiner Mary Ann and Marvin Weiss Robert and Joan Zukin GOLD BENEFACTORS ($5,000+) America’s Charities Maria and Emilio Arechaederra Timothy Aycock Melanoma Research Foundation The Solomon R. and Rebecca D. Baker Foundation Norma M. Baker Jannell and Randy Banchik The Boudjakdji Foundation Hollace Brown and Lewis Wallensky Bat-Ami and Gerald Cohen Julie Collins Wendi C. Eisenberg Diane and Daniel Feldman Mary Frances and Andrew J. Fenady William Fitzgerald Fraternal Order of Eagles Friars Charitable Foundation Frickel Trust MSSB Gift Inc. Jack R. Frickel Alain and Myra Gabbay Kathleen Garfield The Robert Garthwait Family Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Gettleson


HONOR ROLL

Jay Goffman Stanley Gold The Gores Group Julia and Ken Gouw James D. Gray Guggenheim Capital LLC The Hammock Family Foundation J. M. Hennigan Phyllis L. Hennigan Carolyn and Bill Holder Bradley A. Jabour Judianne and Kenneth Jaffe Tera and Jason Jeralds Blanche and George Jones Fund, Inc. Kantor Foundation Kiwanis Club of Tustin Club No. 05103 KLM Foundation Denise S. Kordan Sandra Krause and William Fitzgerald The Litt Family Foundation Kathleen L. McCarthy Kostlan and Frank Kostlan Sherry Miller Ann Moorefield Mike and Muffy Murphy Fund Roberta Novick Payden & Rygel Ralph and Marcia Peterson Joe Pham Premier Girls Fastpitch Carmen and Richard Rogers Philip and Monica Rosenthal Shea-Hurley Charitable Foundation Mel and Sheryl Sherman The Dinah Shore Foundation Ralph Simon Simon-Strauss Foundation Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Linda and Stanley Trilling Neeltje and Paul Van Elderen Susan and Richard Veerman Paige Ware Peter Weil The Winnick Family Foundation Joan R. Young Joan and Robert Young Paula Zeidman

BRONZE BENEFACTORS ($2,000+) Joyce and James P. Allen The Amyx Foundation, Inc. Arleen Bachner Debbie and Doug Baron John R. Barone Sheri and Arthur Berk Dr. Michael Caan Diane Calder Victoria and Michael J. Cohen Karrie and David Deaton Mr. Peter R. Dunn Robert L. Florence Patsy P. Franklin Stan and Pat Goldman Bruce L. Goldsmith Madelaine and Gene Gordon Frances and Daniel Hamermesh Bill Hannon Foundation Carol L. Haskin In Memory of Cathy Hasselberger Donna and Mel Heier Mel R. Heier Marcia W. Hobbs Kevin Kelly Susan and Miles Killoch Brian Kirkdoffer Lawrence J. Kuss Lewis, Shirley and Jillian Lipstone Bruce and Sandra Massman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morgan Alice R. Neuman The Ronald Newburg Foundation Lee and Marguerite Polster William H. Prusoff Foundation Pyramid Foundation Inc. Real To Reel, Inc. Sara Risher Mansel and Brenda Rubenstein Kretta and James Shaner In Memory of Jim Hurley Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Siegel Charles and Donna Southard Herb and Jacque Spivak Barbara Taub Joe and Janet Tydlaska The U. S. Charitable Gift Trust Jan and Meredith Voboril Sandi and Dan Walker Barbara and Michael Wall Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Weil

David M. Wendt R.B. Wilson Co. Carol & Robert Wilson Zolla Family Foundation ANNUAL DONORS ($1,000+) Doris Alexander David C. Anderson Margot and Mark Armbruster Don Ayres, Jr. Lawrence C. Baker Catherine Bauer Ina Bezahler The Bidstrup Foundation Deborah Bowen Lynn Brody Marlene Bronson and Cliff Fried Lisa Chaiken, MD Dwayne R. Churches Community Foundation Serving SW Colorado The Gabriel Fund Cynthia S. Connolly Joseph Connolly John R. Copeland Corcept Therapeutics Joe Crail Western Mutual Insurance Group Timothy Davis Gerald Dinome Adam Duncan Pamela Elton Mark Faber Karyl Fisher David Fradin Sherman M. Franklin Cliff Fried Martin Gardner Cherna L. Gitnick Anthony Glassman Donna and Norman Gleit Norman Gleit The Goldrich Family Foundation Jona Goldrich Diane B. Goldstein The Haft Family Tom J. Hall Omid Hamid Chan Hunt Carol A. Hutchison Andrew Kane Marla and Michael Kantor Carole and J. T. Kennoy Doreen and Kenneth Klee

David L. Krasne Janice White and Eugene Krieger Mark LaCona Richard Lawton Kathleen and Rick Lewis Timothy F. Lewis Jeff Manuppelli Wyatt McCrea Kathryn McFarlane Jane and Jerome Miller Raye Paul Miller Gregory Milmoe Richard F. Mogan Jim Morris Charles Moulton F. Dian Mrosko Bronwyn Murdock Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Murphy Maurice Murphy Lisa Nesbitt Cathryn and Victor Palmieri Margaret and Don Quon Adam Ratner Mary C. Riva Richard Sandler Steven C. Schumann Secret Weapon Marketing Miriam and David Sitrick Ansel A. Slome Norman F. Sprague Jr. Foundation St. Martin of Tours School Symetra John M. Tipton Laurie A. Tissot Underhill Investment Management LLC Susan and Richard Veerman Ellen Victor Mr. Robert J. Vignolo Toby Waldorf Diane C. Weil and Leslie Horowitz Jamie and Michael Weil Sharon Weil Mrs. Henry P. Wheeler Carl E. Wynn Foundation Richard F. Zamboni Marisol and Dominique Zarco ANNUAL DONORS ($250+) 24Hr Homecare Ammar Abu-Lughod Lois and Buzz Aldrin SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

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HONOR ROLL

ANNUAL GIVING

(continued from page 39)

Mary K. Allison James M. Andreoli Associates of The Cedar Group AutoZone Matching Gift Program Bank of America United Way Campaign Estelle Baron Margot A. Barron Kathleen E. Bishop Stephanie Blackmore Lisa Blons Bloomingdale’s Inc. Deborah and Carol Bohn Teresa Bond Beverly and George I. Boyadjieff BP America Inc. April A. Bradley James J. Brosnahan Lenore F. Broughton Barbara K. Brown Colonel and Mrs. Charles W. Brown, USAF, Ret Gary D. Brown Jacqueline Burdorf Janice H. Burrill California Oncology Research Institute Capital Mechanical Dorothy M. Carter James C. Carter Wendell W. Clements Milton L. Clift Carol and Jerome Coben Sandy and Irv Cohen Stephen D. Comley David Cooke Joanne and Gerald Cornelius Carollee Courtney Crespi Mothers Pierre F. Crosetto Thomas C. Crouse Terry and Greg Curtin Jeffrey L. Dahlgren Sharon Dane David Cooke Plaster Co. Laura and Roger H. Davis Paul C. Deutsch David S. Diaz Tate Donovan Joseph F. Dox

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Glenn E. Drown Jennifer Ehrenpreis Jennifer and Ralph Ehrenpreis Anne Elman William Elperin George Engelmann Harold C. Ericsson Louis R. Fabbiano Fred A. Fern Ivette Fernandez James B. Fisher Melanie and Richard Flamminio Robert A. Floyd Lynne M. Flynn Darlene Fogel Forest Family Foundation Myrna S. Forest Cyndie C. Foster
George W. Frank Martha J. Franklin Jeff Freid Ardyth and Samuel Freshman Janine and Jordan Friedberg Jeri A. Fukumoto Valarie and Evan Gardner Gloria and John Gebbia Gemini Basketball, LLC Janine Gershon Friedberg and Jordan Friedberg Marilyn and Allen Golden Joseph G. Gorman Greenberg Traurig, LLP Betty L. Griffith James M. Griffith The Arthur & Jeanne Hadley Foundation Carol Halperin G. P. Hamati Keith Harmon Martha and Donald Harper Andrea A. Harrow Larry Harrow James M. Hartel Barbara and Don Heinrich Tami and Robert Herbeck Ambassador and Mrs. Glen A. Holden George R. Horne Linda Howard IDS Real Estate Group John Iino Indulgence, Ltd. J. Marshall Robbins Foundation Mary Rose and John Jardine

Dolores H. Johnson Andrea Katz Donald Kidd Sheldon M. Kirsch Thaddeus Kleszcz Janisse Klotchman Billy E. Koenig Reverend James Kolling KPMG Community Giving Campaign Devin P. Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Landon Donald H. Larkin Theresa and Robert Lass Rodney G. Laver Walter Ledda Joseph Leimbach Dan M. Leonard Ina and Bernard Lewis Wayne S. Lifton Jane and Howard Lipstone Wilburn H. Long Barbara and William Long Stanley Lucas Evelyn and Martin Lutin Corey and Mary Ann Lutz Steve Masterson Ann Mazirow Theodore L. McCluer Jeffrey McConnell Dana McCormick Marcela McKenna Honorable Patrick T. Meyers Carol Michaelian Donald E. Minkoff Helene Moskowitz Anne and Peter Most Alfred A. Moursund Mary P. Mueller

Novick Development Michael Novick Daniel T. Oakley Misaki M. Okimoto Nancy and Harrison Oliff David M. Olson Arthur B. Pacheco Anne Palamides Ruth and Mark Pash Janet Paxton Colleen and Chris Pennell Sigrid Pepper Paula L. Pinhas Peter Poulson William L. Pyle RCL Foundation Edward J. Reichler Marianne Reis Stephanie and Paul Reisz Nancy Reskin Dan S. Rhodes Randolph W. Richardson Elizabeth J. Riedel J. A. Riordan Jill and John Robertson David Roden Kenneth J. Rodgers RollGiving Sylvia and Herbert Rose Mary A. Rose Sylvia Rose Sandra D. Rosenbaum Sam Rosenberg Sheri and Seymour Rosenblum Richard Rothstein Jessica and Steve Royer Ada and Leonard Sands Saratoga Polo Association Savannah Santa Monica

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” —Edward Everett Hale James C. Mulholland Phyllis Nault Phyllis Naylor Lisa Niedenthal

SBR, Inc. Eve Scheinman Michael G. Schmitz Leah Schneider


HONOR ROLL

Schwab Charitable Fund Gary L. Schwandner Anne Marie Scibelli Gary M. Shafer Doreen and John Shaner Robert Shapiro Alan Sharp Carolyn Shelley Russ Shimizu Ty Shrake Angela and John Shukitt Robert M. Shuman Joy F. Siegel James E. Sims Hans E. Skacel Kenneth R. Smith Sharian Spencer James D. Staley Jackie and Bob Stibor Catherine A. Stone Arline and Donald Stroup Herbert D. Sturman George Teitelbaum Patience F. Tekulsky Edward B. Tennis Elizabeth Thamer Wayne Toutges Barbara Turner Bernard Van Tol Michael Vasseghi Edward W. Vernon Allison M. Voegeli Abraham Wacht Charles Warner Susan L. Weil Marla and Wade Weiman Laurie Weiss Sidney J. Weiss Wells Fargo Community Support Program Marnie Wickert Cynthia and Mitchell Wilen Diane R. Winkler Sueo Yamashita Gwendolyn F. Yang Petrus J. Zaal Andrea Zuckerman

Circles of Distinction Members who have made cumulative gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more are recognized on individual plaques in the Institute’s main lobby.

CUMULATIVE GIFTS The John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is honored to recognize the following Circles of Distinction members who have made cumulative gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more through January 31, 2014. Circles of Distinction members are recognized on individual plaques in the Institute’s main lobby. PAVE DIAMOND CIRCLE ($1,000,000+) Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation The Ahmanson Foundation Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) Avon Foundation for Women Donald and Brigitte Bren in Honor of Marion Jorgensen The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation Roy E. Coats Memorial Fund/ Laura Coats and Thom Schulz Rita and Bill Coors The Davidow Charitable Fund Carolyn Dirks and Brett Dougherty and the Joseph B. Gould Foundation Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation The Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation of New York Gloria and John Gebbia Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary John Wayne Enterprises Marion and Earle M. Jorgensen Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane Cancer Education and Research Foundation

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Maria Lim McClay Melanoma Research Alliance Nancy and Carroll O’Connor Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation QVC Gene Raymond Estate The Lois Rosen Family Cheryl and Haim Saban The Samueli Foundation The Tarble Foundation The Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation The Family of John Wayne The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Ruth Weil DIAMOND CIRCLE ($500,000+) The Carole Zumbro and George Adler Family Mrs. James M. Amyx, Jr. The Danny Arnold Family Marsha and Martin Brander Patricia C. Brown Foundation Larry and Lynn Brown Mr. and Mrs. Christopher H. Buehrle in Memory of Sharon

Buehrle & Alan J. Pinkstaff Buehrle Golf Classic California Breast Cancer Research Program California Cancer Research Program Constance and Sydney Dunitz Mickey and Bud Erhardt Randa and Ghassan Ghandour The William Randolph Hearst Foundations The Lincy Foundation Tom Mullin Memorial Fund Lloyd L. Ross What A Pair! The Wrather Family YELLOW SAPPHIRE CIRCLE ($250,000) Jackie and Howard Banchik Joan Berlin Reeder Louis L. Borick Foundation Linda L. Brown and MaddocksBrown Foundation Maria Lucia and Fernando Diez Barroso Ilene Eisenberg Diane and Daniel Feldman Margo Groger Henry L. Guenther Foundation The Bob & Gaye Harris Foundation Michael Kadoorie Sandra Krause and William Fitzgerald SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

41


HONOR ROLL

CUMULATIVE GIFTS

(continued from page 41)

Judith and Sandy Litvack Maxim Pharmaceuticals Mr. and Mrs. James G. McFarlane Alice and Verne McKinney Ann Moorefield Jess and Palma Morgan Foundation Dr. Donald and Lorraine Morton National Operating Committee Standards Athletic Equipment HRH Prince Nawaf Bin Nawaf Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Nigg Roberta Novick Lynda and Stewart Resnick Donna and Harvey Rosen Simon-Strauss Foundation The Steele Foundation in Honor of Laura Perkins EMERALD CIRCLE ($100,000+) America Remembers American College of Surgeons American Health Foundation Lance Armstrong Foundation Marilyn and Martin B. August Sheri and Arthur Berk Estate of C. June Bisplinghoff Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bobo Borstein Family Foundation The Boudjakdji Foundation Bulova Gale Foundation The Rita Burkett Living Trust The Campion Family The Carnegie Hall Corporation Chiron Corporation Bonnie E. Cobb In Memory of Ellen Cooperman Mr. and Mrs. John Crean Mr. and Mrs. Neal Dem Martha and Ronald Doornink Eastman Kodak Company Mr. and Mrs. Louis W. Ehlers The People of Elko, Nevada, in Memory of John Ellison, Jr. Patricia Elton Entertainment Industry Foundation Max Factor Family Foundation Farmers Insurance The Rod Fasone Memorial Cancer Research Fund

42 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014

Arthur J. Gallagher & Company Harold and Julia Gershman Family Foundation Dr. Cheryl F. and Dr. Armando E. Giuliano Frank L. and Helen J. Gofrank Foundation Leon and Toby Gold Foundation Great Western Bank Joyce and Jack Green William H. Hannon Foundation The Nan M. & Reed L. Harman Foundation Barbara and Ben Harris Selma L. Herbert George Hoag Family Foundation Sue and Larry Hochberg Emma and Otto Immenroth Family Trust In Memory of Raymund A. Kathe Berton and Todd Kirshner Mr. and Mrs. Norbert E. Knoll The Stanley S. Langendorf Foundation Cynthia and Edward Lasker Foundation Elaine and Kenneth Leventhal Evan and Carol Li and Family Robert H. Lorsch Alicia and James McFarlane MPI Media Group Mike and Muffy Murphy Fund Victoria and Carl Murray Heather and Jim Murren George W. Ogden The Estate of Edgar Bishop Pease and Eiko M. Pease The Rabinovitch Foundation The Estate of Carl Romer SABCO Racing, Inc. The Estate of Edgar J. Saltsman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Schwartz Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom Ruth L. and Norman Shacknove The Al Sherman Foundation The Dinah Shore Foundation Jaclyn Smith The Candy and Aaron Spelling Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon E. Stunkel The Tenenbaum Family TYCO Healthcare

Earlane and Robert Vallier Mr. Robert J. Vignolo The Wallis Foundation Del E. Webb Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Weil Mrs. Kimberly Harris and Mr. Scott Weiner Mary Ann and Marvin Weiss Rodney F. Williams and Elizabeth M. Williams Trust Elizabeth Woodard Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zukin, Jr. Robert and Joan Zukin RUBY CIRCLE ($50,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Allen Russell and Evelyn Anseth Auctionpay, Inc. Martin August Berlex Laboratories, Inc. Bea Blondell, Usula J. Scarrow, and Mary Van Houten Bloomingdale’s, Inc. Harry and Helen Blusteen Andrew and Deborah Bogen M’Lou and Bill Born The Saul Brandman Foundation Gracia Bremer Charitable Foundation Mary Frances and Jack Brennan Gerald Bronstein Abbott Brown Hollace Brown and Lewis Wallensky The Dr. Patrick Cadigan Family Cancervax Corporation-Del Chartwell Charitable Foundation Chubb & Son Insurance Carol and Jerome Coben Sandy and Irv Cohen The Collector’s Armoury Gary Coull Mr. Robert L. Donley Duke University Pat and Jerry Epstein Mary Frances and Andrew J. Fenady Barbara J. Foreman The Franklin Mint Foundation for the Arts Estate of Claude E. Gainer and Thelma J. Gainer Beatrice and Philip Gersh

Ronald and Catherine Gershman Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Gettleson Marilyn and Allen Golden Lisa L. Goodman Madelaine and Gene Gordon Gaile Gray Ryan The Green Foundation The Brad and Jill Grey Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richard Haft Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd G. Hallamore The Hammock Family Foundation Hauptman Family Philanthropies Barbara A. Hillman The Bob and Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation Institute for Cancer Prevention Dr. Reiko F. Irie Judianne and Kenneth Jaffe Tera and Jason Jeralds Kantor Foundation Lenore Golden Kessler in Memory of Rudy Perkal Bernard J. Korn, MD and Betty Roach Janice White and Eugene Krieger The Lefkowitz Family Foundation Ina and Bernard Lewis Dr. and Mrs. Israel Lichtenstein MacDonald Family Foundation The Family of Lorraine Mann Ruth K. March and Family Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Mautner Bernard John and Beatrice McMorrow The Melanson Family Foundation Donna J. Mettler Modern Business Interiors Muller Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Murphy National Asset Recovery Services, Inc. Arnold and Sherri Nelson Mr. and Mrs. John F. Nickoll Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Bradley S. O’Leary Victor H. Palmieri Ralph and Marcia Peterson Philip Morris Jennifer Provine Marianne J. Reis


HONOR ROLL

Stanley and Maida Richards Mildred and Chapin Riley Ann and Nathan Stafford Rogers Richard Rogers Philip and Monica Rosenthal Danielle Brown Ross and Ronald Ross Eleanor Rothberg Linda Bernstein Rubin and Tony Rubin Gertrude and William Rutledge John Shaw Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo Herb and Jacque Spivak The Caryll M. & Norman F. Sprague Foundation Surf City Tourneys, Inc. Eugene Thames Robert and Diana Thom

Marianna and Harry Allgauer Maria and Emilio Arechaederra Association of Women Surgeons Foundation Timothy Aycock Melanoma Research Foundation The Solomon R. and Rebecca D. Baker Foundation Jannell and Randy Banchik Irene and Don Baron Anne Barry The Cecile & Fred Bartman Foundation Elizabeth G. Beck Bernice and Harold Belfer Daisy and Daniel Belin Richard Bender Sue Bender Mr. Jeffrey C. Beyer

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” —Booker T. Washington Tower Imaging Medical Group, Inc. Warren Trepp Tustin Brewing Company UniHealth Foundation Universal Studios, Inc. Inna Vainshtock Valley Radiotherapy Associates Vidfilm Services, Inc. Sandi and Dan Walker The Walt Disney Company Audrey J. Walton and Ann Walton Kroenke Charitable Foundation Beti Ward The Weingart Foundation The Weisenfeld Family Western Classics-Wilma Russell Witherbee Foundation F. Michael and Robert Simmons Wong Foundation Vicky Wong Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Wygod BLUE SAPPHIRE CIRCLE ($25,000+) Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

R. J. Brenner Jacqueline Burdorf Dr. Michael Caan Dr. MaryLou Ozohan and Mr. Andy Camacho Barbara and Harlan Carey Mr. and Mrs. William Christopher Evelyn Mandel and Geralin Clark Horace O. Coil Living Trust Joan Walkup Corrigan Marissa Coughlan In Loving Memory of Donna J. Coxeter Joe Crail Western Mutual Insurance Group Frances Cutler Mrs. Nancy Dean Deluxe Laboratories In Memory of Irene R. Diamant Mrs. William H. Doheny, Sr. Farmers Insurance Western Division Michael V. Ferrone Wilda and Paul Fetterolf Mrs. Bernice Fine Edward and Sandra Fineman

Lynne and Michael Flynn Darlene Fogel Steven Fogel Foote, Cone & Belding Alain and Myra Gabbay The Robert Garthwait Family Lucy and Francis Gartlan Genta Incorporated Thomas and Gerrianne Goff Elma Sylvia and W. Earl Goldberg Stan and Pat Goldman John Gouldthorpe Julia and Ken Gouw Reva Graziadio Pamela and Neal Green Lisa and Marty Greenberg Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation Ann G. Harmsen In Memory of Cathy Hasselberger Shila Hazan—In Memory of Morrie Hazan Janet and Stanley Imerman Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Louis Johnson The JS Trust Karen and Lonnie Kane Linda Kaplan Karl-Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. Andrea Katz Kelton Fund — Lenny and David Kelton Michael King KLM Foundation Mrs. Virginia M. Knott Andrea and Larry Kopald Joyce and Lou Krasny Diane Krieger Alice and Nahum Lainer Mr. and Mrs. Tom H. Lang Richard C. Levi Suzanne and Jay Lichter Mr. and Mrs. Hal Linden The Litt Family Foundation LOGS Financial Services, Inc. Barbara and William Long Lorraine and Elliot B. Lubin Wendy and Greg Lumsden Marilyn Maroney Marshall Edwards Pty Ltd (MEPL) Bruce and Sandra Massman

Margaret A. Maw Kathleen L. McCarthy Patricia and Don McFarlane Don H. Meinhold Milken Family Foundation Patrick Morton Sheila Muller Mr. and Mrs. Terry Mullin Mutual of Omaha Josephine Naify The Ronald Newburg Foundation The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Novartis Pharma AG Robert J. Novick James R. Olsen Shelley J. Perel Rudy Perkal Sandra and Lawrence Post William H. Prusoff Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Purer Gladys and Ralph Reisfeld Rita Medical Systems J. Marshall Robbins Maxine Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roemmele Lee Rogers Constance E. Ropolo Sheri and Seymour Rosenblum Gertrude C. Rutledge Stephen Ruvituso Ada and Leonard Sands Alvin Sargent Dena Schechter Schering Sales Corporation Sandra and Vincent Scully Kretta and James Shaner David and Beth Shaw Teresa and Alan Smith Ruth Z. Solomon Southwest Oncology Group Jacque Spivak The Stark Family Trust Larry and Marlene Stern Barbra Streisand Gloria Strelitz Sherry Sexton Striepeke and Dan Striepeke Anita and Tim Swift Eugene and Florence Tande Sandra and Robert Teitsworth Ferne Marshall Theis Lawrence H. Thompson SPRING 2014, INNOVATIONS

43


HONOR ROLL

Mary M. Thompson Sandy Tsukamoto Joe and Janet Tydlaska Union Bank of California Susan L. and Richard Veerman Emily and Gregory Waldorf Sharon and Joel Waller Randi Weil Wells Fargo Foundation Harriet Werner Roberta M. White in Memory of Harvey I. White Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks The Gary and Karen Winnick Family Joan and Robert Young Laura Ziskin Joan Zukin

GUARDIANS OF THE FUTURE

John Wayne Cancer Institute is honored to recognize the following visionary donors who have included the Institute in their estate plans as members of a special honor group, the Guardians of the Future. Members are listed permanently on the Guardians of the Future plaque in the Institute’s main lobby. Barbara and Stephen L. Allen Agnes Anderson Patricia L. Antuna Dorothy Avazian Mr. and Mrs. Gordon S. Ayers Jackie and Howard Banchik Jannell and Randy Banchik Mr. and Mrs. Marvin M. Barofsky John R. Barone Bernice and Hal Belfer Marilyn Bernard C. June Bisplinghoff

Helen and Harry Blusteen Brenda and Alan Borstein Ms. Janice H. Burrill Douglas and Mary Byard Jerome C. Byrne The Patrick F. Cadigan Family Robert E. and Carol T. Caniglia Geralin A. Clark and Evelyn Mandel Roy E. Coats Sandy and Irv Cohen Horace O. Coil Gary W. Cook Mrs. Aziza Courah Janien Daley Sherry and Charley Dargan Robert Campbell and Alpha de Monte-Campbell Nancy L. Dean Carolyn Dirks and Brett Dougherty Robert L. Donley Constance and Sydney Dunitz Richard Andre Espinosa Diane and Daniel Feldman Steven Feldman Mary Frances and Andrew Fenady David Gabriel Fine Martha J. Franklin Claude E. Gainer and Thelma J. Gainer Gloria and John Gebbia Brian and Tracy Geschickter Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gilbert Elma Sylvia and W. Earl Goldberg Harry and Eve Goldberg Julie and Stanley Goldhaber Leslie and Susan Gonda Marcia L. Goodman Gaile Gray Ryan Joyce Green Margo Groger William B. Grover and Joyce R. Grover Lawrence S. Hamilton Ruth and Harry Hanson Ruth Henkin Selma L. Herbert Sue and Larry Hochberg Glen Iino

Emma and Otto Immenroth Janet E. Inkster David and Carlene Iwerks Judianne and Kenneth Jaffe Sharon James David Paul Kane and Linda Tallen Kane Linda M. Kaplan Linda and Alan Katz Mrs. Beatrice S. Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Barry Kaye Robert Kelljan Michael S. Kennedy Hildegard T. Knoll Rev. James Kolling Ronald A. Laird Audrey and Jack Leif Edel Limprecht Judy Litvack Phyllis and George Lorentzen Terrence G. Malouf Darley M. Marks Robert L. Martin Lorraine and Donald Mazzeo Maria Lim McClay Professor Gerald T. McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Van N. McWhirter, Jr. Rose M. Mikulecky Mrs. Maureen Miller Marilyn W. Mitchell Lillian and Richard Moore Pat Morton Tomiko Mosley Peter Richardson Mullen Josephine Wayne Nigg Julia Fischer and Howard D. Nunn George W. Ogden Katherine and Ronald Okun Juanita J. Patterson Dr. Edgar B. Pease and Eiko M. Pease Angela Porfido Richard Price Earl and Victoria Pushee Annette Pyes Carole D. Ralston Dale and James Ransom Maida and Stanley Richards Ann and Nathan Stafford Rogers

Carl Romer Ms. Constance E. Ropolo The Lois Rosen Family Ms. Eleanor Rothberg Edgar J. Saltsman Judy and Thomas Schatzman Dr. Stanley R. Schoen Ellen Schuck Gary L. Schwandner Mr. and Mrs. Steve Shagan James A. Shanley Caroline and Richard Shinee John Shuba, Jr. Jack Silberkleit Mr. Albert E. Smith Marjorie and Ronald Souza Sherry Sexton Striepeke and Dan Striepeke Diane J. Sweet Mary and Eugene Sze Eugene Thames Hazel M. Throckmorton Vickie Tomastik-Sproatt Earlane and Robert Vallier Mary Van Houten, Ursula Scarrow, Bea Blondell Anita and James Vieceli Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ray Wallace Primavera and Luis Watkins Dorothy Watson Melinda Wayne MunĂľz Ruth Weil Mary Ann and Marvin Weiss Harriet Phillips Werner Rodney Fargo Williams and Elizabeth M. Williams Lee and Bill Wood Irene and Edwin Wright

If you would like to learn more about the Guardians of the Future and benefits of charitable estate planning for you and your family, please contact Tanya Lopez, director of planned giving, at 310-582-7095.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If we have made a mistake, please accept our apologies and let us know so we may correct it. Please contact 310-315-6111 or email: development@jwci.org 44 INNOVATIONS, SPRING 2014


Yo u r h a i r l i n e may recede

BUT YOUR INCOME W O N ’ T. Age

Rate

Effective Rate

65 70 75 80 90

4.7% 5.1% 5.8% 6.8% 9.0%

7.9% 9.0% 10.6% 12.8% 18.6%

Establishing a charitable gift annuity with the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center helps make it possible for us to continue as a leader in cancer research, resulting in significant breakthroughs. It also provides you with some unique benefits: • Lifetime income stream for you, and a loved one if you choose • An immediate charitable tax deduction • The flexibility to fund your annuity with cash, securities or real estate • Fulfillment, knowing that your gift helps fund our award winning team of doctors in their effort to find a cure for cancer

Call Tanya Lopez at 310.582.7095 or email Tanya.Lopez@StJohns.org or visit www.newsaintjohns.org/plannedgiving to learn more. /JohnWayneCancerInstitute

@JohnWayneCI

www.JWCI.org


NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 31327

Public Affairs and Development Office 2200 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA

www.jwci.org

INNOVATIONS is made possible by the generous support of The Juels

Eisenberg Fund.

CONNECT WITH US Bright Future Teamwork, flexibility and ingenuity give rise to big ideas, both in clinical practice and research.

Immune System Mysteries Researchers make strides in understanding how the immune system can help fight cancer.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news in cancer research by following us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ JohnWayneCancerInstitute

OUR MISSION John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is a cancer research institute dedicated to the understanding and curing of cancer in order to eliminate patient suffering worldwide. Our mission is accomplished through innovative clinical and laboratory research and the education of the next generation of surgical oncologists and scientists.


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