Winship 80: Honorees

The Glenn family

The Glenns (left to right): Louisa Glenn D'Antignac, Tom Glenn, Lou Glenn, Rand Glenn Hagen.

The Glenn family has been a steadfast supporter of Winship for many years, from chairing fundraising events to directing major donations from their family foundation for the creation of a center focused on breast cancer research and care. The Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship's first named center for a specific type of cancer, was established in 2013 through gifts from the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

The Glenn Family Breast Center is dedicated to elevating patient-centered breast cancer care through support of basic and translational research, clinical trials, and tissue banking.

"We have experienced the uncertainty of this disease, and Winship helped our family fight back with excellent care at the forefront of medical advances," says Lou Glenn, foundation trustee and founding member of the Winship Advisory Board.

"While our gifts target breast cancer, we hope that others will invest in Winship's research and exceptional care for all types of cancer so many more families can be helped."

The Glenn Family Foundation also established the Louisa and Rand Glenn Family Chair in Breast Cancer Research, held by Mylin Torres, who serves as the director of the Glenn Family Breast Center.

Julie Whitehead

Julie Whitehead has logged close to 1,500 volunteer hours at Winship. Inspired to volunteer following her own cancer treatment, she says, "Some of the most helpful individuals were those who had been through treatment themselves. They helped me get through the scary unknown. Their strength showed me that I too could be a survivor."

Winship Advisory Board

"I'm not going to cure cancer but I do what I can to support the people who will," says Leslie Wierman (right), chair of the Winship Advisory Board. It's a sentiment shared by her 59 fellow board members. All have been touched in some way by cancer. "We are extremely dedicated to Winship and willing to put our time, talent, and resources behind it," says Wierman. The Winship Advisory Board was launched in 2006 in order to coalesce a group of people who were contributing individually to Winship through donations and volunteer work. John H. Kauffman (left), community leader, president of Kauffman Tire, and tireless Winship advocate, was the inaugural chair. Other past board chairs include Bob Meier and Billy Levine (center). When Levine took on the leadership in 2014, he brought more structure to the group by focusing on key areas of fundraising, enhancing the patient experience, and boosting Winship's recognition. "I'm really proud of the fact that people on the Board feel like they're doing something meaningful," says Levine. Wierman and her fellow board members continue to work at extending their impact. "We are all ambassadors in the community," she says.

Cassie Mitchell

A biomedical engineer, Paralympian, and cancer patient, Cassie Mitchell touches many lives at Winship and Emory. Diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2016 and laid low by severe side effects from chemotherapy, Mitchell nevertheless competed in the 2016 USA Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro and came home with silver and bronze medals. Her doctor, Winship hematologist Vamsi Kota, supported her throughout. In thanks to Winship, Mitchell handed out medals at the 2016 Winship Win the Fight 5K and presented Kota with the gift of her official USA Olympic cap.

Jim and Sarah Kennedy

Acting on life-long commitments to improve the community, Sarah and Jim Kennedy have been transformative forces at Emory University.

Chairman of media giant Cox Enterprises, Jim Kennedy is also chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, named in honor of his grandfather and founder of Cox Enterprises. The Kennedys made an initial, personal gift to Winship to support five priority areas: recruitment of faculty researchers, seed grants for scientific research, investigator-initiated clinical trials, development of the survivorship program, and mentoring of young physicians and investigators. This gift came at a critical time for Winship and helped grow the faculty, support innovative projects, and foster collaboration among investigators.

Jim Kennedy's experience as a patient at Emory motivated a recent gift to launch a new patient-centered model designed to improve patient experiences and outcomes, with prostate cancer care as the initial clinical focus. The initiative accelerates efforts under way within Emory to create more streamlined and reliable care for patients and families. The gift also created two endowed chairs for physician leaders focusing on change initiatives and research to improve patient care.

In making the gift, Jim Kennedy said, "We believe Emory can serve as a national model for improved health care delivery."

In 2011, Sarah and Jim Kennedy provided support for Emory's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center for clinical trials and associated research studies for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, chairing its "A Family Affair" event benefitting the Center in 2013. The Kennedys have also supported Emory's Center for Maternal Substance Abuse and Child Development and Emory's Brain Health Center.

The Rollins Family

The O. Wayne Rollins Foundation, created in 1967 by family patriarch O. Wayne Rollins and his wife Grace Rollins (pictured here), has provided support throughout Emory, including two endowed chairs at Winship: the R. Randall Rollins Chair in Oncology and the Margaret H. Rollins Chair in Cancer.

Team Dave

When Dave Edwards (right) was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in 2005, he decided to do everything his Winship doctors suggested. Twelve years after his diagnosis, Edwards is a regular at Winship. He and his many friends, family, and supporters have become a vital part of the annual Winship 5K, running under the banner of Team Dave. "Team Dave is not just a team that runs the Winship 5K," says daughter Kelly Edwards, "it's a group of supportive, fun, silly, and loving people who want something positive to happen to everyone who's fighting this unwanted fight. Go Team Dave!"

Tom Reynolds

Tom Reynolds, who passed away in October 2016, was a devoted advocate for Winship in the community and made a tangible difference in his volunteerism and philanthropy for the cause of cancer research.

A long-time cancer survivor himself, Reynolds lost his beloved wife, Patricia, to sarcoma in 2005. With his children, Reynolds established the Patricia R. Reynolds Endowment for Sarcoma Research in memory of his wife and remained steadfast in support for this rarer form of cancer. The Reynolds children —Ann Crouse, Rick Reynolds, and the late Tim Reynolds—followed their father's lead and have been active supporters of both sarcoma research and breast cancer research at Winship.

When the Winship Win the Fight 5K was just getting started, Reynolds enthusiastically signed on his company, Peach State Truck Centers, as one of the original and largest corporate sponsors and also made Peach State an original patron of the Winship Gala.

Brenda Nease

Brenda Nease is perhaps most often recognized as the woman who plays the piano in the Winship lobby on Thursday afternoons. The baby grand came about from a gift made to Winship in her honor, but music is only one of Nease's many contributions to Winship.

As a cancer survivor, Nease brings personal experience to her commitment both to cancer research and to improving the individual patient experience. She commissioned a painting that hangs in a Winship waiting area and funded the refurbishment of Winship's Purdom Chapel, dedicated to the memory of her son, Lawton McDonald Nease IV, who passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Her on-going commitments include serving on the Winship Advisory Board, helping fund an annual Melanoma Symposium, and the establishment of the Brenda Nease Breast Cancer Research Fund.

"This fund is not about me," Nease says, "it is about the people who will benefit. It is about the desire to help others in the same situation I was in after my diagnosis. If I can improve any part of this experience for patients, that is my calling."

"Mrs. Nease faced cancer in her own life with grace and courage," says medical oncologist David Lawson. "It is very gratifying to see the difference she makes for others through her gifts."

Ivory Cloud

By day, Ivory Cloud teaches prekindergarten for children with special needs. By night, during weekends, and in any spare moments in between, you can find her coordinating events for kids with cancer and kids who have lost a parent to cancer. With the help of her husband and daughters, Cloud has held Mother's Day tea parties and pajama parties at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and she advocates for young women to get preventive care if their mothers died of breast cancer.

"My mom, Lois Marie Heckstall, passed away from breast cancer on Mother's Day when I was nine," says Cloud. "She passed away so young she couldn't fulfill all her dreams. Now I want to help other people fulfill their dreams as a way of making sure my mom's legacy is out there."

Friends of Winship

When a group of 10 women came together in 2011, they knew they all shared a deep appreciation for the care that either they or their loved ones received at Winship. They wanted to raise awareness about Winship's research and patient care, help educate the public about cancer, raise funds for cancer research, and enhance the patient experience.

Now, more than 330 men and women make up the Friends of Winship and the group has raised millions of dollars to support research through events, including a gala and an annual fashion show. They put on patient events like popsicle give-aways and they host lunch-and-learns with doctors and researchers who share the latest information about cancer and treatment options.

"Our volunteers are passionate about Winship," says Marietta Petters, a founding member of Friends, "because most of them have been touched by cancer in some way."

"Winship gives people hope," says Kathy Bowman, another founding member. "You get so excited about what these doctors and researchers are discovering. That inspires us."

Lory Macrate and Ed Steinman

"I became a patient involuntarily, but my husband chose to become a dedicated Winship volunteer," says Lory Macrate. When Lory was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011, her husband, Ed Steinman, decided to do whatever he could to support her. Now that his wife's health has stabilized, Ed is a passionate member of the Winship Advisory Board and the Patient and Family Advisory Council, he does corporate fundraising for the Winship 5K and Winship Gala, and leads an ever-growing team of supporters at the Winship 5K.

Mary and John Brock

Mary and John Brock were introduced to Winship when John's mother, Anise McDaniel Brock, was diagnosed with cancer. As then chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Brock had access to medical facilities across the country, but research led them to Winship. Although Anise Brock lost her battle with cancer, her experience bound the family to Winship.

As a Georgia Tech alumnus, John met with cancer researchers and physicians at Emory and Georgia Tech to discuss their research programs. The meetings led to the establishment of an endowed chair at Winship named in honor of John's mother, the Anise McDaniel Brock Chair in Cancer Innovation, in partnership with research scientists at both institutions.

Along with their philanthropic support, the Brocks continue their involvement through Mary Brock's role on the Winship Advisory Board and their personal support of special events. In 2012, Winship recognized the Brocks by naming them honorary chairs of the Winship Gala.

Kathelen and Dan Amos

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Children's) is recognized as one of the largest and most respected pediatric hematology/oncology programs in the United States. Staffed by pediatric oncologists and researchers who are Winship members, the Aflac Cancer Center cares for more than 450 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year and is a national leader in enrolling children in innovative therapeutic clinical trials.

The relationship between Children's and Aflac began more than 20 years ago when Kathelen and Dan Amos initiated the Aflac Foundation's groundbreaking charitable contribution.

Douglas Graham, director of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Daniel P. Amos Chair, and Winship Executive Committee member, says "The generosity of the Amos family and the Aflac Foundation has allowed the Aflac Cancer Center to make great strides in research that will hopefully lead to a cure for pediatric cancer. We believe that every child deserves a lifetime, and we strive to make that a reality through our basic and translational research efforts."

Kenneth Anderson

When Winship decided to expand its multiple myeloma research and clinical treatment program, Kenneth Anderson didn't hesitate to offer his support to the fledgling program. Anderson, who runs the multiple myeloma center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, is an international leader in the field of myeloma and was mentor to Sagar Lonial, Winship chief medical officer, during his early training as a hematologist.

Chandra Belani

Chandra Belani made a lasting impression on Winship Deputy Director Suresh Ramalingam during his fellowship training 17 years ago at the University of Pittsburgh, and he continues to have a profound impact on both Ramalingam and Winship. Belani, now deputy director of the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, has been an invaluable advisor on building Winship's world class lung cancer program, says Ramalingam.

Joyce Wilson

Winship launched one of the first bone marrow and stem cell transplant programs in the country in 1979, and Joyce Wilson was one of its first patients. Wilson, from the Dalton, Georgia area, was only 23 and had a 2-year-old daughter when she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. "My anemia had progressed to such a point that I wasn't given a lot of options. This was an option to save my life," said Wilson. Wilson came back to be part of Winship's celebration of its 5,000th transplant patient and reunite with her doctor, Winship hematologist Elliott Winton.

Meet the Winship 80 visionaries

More Winship 80 Honorees

• Jeffrey Abrams, Clinical Researcher
  Jeffrey Abrams was pivotal in creating the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network which includes Winship Cancer Institute.
• Mark and Kate Winne, Winship 5K Supporters
  Mark Winne earned a reputation over the years as a tough investigative reporter, but when he grabs the microphone every year as emcee of the Winship 5K, he's all heart.
• Simon Kramer, Oncology Pioneer
  Simon Kramer established a national infrastructure for cancer research which remains foundational to this day.
• Eric Berry, Pro Football Player and Cancer Survivor
  Treated at Winship for Hodgkin lymphoma, pro football player Eric Berry returned to playing shortly after treatment and finished the season back in the limelight.
• T.J. Martell Foundation, Philanthropy
  Started in 1975, the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research is the music industry's leading cancer research funding organization.
• Waun Ki Hong, Head and Neck Cancer Pioneer
  Waun Ki Hong is a founding member of Winship's External Advisory Board which counsels and guides Winship's leadership team.
• Bill Nelson, Winship Advisor
  Bill Nelson has had a unique role in shaping Winship's future as chair of our External Advisory Board for over a decade.
• Nancy Carriker, Cancer Patient
  Nancy Carriker isn't just a grateful patient. She is an inspiration to others with lung cancer.
• John Schuerholz, Cancer Survivor and Winship 5K Supporter
  Atlanta Braves Vice Chairman John Schuerholz inspired the more than 3,000 participants at the 2016 Winship 5K not just as honorary grand marshal, but as a cancer survivor.
• Beth Jordan, Cancer Patient and Philanthropist
  In the midst of her treatment for glioblastoma, Beth Jordan became a champion for brain tumor research with a passionate focus on ensuring the most advanced brain tumor care for Georgians.
• Clifford Hudis, Oncology Leader
  Dr. Clifford Hudis is credited with helping ASCO develop some of its boldest initiatives involving scientific research, emerging technologies, and current health policy issues.
• Ouida Lanier, Volunteer
  Every Tuesday Ouida Lanier volunteers at Winship greeting patients and caregivers with a friendly and reassuring smile.
• Fmr. President Jimmy Carter, Cancer Patient and Advocate
  The open and candid way in which Jimmy Carter shared his experiences brought public attention to the progress being made in cancer treatment and to the contributions made by Winship in that effort.
• Ed and Linda Levitt, Winship Volunteers and Advocates
  Ed Levitt credits his medical team of doctors and nurses with helping him survive lung cancer and as a result became a strong patient advocate along his wife, Linda.
• Gary Reedy, Cancer Non-Profit Leader
  Since becoming CEO of the American Cancer Society in 2015, Gary Reedy has made research the organization's top mission investment, committing to double its annual research funding by 2021.
• Alvin Goldstein, Volunteer
  Alvin Goldstein has logged over 1,200 volunteer hours staffing the plaza level concierge desk and taking the hospitality cart to the infusion center and patient waiting rooms at Winship.
• Gerald Hanks, Radiation Oncology Pioneer
  A world-renowned expert, Gerald Hanks pioneered new therapeutic treatments for patients with prostate cancer and helped shape guidelines and standards of care.
• Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation, Philanthropy
  The William Simpson Elkin Cancer Lectureship Endowment, established in 1979, is one of two ways that the Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation has made an impact on Winship.
• Charles and Bari Ross, Cancer Survivors and Volunteers
  After being diagnosed with cancer, Charles and Bari Ross are in remission years later and giving back to Winship as volunteers.
• Tom Roberts, Cancer Researcher and Advisor
  Tom Roberts was a key adviser to Winship leaders during all three grant applications for NCI designation.
• Cooper Family Foundation, Philanthropy
  Identifying, preventing, and treating long-term side effects of breast cancer and its therapies are top priorities for specialists at Winship Cancer Institute thanks to a gift from the Cooper Family Foundation.
• Monica Pearson, Cancer Survivor and Volunteer
  After being treated for cancer at Winship, Monica Pearson served as emcee of the annual Friends of Winship fashion show.
• Jim Armitage, Oncology Mentor
  A world-renowned lymphoma expert Jim Armitage has been a mentor and friend to many of the hematologists specializing in lymphomas at Winship Cancer Institute.
• Pat Graves, Volunteer
  Treated for breast cancer at Winship more than four decades ago, Pat Graves wanted to give back and became a volunteer.
• Mayor Kasim Reed, Advocate
  Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has been a keen supporter of the Emory Proton Therapy Center dating back to the early days when the project was first conceived.
• Charles Balch and Murray Brennan, Surgical Oncology Mentors
  Winship surgical oncologists have more than the operating room in common. It turns out that the majority of the dozen-member team was trained by two mentors: Charles Balch and Murray Brennan.
• John Haupert, Health Care Leader
  John Haupert leads Grady Memorial Hospital which has a unique partnership with Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute.
• Sabrina Williams, Philanthropist
  The Sabrina Williams Scholarship for Continuing Nursing Education honors the dedicated oncology nurses that cared for lymphoma patient Tommy Williams.
• U.S. Representative John Lewis, Advocate
  In 2016, Congressman John Lewis announced the awarding of more than $115 million in new federal grants to institutions in his district, including a dozen Emory projects.
• Bobby and Dell Rearden, Volunteers and Advocates
  The Robert L. "Bobby" Rearden Spirit of Winship Award was launched to recognize those who demonstrate exemplary service, teamwork, and a commitment to public good.
• Katie Ferraris Taylor, Cancer Patient and Philanthropist
  The Katie Ferraris Taylor Oncology Nursing Fund has helped more than 30 nurses at Winship continue their education in the oncology field.
• Vince and Barbara Dooley, Advocates and Volunteers
  Cancer survivors Vince and Barbara Dooley are long-time supporters of Winship having served on the advisory board and as Grand Marshals of the Winship Win the Fight 5K twice.
• Robert DuWors, Advisor
  Robert DuWors has had a significant impact on Winship's quest to become a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Roland Matthews, Oncology Leader
  Roland Matthews, is a Morehouse School of Medicine faculty member who is making a difference in helping to lessen the cancer burden in Georgia.
• Lynne and Howard Halpern, Philanthropists
  Cancer survivor Howard Halpern and his wife, Lynne, have become champions of philanthropy in the community and have thrown their support behind Winship.
• U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, Advocate
  Senator Johnny Isakson has always demonstrated a commitment to unlocking cures and treatments for diseases like cancer.
• Robert Comis, Oncology Pioneer
  A friend and mentor to many at Winship, Robert Comis headed up one of the leading clinical trials groups in the world.
• Dunwoody Country Club, Philanthropists
  The John H. Kauffman Prostate Cancer Fundraiser hosted annually by the Dunwoody Country Club's Champions Golf Association is a community tournament that raises money for innovative prostate cancer research projects at Winship.
• Sherry Williams, Cancer Survivor
  Sherry B. Williams is a four-time breast cancer survivor and a positive voice for those who are undergoing cancer treatment at Winship.
• Governor Nathan Deal, Advocate
  Governor Nathan Deal has been a champion of cancer care in his two terms in office, signing into law numerous measures that seek to increase access to cancer care.
• Cheryl Willman, Advisor
  Dr. Cheryl Willman provided important advice and guidance as Winship was going through its National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center application process.
• Roberto C. Goizueta, Philanthropist
  Inaugurated in 2007, the Roberto C. Goizueta Chair for Cancer Research was established to support a key leader in Winship's lung cancer program.
• Paul Bunn, Mentor
  Paul Bunn is one of the most influential leaders in the international lung cancer scientific community.
• Cabral Franklin, Cancer Patient and Advocate
  The Cabral H. Franklin Endowed Lung Cancer Research Fund at Winship is dedicated to advancing treatments and making a difference for those faced with a lung cancer diagnosis.
• Bill Maiola, Cancer Patient and Philanthropist
  The Maiola Family Fund for Lung Cancer Research at Winship Cancer Institute was established in 2013 by Bill and Grace Maiola.
• Michelle Le Beau, Advisor
  As a member of Winship's External Advisory Board, Le Beau helped guide Winship leadership during the application process for NCI designation.
• Earle Blomeyer, Philanthropist
  Throughout the years, Earle Blomeyer has been a generous benefactor of Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute.
• Philip Philip, Mentor
  Philip Philip helped shape the career of Winship's Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology Program Director, Bassel El-Rayes.
• Fmr. Ambassador Andrew Young, Cancer Survivor and Advocate
  A prostate cancer survivor, Andrew Young has been a champion for Winship and has supported its National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant application.
• Mike Dangerfield, Philanthropist
  Great service from Winship personally touched Mike Dangerfield's family in 2006, when his brother was treated successfully for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.