Dialogue

Fall/Winter 2012

Expansion Brings World-Class Environment for Patientsp. 4

URMC Scientists Verify Cholesterol-Cancer Linkp. 15

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center | University of Rochester Medical Center

EXCITING TIMES aT WILMoT CaNCER CENTER

L e t t e r f r o m t h e C E O

In mid-June, we announced a change in leadership at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. Richard I. Fisher, M.D., who has helped our cancer center achieve many milestone accomplishments over the past 11 years, stepped down as director of the center to accept the new position of Medical Center Vice President of Strategic and Program Development. Dr. Fisher presided over more than a decade of remarkable growth and achievement within the Wilmot Cancer Center and we are immensely grateful for his contributions. From spearheading the initial construction and recently completed expansion of our state-of-the-art cancer center, to being a driving force behind exemplary gains in grant funding, to leading the way to significant gains in quality and national reputation, he has built a solid foundation upon which we will continue to build. We are extremely pleased to have Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., chair of Hematology/Oncology and whom Dr. Fisher personally recruited in 2002, serving as acting director of the Cancer Center, pending an announcement of permanent leadership. Dr. Friedberg is a nationally recognized expert in lymphoma and a key member of the group that secured the highly prestigious Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute nearly four years ago. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a subsequent fellowship at Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Center. He has served as chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology since January of 2009.

As our health system responds to the rapidly evolving environment of healthcare reform, we, like all other providers, will be challenged to work differently than we have in the past. Academic medical centers like ours must build bridges with community providers in order to take responsibility for large populations of patients. As we enter into a new phase of strategic planning for the Wilmot Cancer Center, Dr. Friedberg’s strength as a collaborator and his inclusive approach within the local medical community melds particularly well with the demands of the new healthcare environment. We have talented faculty and staff, engaged board members and donors, and a newly expanded facility that more accurately reflects the world class care provided within. Dr. Friedberg has earned the respect of his physician colleagues, including private and faculty physicians alike, and has a demonstrated ability to recruit scientist/clinicians who are excited about the future of the Wilmot Cancer Center. As we begin work on a new strategic plan and comprehensive campaign, the Wilmot Cancer Center is poised for continued success. With your continued support and engagement, we are confident that Dr. Friedberg can continue to build on our commitment to excellence.

Sincerely,

Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D.CEO, University of Rochester Medical Center

On the Cover The newly expanded Wilmot Cancer Center.

photo by Christian Scully

Wilmot Cancer Center National Advisory Board Members 2011-2012Stephen McCluski, ChairRichard T. BellConstance BrownMichael BuckleyAlvaro CadenaRina ChessinElaine Del MonteRichard DiMarzoMichael DonnellyJanet Felosky

Marc FischerJames HammerPaul HanrahanGary HaseleyThomas IoeleBarbara JuskiwRobert KesslerMark KokanovichKathleen LandersMichael LinehanCarol MullinGerry PierceJeffrey PierceLarry Rabinowitz

Donald RhodaGreg SmithSteven H. Whitman Dennis WilmotPaul WilmotBruce Zicari, II

Faculty Board MembersYuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D.Alok Khorana, M.D.Hucky Land, Ph.D.Rabih Salloum, M.D.

Emeritus MembersJudy Wilmot Linehan Jim Ryan, Jr.

Ex-Officio Board Members Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D. Jonathan Friedberg, M.D. Mark Taubman, M.D. Frank Interlichia Monica Lewis

Dialogue

Editor Michael J. Tedesco Assistant Director of Public Relations (585) 276-5788

Art Director/Designer Kathleen Mannix

Dear Friends of Wilmot Cancer Center,

As you may know, this summer Richard Fisher, M.D., stepped down from his position as Cancer Center Director to accept the new role of Medical Center Vice President for Strategic and Program Development. In being named Acting Director of the Wilmot Cancer Center, I am truly honored to take over the leadership role and deeply committed to continuing our mission of becoming one of the best, most highly recognized cancer centers in the United States. Dr. Fisher created an outstanding legacy during his 11 years as Director. He recruited numerous individuals to Rochester (including myself), oversaw significant growth in research funding, and led the effort in constructing – and expanding – our new Cancer Center building. I am confident that, with the continued support of our community, we can build on that legacy, and further enhance the quality of care and research that we provide to those within our region and beyond. I am pleased to share this leadership role with Hartmut “Hucky” Land, Ph.D., well known internationally for his pioneering work on the complex genetic basis of cancer, who serves as director of research and co-director of the Wilmot Cancer Center. One of our primary goals is to create a highly collaborative and inclusive structure that is responsive to the rapidly changing environment of healthcare reform and research funding pressures. To that end, we have formed two advisory committees, the Clinical Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Research Advisory Committee (RAC), to address our clinical and research initiatives, respectively. Multidisciplinary in nature, these committees will draw on the expertise and commitment of dozens of our colleagues to help position our cancer center as one of the nation’s leaders.

This is a critical time for our Cancer Center. The entire medical center is embarking on a new strategic plan for research and clinical care, and Cancer will be a key component for future investment. The new culture of healthcare delivery demands a more collaborative and integrated approach to patient care, and an emphasis on quality and outcomes. We intend to continue to lead the region in this area. Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll also see references to several other key initiatives, including our exciting expansion project, a merger with the Pluta Cancer Center, and our growing partnership with Roswell Park Cancer Institute. With the benefit of such a solid foundation, we are poised for even greater success in the coming years. While our goals will remain challenging, I am confident that they are all attainable because I believe strongly in the talented and motivated team we are fortunate to have in place at our Cancer Center. I am equally awed and thankful for the wonderful and generous support of our community and the tremendous and positive impact it has on the patients we serve. Through that partnership, I am confident that we will continue to ensure that the best in cancer care and research is available to our friends and neighbors in the greater Rochester community. Sincerely,

Jonathan W. Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc.Acting Director

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center

L e t t e r f r o m t h e A c t i n g D i r e c t o r

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The new space allows for relocation of inpatient oncology units to the cancer center and upgraded patient amenities

For patients and staff who occupy those units each and every day, the meaning of the new space goes far beyond the bricks and mortar – and even windows. It creates an environment that is comforting and nurturing at likely the most difficult time in the lives of its patients and families. For Elizabeth Conderman, R.N., nurse manager of the Adult Hematology/Oncology unit on the Cancer Center’s seventh floor, the reaction she has seen from patients and

their family members is both heartwarming and transformational. “I can use the word ‘huge’ and it’s not even good enough to describe it (the new environment),” she said. “You can’t quantify the positive impact it has had on patients. The patients are able to describe their emotions…their thankfulness. Patients’ family members come up here and I constantly hear what a beautiful place it is,” she continued, adding how important a

comfortable environment is for those who are facing difficult diagnoses and illness. The $60.1 million project, which began in late 2010, adds more than 100,000 square feet to the state-of-the-art cancer center, built in 2008. It allowed for the relocation of two inpatient units from Strong Memorial Hospital to the Wilmot Cancer Center – the Samuel E. Durand Blood and Marrow Transplant unit (the second largest program of its kind in New York State), and the adult

The expansion allows for relocation of inpatient oncology units to the cancer center featuring all private rooms and vastly upgraded patient amenities.

For the casual observer giving it the “eyeball test,” the recently expanded James P. Wilmot Cancer Center is certainly impressive, even to the most discerning eye. The sparkle of the new, spacious, inpatient units is magnified by huge panels, and even walls, of windows that on clear, sunny days allow for beautiful views as far south as the Bristol Hills.

Wilmot Cancer Center Expansion is a Huge Positive for Patients

3Wilmot Cancer Center


Hematology/Oncology unit, which expanded from 23 to 30 beds. With the addition of the inpatient units, the Wilmot Cancer Center in essence becomes a comprehensive cancer hospital, offering a seamless, full continuum of inpatient and outpatient cancer care. “This is a very exciting time for the Wilmot Cancer Center and the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., acting director of the cancer center. “By combining our inpatient and outpatient services, we have moved to a model employed by some of the very best cancer centers in the nation and are creating efficiencies and conveniences that will lead to an even higher standard of care for our patients. The environment we’ve created through an abundance of natural light, sizeable rooms and the many amenities we’ve built in after listening to input from patients on the existing units for the past several years will no doubt have a very positive impact on their care.” The new inpatient floors feature breathtaking views of the greater Rochester region and vastly upgraded patient and family amenities, in keeping with the University of Rochester Medical Center’s commitment to a model of Patient and Family Centered Care. The units feature all private rooms, nearly double the size of those on the existing units at Strong.

Other upgrades include amenities designed to improve comfort and convenience for patients and their families, including: • Sleeper sofas and in-room safes for

storage of valuables• Family waiting areas with conference

rooms for private discussions and a pantry offering snacks and beverages

• Exercise/Solarium rooms with panoramic views

• Laundry facilities • Video gaming• An Urgent Care/Triage area for patients

with acute needs, avoiding visits to the Emergency Department

To Conderman, the clear advantage of the new inpatient units is the fact that all of the patient rooms are now private, as compared to the semi-private rooms on 6-3400, where the unit was previously located. “Patients and their families have their own private space to receive care…often intimate care because of the nature of their illness…and to be able to spend time with each other and have often serious conversation about life decisions,” Conderman said. “They have the luxury of moving around in their rooms without bumping into equipment. They appreciate having their own private bathroom, a big, bright window with nice views, and a place for their loved one to stay if they wanted to. They refer to it as ‘hotel-like’. When you have to face reality about your mortality and make decisions related to your mortality, you should not have to be distracted by

beeping pumps or someone knocking on the door for the patient on the other side of the curtain (in semi-private rooms). “For me to be a part of this new patient environment is a once in a lifetime gift; to work in an environment where we are able to provide the best of everything,” she added. “We’ve done the right thing here.” Patients were transferred to the new units in late July. Crews are also finalizing construction of an area for Imaging equipment within the new space, providing additional convenience and efficiency for patients and staff. wcc

“I can use the word ‘huge’ and it’s not even good enough to describe it, You can’t quantify the positive impact it has had on patients.”– Elizabeth Conderman, R.N., nurse manager, Adult Hematology/Oncology unit

Elizabeth Conderman, R.N.


With the addition of the inpatient units, the Wilmot Cancer Center in essence becomes a comprehensive cancer hospital, offering a seamless, full continuum of inpatient and outpatient cancer care.

New inpatient units feature large, uncluttered areas for staff and patients. Nurses’ stations just outside each patient window put care in close proximity to

the patient.

The Susan H. Green solariums on the 6th and 7th floors provide panoramic views as well as helping patients maintain a level of fitness.


top70As part of a banner 2012 that included the completion of an exciting inpatient expansion project, the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center was also named one of the Top 70 Oncology programs in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review, one of the nation’s foremost publications on up-to-date business and legal news and analysis relating to hospitals and health systems. With its inclusion on the Top 70 list, the Wilmot Cancer Center joins the ranks of some of the country’s most notable cancer centers, including Cleveland Clinic, Dana-Farber, Duke University, Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas’ M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. “This recognition affirms the focus of our ongoing mission to bring the very best in cancer care and research to the greater Rochester community and beyond,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., MM. Sc., acting director of the Wilmot Cancer Center. “Being cited for this type of honor is the result of leadership efforts to draw some of the nation’s best and brightest clinicians and scientists to Rochester, as well as our firm commitment to multidisciplinary, specialized cancer care – unique to our region and the model used by the leading cancer programs in the world.” Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team formed the Top 70 list based on clinical accolades, quality care and contributions to the field of oncology. Their analysis utilized data from reputable healthcare rating resources, including U.S. News & World Report, HealthGrades, Thomson Reuters, the National Cancer Institute, the American College of Surgeons and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Wilmot Cancer Center and the others on the list were characterized as having demonstrated continual innovation in treatments and services, patient-centered care, and the achievement of clinical milestones and groundbreaking discoveries. The Becker’s editors specifically cited that radiation oncology experts at the Wilmot Cancer Center were the first to successfully take a new brain cancer treatment – shaped-beam radiosurgery – and apply it to patients suffering from cancer that spread to the lungs and other organs. They also noted that University of Rochester Medical Center and Wilmot scientists discovered a method to protect against HPV strains, which led to the first anti-cancer and HPV vaccine approved by the FDA in 2006.

Wilmot Cancer Center Recognized as One of Top 70 in Nation


University of Rochester Medical Center President and CEO Bradford Berk, M.D., Ph.D. announced in late July that URMC had agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pluta Cancer Center that would lead to an eventual merger of the two organizations. Officials from URMC and Pluta had been in substantive discussions related to a merger after Pluta announced its intent to seek a community partner, largely in response to the rapidly changing healthcare environment. “Bringing together the scope of services provided at our Wilmot Cancer Center and the Pluta Cancer Center makes good sense for a number of reasons,” Berk said. “Pluta has a rich, well-deserved reputation within our community for providing high quality, patient-centered care, much in line with our own initiatives. By providing access to leading-edge research, promising clinical

trials and state-of-the-art technology at the Wilmot Cancer Center, we are leveraging the strengths of both organizations and raising the bar even higher on the quality of care we can provide to patients in our region.” Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., acting director of the Wilmot Cancer Center, pointed out that the proposed merger would provide important benefits for URMC and the Wilmot Cancer Center, including access to a larger pool of candidates for clinical trials, providing more meaningful research. Pluta, which is located at 125 Red Creek Drive in Henrietta, also provides URMC an off-site location that offers additional conveniences for some patients. The ability to provide service at a second location also offers the Wilmot Cancer Center added flexibility, with the possibility

of relocating some services to Pluta to provide room for future growth in programs at Wilmot. The process leading to formalize the merger of URMC and Pluta was ongoing throughout the fall as both organizations performed due diligence and sought regulatory approval from various New York State entities, including the Attorney General, State Supreme Court and the Department of Health. The merger was expected to be approved and completed by the end of 2012, Pluta employees will become employees of URMC, and their physicians will become members of the URMC faculty. Founded in 1975 through a generous gift of the Pluta family, the Pluta Cancer Center has a staff of 42, including two radiation oncologists and three medical oncologists. The Center sees approximately 500 new patients each year, yielding about 19,000 patient visits. “This is wonderful news for the Wilmot Cancer Center and the greater Rochester community,” Friedberg said. “A merger of these two great institutions is a win for cancer patients, allowing us to take care of more individuals in an even better, more efficient manner.” wcc

URMC Pursues Merger with Pluta Cancer Center

Reception area at Pluta Cancer Center


Sitting in her ground floor office in the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center’s Department of Radiation Oncology, Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D. grows more and more animated as she talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead for her department. University of Rochester Medical Center leaders are no doubt excited as well to have Chen lead the radiation oncology program, which provides more than 40,000

treatment procedures a year to area cancer patients. After a lengthy, national search for a candidate to serve as Chair of Radiation Oncology, they found the perfect fit right in their own backyard. Early this year, Chen was named Chair and Philip Rubin Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the URMC’s Wilmot Cancer Center. She has been serving as acting chair of the department since December 2009.

“We are extremely pleased to have Yuhchyau Chen take a permanent leadership role within our oncology program,” said Mark B. Taubman, M.D., dean of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. “She has a wonderful reputation as a superb clinician, has demonstrated great success in building rapport and cultivating donors, and is recognized among her colleagues for her collaborative spirit. We are also encouraged

Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D. Takes Leadership Role in Radiation Oncology

New chief of Radiation Oncology Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D., with Sughosh Dhakal, M.D. (left), and Alan Katz, M.D.


by her success to date in research and her firm commitment to continue to build upon our rich tradition of innovation and excellence in the laboratory.” “As we progressed through a lengthy and exhaustive review of a pool of highly qualified candidates, it became increasingly clear to our committee that Dr. Chen was the right choice to lead the department,” said David L. Waldman, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Imaging Sciences at URMC. “Her skills as a clinician, combined with her intense focus and growing accomplishments in research bring a sense of balance that will serve the Wilmot Cancer Center and its patients well.” “It is a great honor, but with it comes a tremendous level of responsibility,” laughed Chen, describing her initial feelings after being selected. “We have always been recognized as one of the premier programs in radiation oncology due to the innovations in cancer therapy and scientific advances that we have made in radiation biology, physics and technology. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue this tradition, and plan to build it stronger.” A highly respected and accomplished clinician with expertise in lung and head and neck cancers, Chen was honored last year by a grateful patient after successfully treating his Stage 4 throat cancer. The Richard T. Bell Endowed Professorship, established with a gift of $1.5 million, will be used to support research activities in cancer and radiation oncology. Because Chen’s new role also carries with it the Philip Rubin Endowed Professorship, she plans to use the Richard Bell Professorship to recruit an associate chair of research in the department. Chen has an extensive history in clinical and translational research, with a focus on radiosensitization, radiation biomarkers and radiation effects on normal tissue. She pioneered the schedule-dependent, pulsed paclitaxel radiosensitizing chemoradiation treatment, a lower toxicity option for

inoperable lung cancer and was the first to discover the inflammatory cytokines Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 1, cell-signaling protein molecules, as indicators of radiation lung injury in post-treatment cancer patients. Chen was also a project leader of a five-year, NIH/NIAID center grant to conduct research on radiation bone marrow genotoxicity. That research led to a federal contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop drugs to treat radiation-induced bone marrow injury.

Results from the BARDA research have subsequently led to developing projects for agents in improving stem cell transplant outcomes. In collaboration with colleagues in the Stem Cell Transplantation program at the Wilmot Cancer Center, Chen has received approval for two study concepts to continue translational and clinical research on an investigational agent targeted to improve the recovery of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. She remains active in her interests in translational drug development in radiosensitization, radioprotection, and in experimental therapeutics for radiation injuries and cancer therapy. Chen takes the reins of a department that has a long and storied history. Philip Rubin, M.D., was the first chair of Radiation Oncology at the medical center and a giant in the field of clinical oncology and radiation pathology. He was a national leader and pioneer in the study of radiation normal tissue effects and led the department for 38 years.

Chen takes a question from a technician while

consulting on a case with Michael Milano, M.D. (left)

and physicist Michael Schell, Ph.D.

Marilyn Ling, M.D. points to a patient scan being reviewed by Chen


“To be the Chair and the named Philip Rubin Professor is both humbling and challenging,” said Chen. “Within the field of radiation oncology, it’s difficult for anyone to try to accomplish, during their lifetime, what Philip Rubin has accomplished.” Chen beams when she talks about some of her colleagues who are continuing Rubin’s legacy in minimizing the effects of radiation on normal, healthy tissue, and a cancer survivorship program named in his honor that studies late effects of radiation within cancer survivors. Departmental research in radiation countermeasures and in Behavior Medicine are well established, well funded, and nationally recognized. The developing program that is work-in-progress is the Rubin Center for Cancer Survivorship led by Lois Travis, M.D., Sc.D., with Sandy (Louis) Constine, M.D., as the director of clinical programs. Chen points with great pride to the fact that one of Travis’ recent reports, which examines second malignancies and cardiovascular disease after radiation therapy, was published as a commentary in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Travis also recently received a $5.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the effects of platinum-based chemotheraphy agents on cancer survivors. “It’s an honor and privilege to have been selected to lead Radiation Oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Center,” she continued. “We are highly respected and recognized for clinical and scientific discoveries relating to tumor eradication and the pathogenesis of normal tissue damage by radiation and, in the past decade, have pioneered the use of stereotactic body radiosurgery for the treatment of oligometastasis,” said Chen, citing a technological advancement and concept by former Chair Paul Okunieff, M.D.. “The department includes many talented clinical faculty and research scientists. The national interest in this position is indicative of the outstanding expertise within our institution, and the tremendous potential for truly transformational research and medicine

taking place at URMC.” Moving forward, one of Chen’s early goals is to initiate steps to further advance its scientific missions by conducting strategic retreats with the Wilmot Cancer Center’s scientists, and to identify and implement steps towards further expansion of research capabilities and scope. “I am particularly interested in developing radiation regenerative medicine. This new research direction will build upon our existing expertise and strengths in cancer survivorship, radiation normal tissue effects, symptom control in Behavior Medicine, and radiation countermeasure research” said Dr. Chen. “Research is the fundamental part of our specialty,” she said. “Much of the success of our clinical treatments is based on research in radiation biology. Our challenge is to recruit scientists with a background and interest in both cancer and radiation biology to fit into the integrated disease program (IDP) here at the Wilmot Cancer Center.” While she is passionate about maintaining and further improving the cancer center hallmarks of research and technology, Chen is also focused on the softer side of treating patients with cancer. She embraces wholeheartedly URMC’s commitment to a model of Patient and Family Centered Care, and sees that as a vital component of the cancer center as well.

“We want to make the concept and practice of Family and Patient Centered Care a priority for the department, at all levels,” she said. “It takes the entire team to accomplish that, from the people who work at the reception areas, to the nurses, to the therapists, to the physicians….there has to be good teamwork. Our greatest satisfaction is when patients receive high quality care and are happy with their care.” After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the highly prestigious National Taiwan University in Asia, Chen received the doctor of philosophy degree in experimental pathology from the University of Washington, where she also earned her medical degree. She subsequently completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Virginia Mason Hospital, in Seattle, before concurrently completing residency and fellowship requirements at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard University School of Medicine in Boston. She joined URMC in 1995, when she was appointed as assistant professor of Radiation Oncology. wcc

“Our greatest satisfaction is when patients receive high quality care and are happy with their care.” – Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D.,

Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D. discusses patient Roxane Johnston’s treatment with Michael Milano, M.D.


International Leukemia Experts Gather to Honor John Bennett, M.D.

Some of the world’s leading experts on leukemia, from both Europe and North America, gathered in Rochester this summer for a Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms organized to honor the many contributions to the field of John M. Bennett, M.D. The symposium, held at the Hatch Recital Hall at the Eastman School of Music, also served to celebrate Bennett’s 80th year and his commitment to community volunteerism for the Arts. He is a board member and avid supporter of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Bennett, who in 2011 was named recipient of the B.J. Kennedy Award and Lecture for Scientific Excellence in Geriatric Oncology by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is widely recognized as an international expert in leukemia and a pioneer in myelodysplastic syndromes research. He was a founder of the French-American-British Cooperative Leukemia Working Group and is renowned for his research into the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. A major focus of his research was to integrate a new classification of MDS into the study of new agents that would hold promise for people suffering from this blood disorder, which often leads to leukemia. In 2004, Bennett was honored with the Career Achievement in Clinical Hematology Award by the Celgene Corporation. He designated the award funds to establish

the Carol and John Bennett Traveling Fellowship Award for talented oncology fellows or junior faculty members at the Wilmot Cancer Center who present research at national and international conferences. The funds are awarded annually to the individual presenting the best research. Researchers and colleagues from as far away as France and Germany, as well as some from the most highly regarded U.S. institutions such as Harvard and Mayo Clinic, attended the event to share their knowledge and honor Bennett. “To have some of the world’s brightest minds and leading researchers on MDS come together to honor John affirms the great respect his colleagues have for him and his status as an international leader in the study and management of this disease,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D. Acting Director and Chief of the division of Hematology/Oncology at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. “His early work has

served as a foundation for many advances made over the past several decades and he continues to be a valued mentor to a new generation of researchers.” Bennett is currently professor emeritus of oncology in medicine, laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). He joined the faculty of the University of Rochester as head of the division of hematology/oncology at the Highland Hospital in 1969. In 1974, he became the clinical director of the University of Rochester’s cancer center, a position he held for 20 years. Bennett has held a number of leadership positions throughout the world, including serving as the founder and first chairman of The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, and as a founding member of the International Society for Geriatric Oncology. He has served as editor-in-chief of Leukemia Research journal for more than 20 years and serves on the editorial boards of several additional journals. He has published more than 500 articles and chapters. A graduate of Harvard, Bennett earned his medical degree at Boston University and completed his residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. He completed a hematology Fellowship at Tufts University/Boston City Hospital and later served as head of the morphology/cytochemistry section at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center before moving to Rochester. wcc

Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms held to recognize contributions of renowned URMC oncologist

John Bennett, M.D., center, with event organizers (from left to right) Daniel Ryan, M.D.,

Richard Burack, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Becker, M.D., and Paul Rothberg, Ph.D.

Members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, of which Bennett is a strong

supporter, perform

John Bennett, M.D.

As an academic Cancer Center, the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center builds on research reaching from laboratory to bedside, and from a focus on individual patients and cancer survivors to improving the health of our community. This approach is unique to our region. Enabling personalized cancer care is the central goal of the research programs at the Wilmot Cancer Center. In recent years, research at Wilmot has revealed a unique path towards this challenging goal. This is truly exciting. A series of groundbreaking discoveries have identified unsuspected “Achilles’ heels” common to a variety of cancers. These vulnerabilities may provide targets for future cancer treatments. Collaborations of researchers across many disciplines, and from numerous departments at the University, are poised to develop these and other important leads in several areas of cancer research. Dialogue will bring you the latest stories about key discoveries in cancer research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. We are pleased and excited to share these stories with you on a more regular basis. Our community plays an important role in our progress. You can be involved and become part of our team. Community-based philanthropy is essential to support the best ideas for new research projects at the

Wilmot Cancer Center. We are most grateful to local supporters such as the Edelman-Gardener Cancer Research Foundation of Hilton NY, the Wilmot Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research Initiative, the Pancreatic Cancer Association of Western New York and Crosby’s Fund that have provided critical seed grant funds. We have used such initial support to collect sufficient data supporting our newest ideas to compete successfully for larger grants from national foundations or federal sources. Without your help this can’t be done!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hartmut “Hucky” LandRobert and Dorothy Markin Professor

Director of Research & Co-Director

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center


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Exciting Research at Wilmot Cancer Center Fueled by Community Support

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University of Rochester Medical Center researchers have discovered new links between leukemia cells and cells involved in bone formation, offering a fresh perspective on how the blood cancer progresses and raising the possibility that therapies for bone disorders could help in the treatment of leukemia. The research, led by graduate student Benjamin J. Frisch in the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center laboratory of corresponding author Laura M. Calvi, M.D., is featured in the journal Blood. It is accompanied by an editorial – “Bad to the Bone” – written by another leading investigator in the field, Steven W. Lane, M.D., of Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Lane says that the URMC’s unexpected laboratory finding provokes new clinical questions, such as whether screening for osteoporosis could provide any useful information for how to manage acute leukemia in newly diagnosed patients. Leukemia is a devastating disease that disrupts normal blood production. Blood stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs) give rise to all mature blood cells and maintain a balance of self-renewal and expansion. However, in this study, even when leukemia is barely traceable in the blood, leukemic cells implant in the bone marrow and attack the body’s natural process of making healthy blood stem cells. In 2003, Calvi introduced the concept that osteoblasts, which actively work to form bone in this same microenvironment, might have a key role in expanding and supporting the production of normal blood cells. Published in the journal Nature, that study served as the basis for the current investigation. Frisch began focusing on the impact of the leukemia cells, which reside on the inside surface of bones adjacent to bone marrow activity. Until now, according to the Blood paper, no one had defined the important interactions that take place between leukemia cells and osteoblasts (bone forming cells) and osteoclasts, which

continually break down bone. Frisch and colleagues used a mouse model and human leukemia tissue samples to show thatthe way in which leukemia alters the balance and cycles of osteoblast and osteoclast activity is complex and counterintuitive, and results in several measurable changes to the skeleton. In this study, leukemia caused low-level and widespread bone thinning and bone loss, similar to osteoporosis, particularly in the long bones. Preliminary lab experiments showed that treatment with bisphosphonates, a commonly used class of drugs for people who suffer from bone loss, partially restored bone loss in mice with leukemia. Leukemia results in the expression of a protein, known as CCL3, which slows bone formation. Theoretically, newer drugs that block the CCL3 pathway might be able to restore the low-level, net loss of bone observed in many leukemia patients. A few drug compounds that act on the CCL3 pathway are under study in early-stage clinical trials, Frisch said. “Our findings are quite provocative and we hope they will lead to new approaches

to promote normal blood production in patients with blood cancers,” said Calvi, associate professor of Medicine. “Because the loss of normal hematopoietic function is the chief cause of serious illness and death among leukemia patients, it is critical that we understand all aspects of how this occurs and find new strategies to accelerate the recovery of these defects.” Funding was provided by the Wilmot Scholar Cancer Research Award and the Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences Award. Co-authors include John M. Ashton, Ph.D., URMC Department of Genetics; Lianping Xing, Ph.D., URMC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Michael W. Becker, M.D., URMC Department of Medicine, and Craig T. Jordan, Ph.D., the Philip and Marilyn Wehrheim Professor of Medicine at Wilmot. wcc

URMC Finds Leukemia Cells Are “Bad to the Bone”

Graduate student Benjamin Frisch and Laura Calvi, M.D.


URMC Geneticists Verify Cholesterol-Cancer Link

University of Rochester Medical Center scientists have discovered the first genetic evidence linking cholesterol and cancer, raising the possibility that cholesterol medications could be useful in the future for cancer prevention or to augment existing cancer treatment. The data, collected by Bradley Smith, Ph.D. and published in the online journal Cell Reports, support several recent population-based studies that suggest individuals who take cholesterol-lowering drugs may have a reduced risk of cancer, and, conversely that individuals with the highest levels of cholesterol seem to have an elevated risk of cancer. The cancer-cholesterol question has been debated since the early 20th century, and along with it doctors and scientists have observed various trends and associations. However, until now genetic evidence directly linking cholesterol and malignancy has been lacking, said senior author Hartmut “Hucky” Land, Ph.D., Robert and Dorothy Markin Professor and chair, Department of Biomedical Genetics, and director of research and co-director of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at URMC. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance supplied in foods and made in cells throughout the body. Too much cholesterol is bad for the heart and vascular system. It is typically measured as serum cholesterol by routine blood tests. Unlike serum cholesterol that is bound to proteins, inside cells cholesterol is part of cell membranes where it has impact on cell growth and survival. A trans-membrane protein encoded by a gene, known as ABCA1, shuttles excess intracellular cholesterol outbound. Several years ago, while conducting unrelated experiments that were published in the journal Nature, Land and colleagues first noticed the importance of ABCA1. At that time, they identified a network of approximately 100 so-called “cooperation response genes” that mediate the action of cancer genes. ABCA1 was found among these genes and is frequently turned off in

Bradley Smith, Ph.D.


presence of other mutant cancer genes. In the latest investigation, Smith, a post-doctoral fellow in the Land lab, wanted to further understand the role of ABCA1 and cholesterol in cancer. He found that defective cholesterol exportation appears to be a key component in a variety of cancers. The proper function of ABCA1 is critical for sensing of cell stress. If ABCA1 function is lost in cancer cells, cholesterol is allowed to build up in the cells’ mitochondria, or energy centers, making their membranes more rigid. This in turn inhibits the function of cell-death triggers that normally become activated in response to cell stresses, as for example cancer gene activation. Therefore, when functioning properly, ABCA1 has anti-cancer activity – in the sense that by keeping mitochondrial cholesterol low it protects the functioning of cellular stress response systems that act as barriers to cancer formation and progression. Smith and Land also demonstrated that some of the relatively rare ABCA1 mutations

found in human colon cancers by other investigators disabled the gene’s ability to export cholesterol. And by re-establishing the cholesterol export function in human colon cancer cells, they inhibited the cells’ ability to grow as cancers when grafted onto mice. The URMC study, therefore, is the first to directly show how ABCA1 loss-of-function and cholesterol may play a role in cancer. “Scientifically it is very satisfying to have data that support longstanding ideas about cholesterol in the context of cancer,” Land said. “Our paper provides a rationale for cholesterol targeting as a potentially fruitful approach to cancer intervention or prevention strategies.” Millions of Americans take cholesterol-lowering drugs or statins, as prescribed by physicians. Clinical trials also are evaluating statins as a tool against cancer, and some previous studies suggest that when used in combination with chemotherapy, statins might make chemotherapy more effective

by sensitizing certain cancer cells to chemotherapy-induced cell death. Land, however, urges caution and further study. Doctors do not know the appropriate statin dose for cancer prevention or treatment of cancer-related conditions. Side effects cannot be ignored either, and little research has distinguished between the responses among people who take statins. “The link between cholesterol and cancer is clear,” Land said, “but it’s premature to say that statins are the answer.” wcc

Brad Smith, Ph.D. at work in the lab.

“The link between cholesterol and cancer is clear...” – Hartmut “Hucky” Land, Ph.D.


In a study of nearly 18,000 cancer patients, University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that when blood clots develop – a well-known and serious complication of cancer treatment – 78 percent of the time they occur when a person is out of the hospital, at home or elsewhere, while on chemotherapy. This data is striking because, until now, outpatients had not been systematically studied and previous data gathered on the incidence of blood clots was mostly from hospitalized patients, who tend to be sicker. However, with a shift toward outpatient cancer treatment, future efforts to prevent blood clots should focus on helping patients to avoid complications so they can continue to live fully - by working, raising children, and exercising - during cancer care, said Alok Khorana, M.D., associate professor in the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at URMC, and an international authority on venous thromboembolism or VTE. “One in five patients develops blood clots after a cancer diagnosis and we believe that number is rising,” Khorana said. “The Surgeon General recently issued a Call to Action to reduce VTE. At this point public health efforts have focused on inpatient prophylaxis. These new data suggest that to reduce the burden of VTE in cancer patients, prevention efforts will have to shift to the outpatient arena as well.” The cost of care for patients with blood clots was twice as high compared to patients who did not have that complication, Khorana also reported. Khorana was invited to present his data at the 2011 ASH (American Society of Hematology) annual meeting in San Diego, attended by approximately 20,000 physicians and scientists. The scientific abstracts with the highest impact, including Khorana’s, were selected for platform talks.

Khorana and his research team conducted a retrospective, observational study between 2005 and 2009 from healthcare claims databases, which they believe is the largest population study of this kind. The databases provided both inpatient and outpatient information. Of the 17,784 cancer patients identified, 5.6 percent developed blood clots, the study said. Of those who suffered from the complication, 21 percent had recently been hospitalized but 78.3 percent were being treated on an outpatient basis. The medical term venous thromboembolism refers to a mass of red blood cells, clotting proteins and platelets that block the normal flow of blood. Clots form most often in the legs, lungs, or abdomen, and are life-threatening if not treated. Cancer patients are more prone to blood clots for many reasons: the malignancy itself can secrete proteins associated with blood clots; several treatments (including surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy) raise the clot risk; decreased mobility due to active disease or hospitalization; a genetic predisposition; or having other health problems, such as infections, obesity, anemia, and lung disorders. And once a blood clot occurs, a cancer patient is much more likely to have other clots later. “Ongoing public health issues that we must address are how to educate patients on the importance of blood clot prevention,

and improving compliance to preventive treatment,” Khorana said. “Patients should immediately report to their physicians any unusual symptoms such as swelling or redness in limbs, or shortness of breath, even if they are otherwise feeling well.” For years Khorana and colleagues at URMC have been at the forefront of studying cancer-related blood clots, which is the second leading cause of death in this population. The Rochester group published a risk model in the journal, Blood, and based partly on research from the group, the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2007 issued its first set of guidelines for clinicians for the prevention of blood clots in cancer patients. Chief collaborators include Charles W. Francis, M.D., professor of Medicine in Hematology/Oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Center, and Mark B. Taubman, M.D., a cardiologist, researcher, and dean of the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry. wcc

Disclosure: Khorana is a consultant for and receives cancer-related research funding from several drug companies, including Roche/Genentech, Eisai Co., Johnson and Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Leo Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer, Bristol Myers-Squibb, and Daiichi-Sankyo. Sanofi-Aventis funded this study.

Alok A. Khorana, M.D.Charles Francis, M.D.

Wilmot Cancer Center Study Highlights Importance of Blood Clot Prevention in Cancer Patients


As an astute young researcher, Helene McMurray, Ph.D., could have taken many different paths but she settled on investigating a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, called basal-like breast cancer, or BLBC. This type accounts for up to 25 percent of all breast cancers, tends to afflict younger women, and unfortunately is known for a poor response to treatment. McMurray was highly motivated, having lost her mother to a rare form of sarcoma. She also was inspired after studying as a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Hartmut

“Hucky” Land, Ph.D., the Robert and Dorothy Markin Professor and co-director of

the Wilmot Cancer Center. In the Land lab,

McMurray helped make a major discovery, that cancer

cell-specific vulnerabilities rely on what was coined “cooperation

response genes,” or CRGs, a set of genes that comprise the critical support structure allowing tumor formation. Before the next chapter of her career could begin, however, McMurray needed funding. A $25,000 seed grant from the donor-driven Wilmot Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research Initiative, led by Carol

Mullin, Megan MacKenzie, and Josephine Trubek, did exactly that – allowing her new team to develop the necessary mouse and human cell models to find out which CRGs are active in promoting basal-like breast cancer. The seed grant did even more: It enabled McMurray to put a study structure in place and collect sufficient data to support a grant proposal for additional funding – $375,000 over three years – from the Medical Research Program administered by the United States Department of Defense. “Our focus is on locating the Achilles’ heels, or vulnerabilities of cancer cells, and we are actually having success, finding that there are many weak points not previously identified,” said McMurray, an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical

Seed Grant Spawns Closer Look at Genetic Targets of Breast Cancer

Post-Doctoral Research Associate Pierre Candelaria, Ph.D., doctoral student Anwesha Ghosh, Dorothy “DeeDee” Heyer, Technical Associate, and Assistant Professor of Biomedical

Genetics Helene McMurray,Ph.D., discuss a topic in the lab.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate Pierre Candelaria, Ph.D., doctoral student Anwesha Ghosh, Dorothy “DeeDee” Heyer, Technical Associate, and Assistant Professor of Biomedical Genetics Helene McMurray,Ph.D., discuss a topic in the lab. For page 18: McMurray, right, with DeeDee Heyer.

Genetics at URMC, and co-leader of Wilmot’s Breast Cancer Research Program. “We’re discovering numerous weaknesses in basal-like breast cancer, suggesting we may be able to develop therapeutic approaches effective in fighting BLBC.” From the patient’s perspective, coming up with a treatment plan following a breast cancer diagnosis can be difficult due to many disease sub-types. BLBC presents a greater challenge because most modern, targeted therapies are not effective against most basal-like cancers, nor are many chemotherapy agents. The McMurray lab takes a novel approach to tackle this problem, focusing on genetic dependencies downstream of where the cancer mutation initiates. By looking at the proteins and molecules that mediate the action of cancer genes, McMurray is harkening back to the groundbreaking work into CRGs done in the Land lab, which was published in 2008 in the journal Nature and became a platform for many other cancer investigations at

Wilmot. (Craig Jordan, Ph.D., the Philip and Marilyn Wehrheim professor of Medicine, has also expanded the discovery around CRGs to find connections to leukemia, his area of expertise.) “The discovery of CRGs gave us a window of access to those processes and components that may help us inhibit or reverse changes that cause normal cells to turn cancerous,” McMurray said. “The research of our team, and so many others throughout URMC, is revealing significant opportunity for anti-cancer intervention, and will produce significant advances against many forms of cancer in the years to come.” Indeed, by identifying genes that control and underlie cellular changes associated with malignancy, they hope to understand basal-like breast cancer in a new way. For instance, scientists in McMurray’s lab examine the normal, non-cancerous counterparts to BLBC cells, which helps to starkly reveal genes critical for cancer as well as genes that play a minimal role in regulating normal cells.

By achieving this level of cell-specificity, they hope to find the next generation of drugs that would take the opposite approach of chemotherapy, which acts like a sledgehammer to knock out malignancies as well as healthy cells. “Our research centers on understanding how signal integration and network architecture are distinct in cancer and normal cells. From that starting point, we test the role of CRG’s in BLBC and non-cancerous breast cells, and in metastasis and tumor initiation,” McMurray explained. “So far, we have discovered that numerous CRGs are disregulated in human breast cancer, and that BLBC cells are sensitive to manipulation of CRGs by genetic and pharmacologic means.” McMurray completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University before earning a Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Rochester, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Post-doctoral fellow Pierre Candelaria is leading her laboratory investigation. wcc

McMurray, right, with DeeDee Heyer.


hematoxylin

and Eosin stained tissue

section of tumor cells (400x

original magnification) from

xenograft model of basal-like

breast cancer [used by the

McMurray laboratory to identify

critical regulators in this

disease]


In 2011, a group of Rochester-area women with the desire to give back to their community shared their thoughts and came up with an idea for raising funds to support breast cancer research. Their idea – and later their actions – led to the very first seed grant award for breast cancer research at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. The group’s program, called the Breast Cancer Research Initiative, is led by Carol Mullin, Megan MacKenzie, and Josephine Trubek, and has grown to more than 25 members, many of whom are breast cancer survivors. They meet two to three times a year to discuss the newest research discoveries – inviting Wilmot physicians and scientists to present to them – and talk about their own experiences in dealing with the disease. Through their personal contributions, the group raised $25,000 during its first year alone, and has now exceeded $70,000. Constellation Brands, Inc., has also lent support to the program, agreeing to match future donations to the initiative up to $25,000. To date, two seed grants of $25,000 each have been awarded to Wilmot researchers. Helene McMurray, Ph.D., received the first grant, which is being used to support her research efforts in finding cancer cell-specific vulnerabilities in

breast cancer. A second grant was awarded in November to Regine Choe, Ph.D., whose lab focuses on diffuse optical methods based on near-infrared light illumination, which offers great potential for detection of breast cancer and monitoring the efficacy of treatments. Philanthropic seed grants are extremely important, enabling scientists to launch promising research initiatives and helping them generate results and data that help qualify them for larger government or foundation funding to support their next phase of study. These funds are pivotal and very difficult for young researchers to acquire. The group’s mission is to raise $25,000 every year, making this an annual award. “It’s because of the advances in breast cancer research and treatments over the last decade that I am here today, and this is just one small way I can give back and show how grateful I am for the care I received,” says Mullin.

For more information about joining the group, or contributing to their efforts, please contact Mary Koegel, associate director for Advancement, at (585) 273-3171 or [email protected]. wcc

Local Women Form Breast Cancer Initiative to Support Research

Helene McMurray, Ph.D., Carol Mullin

(James P. Wilmot Cancer Center National

Advisory Board member), Kristin Skinner,

M.D., Regine Choe, Ph.D. and Megan

MacKenzie

Philanthropic seed grants are extremely important, enabling scientists to launch promising research initiatives


A newly-formed partnership that hinted at great potential when talks began approximately two years ago reached yet another level in November when researchers from the Wilmot Cancer Center and Roswell Park Cancer Institute gathered for a collaborative science workshop/symposium. The event, held at the University of Rochester Alumni Center, signaled an important step forward in a collaborative venture that could have an enormous impact on cancer care and research in western New York. Leaders at Wilmot and Roswell began talking in 2010 about a vision of working more collaboratively and becoming a consortium that could be a national leader in cancer care and research. They also envisioned a regional scientific powerhouse able to attract more expertise, larger research studies, and increased federal funding. Within a year, a memorandum of understanding to guide the partnership was in place, and funding was secured to support an initial round of eight seed grants of $100,000 each for eight teams that included researchers from each institution. In early 2012, eight more seeds grants were awarded to eight new teams of researchers. “This is a partnership that has developed in a very substantial way,” said Hartmut “Hucky” Land, Ph.D., director of research and co-director of the Wilmot Cancer Center. “We’re seeing exciting progress and potentially transformative ideas generated from these teams of researchers. The work that they are accomplishing through these seed grants could position them more favorably for receipt of larger, federal grants. That’s particularly important at a time in which the budget for federal research grants has plateaued and competition for funding has significantly increased.”

The recently held symposium provided an opportunity for the first eight teams of researchers to present a progress report on their work to date and address questions and comments from the dozens of clinicians and scientists in the audience. Topics ranged from studies investigating the Microenvironment of Human Blood and Lung Cancers and a Lymphoma Translational Research Infrastructure to genomic analysis to hunt down genetic markers for prediction of disease progression in cancers of the esophagus and prostate. Those teams that received grants in the second round of funding also presented posters outlining the goals and scope of their projects. “Spending much of the day together in this type of setting allows for a very productive exchange of ideas,” Land said. “It is our expectation that this relationship will continue to grow and evolve into one that benefits both great institutions and, more importantly, further elevates the quality of research and cancer care provided to patients in both communities.” wcc

Research Collaborative with Roswell Park Continues to Grow

Wilmot’s Craig Jordan, Ph.D., confers with co-presenter

Eunice Wang, M.D.,from Roswell.

Eunice Wang, M.D., presents her group’s research.

Roswell President and CEO, Donald “Skip” Trump, M.D.,

Wilmot Acting Director Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., donor

E. Phillip Saunders, Candace Johnson, Ph.D., deputy

director at Roswell, and Hucky Land, Ph.D., co-director at

Wilmot.Hartmut “Hucky” Land, Ph.D., (right) chats with Roswell

co-investigator James Mohler, M.D.

Gary Morrow, Ph.D., M.S. accepts Davey Award from Linda Wells-Davey and

Peter Davey. Andrei Gudkov, Ph.D., presents the Alan J. Underberg Memorial Lecture.


Gary Morrow, Ph.D., M.S., Receives 2012 Davey Memorial Award for Outstanding Cancer Research at Annual Wilmot Science Symposium

Gary Morrow, Ph.D., M.S., received the 2012 Davey Memorial Award for outstanding cancer research, presented November 15 during the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center’s 17th annual Scientific Symposium. The annual symposium

celebrates the leading-edge cancer research of University of Rochester Medical Center physicians and scientists. Morrow’s presentation, Three Decades of Paradigm Shifts in Cancer Control: An Eyewitness View, presented an overview of the huge gains made in helping cancer patients control many of the sometimes debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath and nausea. Over the span of a 36-year career, Morrow has made landmark contributions to research related to cancer survivorship and symptom management, As the head of Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) Research Base at the Wilmot Cancer Center, Morrow has helped position the University of Rochester Medical Center and its multidisciplinary team of investigators

at the forefront of cancer control research. The UR CCOP has been in existence since 1983 - the first CCOP Research base funded in a cancer center in the U.S. The symposium also featured Andrei Gudkov, Ph.D., who delivered the Alan J. Underberg Memorial Lecture, the keynote presentation for the day. Dr. Gudkov serves as Senior Vice President for Basic Research; Chair of the Department of Cell Stress Biology, and as a member of the senior leadership team for the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. A pre-eminent cancer researcher, he is responsible for building on the basic and translational research strengths of the Cell Stress Biology program in DNA damage and repair, photodynamic therapy, thermal and hypoxic stress and immune modulation. wcc

A poster contest was

once again a feature of

the annual symposium.

Hucky Land, Ph.D., Mark Underberg, Joyce Underberg, Andrei Gudkov, Ph.D. and

Yekaterina Leonova.


PRESENTING SPONSORS

The Pike Company

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Joan and Harold Feinbloom

The James P. Wilmot Foundation

GOLD SPONSORS

Dorschel Automotive Group

First Niagara Bank, N.A.

Hammer Packaging

Cricket & Frank Luellen

Jane F. & Wm. J. Napier

Charitable Lead Trust

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

SILVER SPONORS

Donald Blair & Partners Architects, LLP

Bonadio & Co., LLP

Yuhchyau Chen, M.D., Ph.D. &

the Dept. of Radiation Oncology

Constellation Brands

Loretta Wilmot Conroy

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Richard I. Fisher, M.D. &

Susan G. Fisher, Ph.D.

Hahn Automotive Warehouse

Louis Iovoli

J.T. Mauro Co., Inc.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney –

Pelican Bay Group

Tribridge Holdings, LLC

Colleen & Thomas C. Wilmot, Sr.

Christopher J. Wilmot & Kathleen Goll

James A. Wilmot

Marion & William B. Wilmot

Paul J. Wilmot

Terri & Timothy P. Wilmot

Zeller Corporation

BRONZE SPONSORS

George N. Abraham, M.D.

Advantage Federal Credit Union

Richard T. Bell & Marianne Bittner

Billitier Electric

Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC

Susan Taylor-Brown, M.D. &

Marc Brown, M.D.

Burke Group

Canandaigua National Bank & Trust

Dominick Caroselli

Cobblestone Capital Advisors, LLC

Mary K. Collins & J. Christine Wilson

Justin Croteau & Jon Croteau, M.D.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co., Inc.

DGA Builders

Dimino Enterprises

Employee Relations Associates

Fibertech Networks, LLC

Jonathan Freidberg, M.D. &

Laura Calvi, M.D.

Genentech

Harris Beach, PLLC

Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP

Jennifer Hartmann

Highland Hospital

Interlakes Oncology Hematology, P.C.

Jay Advertising

Donna & Craig Jordan, Ph.D.

Karpus Investment Management

The Kimmel Company

K. Hartmut Land, Ph.D. & Colleen Buzzard

Kathy & Peter Landers

LeChase Construction Services, LLC

Jane Liesveld, M.D. &

Deepak Sahasrabudhe, M.D.

Linden Oaks Medical Campus

Judy & Paul Linehan

M&T Bank

Manning & Napier Advisors, Inc.

Kim & Stephen McCluski

Merrill Lynch, Private Wealth Advisors

Monroe Tractor & Implement Co.

Mullen Family Foundation

MVP Healthcare

Nixon Peabody, LLP

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Paychex, Inc.

Postler & Jaeckle, Corp

The Red Barn Fine Apparel

Red Barn Properties, Inc.

Gavin Reynolds

Rochester Gas & Electric Corp.

Rose & Kiernan, Inc.

Geoffrey Rosenberger

Elaine & Ferdinand Smith

Shari & Greg Smith

Strong Memorial Hospital

SWBR Architects

J.B. Sterling Co.

Thomson Reuters

Trident Precision Manufacturing, Inc.

UBS Financial Services

University of Rochester Medical Center

U.S. Trust, Bank of America

Susan van der Stricht

Ward Greenberg Heller & Reidy, LLP

WHEC-TV, LLC

Katie & Dennis Wilmot

Zoe & Kevin Wilmot

Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP

WROC-TV/Fox Rochester

Corporate Underwriting Committee

Richard DiMarzo

Gregg Genovese

James Hammer

Paul Hanrahan

Lou Iovoli

Robert Kessler

Kathleen Landers

Jeff Pierce

Larry Rabinowitz

Gavin Reynolds

Donald Rhoda

Gregory Smith

Dennis Wilmot

Mary Ann Zutes

DISCOVERy PACkAGE COMMITTEE

Marianne Bittner

Elaine DelMonte

Katy Hanrahan

Laura Haseley

Seana Holtz

Linda Kelly

Roberta Kesselring

Diana Lauria

Carolyn Linehan

Jana Maxwell

Elaine Michael

Jeff Seidel

Shari Smith

Liz Vega-Calkins

Hazel Williamson

VOLUNTEERS

Miriam Ackley

Deeanna Cavigliano

Maureen Dell

Irene Doktor

Christine Del Regno

Melisa Durkin

Joseph Gattellaro

MaryEllen and Mike Gentile

Charice Hoyt-Davis

Paul Infantino

Desirae Jordan

Maria Kangelidis

Mary Ann King

Rachel Krenzer

Diana Lauria

Marianne Leahy

Peggy Martin

Lisa McNiece

Christina Nyman

Benjamin Ochrym

Jason Polasek

Hazel Pugh

Carol Reed

Jodi Revill

Mary Rogan

Christyn Sanagursky

Mary Ellen Schauseil

George Smith

Megan Vargulick

GIFT-IN-kIND

Canfield & Tack, Inc.

Constellation Brands, Inc.

DPI SecuPrint

Forsythe Jewelers

Parachute Graphics

Phoenix Graphics

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Ball co-chairs Shari and Greg Smith with their daughters Emma (left) and Sydney.


Thanks to the generous support of so many in the Rochester region, the annual Discovery Ball has become the single largest fundraiser for the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, providing vital support for the center’s commitment to providing world-class care and research to the greater Rochester community and beyond. This year’s Ball, held in April and chaired by cancer survivors Greg and Sheri Smith, was a huge success, raising $650,000 for the Wilmot Cancer Center. The evening included live entertainment that showcased various local musical acts, including the Eastman School of Music, Brasso Profundo, and electric violinist, Perrin Yang, from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Inspiration Award to breast cancer survivor, Megan MacKenzie. The Inspiration Award is the Wilmot Cancer Center’s highest honor and is presented

annually to an individual who has helped cancer patients and their families have hope for the future. As chronicled elsewhere in this issue, Megan has made it her mission to raise funds for seed grant research and help fund the needs of the Comprehensive

Breast Care Center at the Wilmot Cancer Center. Enlisting her friends and family, she has been the catalyst behind such events as ‘Girls Hit the Ring: Knock out Breast Cancer,’ and ‘Hiking Colorado for a Cure.’

She has managed to raise more than $100,000 through her efforts.

In her acceptance speech, Megan spoke of the difficult moments

during her care and how the support of friends and family helped her to see a light at the end of her treatment tunnel. Megan asked guests to light candles at each table and pledge their support for the Wilmot Cancer Center. The room glowed and

ultimately raised over $120,000 for cancer research. The brief evening program included remarks from the Smiths, University of Rochester President Joel Seligman, URMC CEO Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., as well as Steve McCluski, chair of the

Wilmot Cancer Center Board. More than 850 friends, patients, staff and supporters enjoyed a wide-array of delicious desserts and danced the night away to music played by Jimmy C’s Music Machine in the Club Discovery area. The 2013 Discovery Ball will be held May 11, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

2012 Discovery Ball

Megan MacKenzie,

Inspiration Award winner

Above (left to right): Matt Weber, Tom Corell, Cathy Dobrowal, Debbie Smith,

Jennifer LaChance, Leo Murphy and Peter DeBraal

Below (left to right): Donna & Jim Hammer, Sandy & Mike Wilmot

Above (left to right): Sandi Bishop, Don Rhoda, Bill Bishop and Pamela

Rhoda At left: Phil & Marilyn Wehrheim, Susan & Bob Kessler


hockey is a rough and tumble sport, and the physical nature of the game puts participants at risk. Megan MacKenzie, whose love of the sport was affirmed by her participation first as a player and then an official, was always able to avoid getting hurt. “I was too smart for that,” she quips. Her battle with cancer, however, was another story as she was blindsided more than a few times. MacKenzie, an engaging and energetic cancer survivor scored a much bigger victory in her fight against breast cancer, taking each punch it threw her way, and always bouncing back up for more. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s a fierce competitor – a former soccer All-American at the University of Rochester and a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, a former participant in boy’s youth hockey leagues, and now a demon on the paddle tennis court. Or the fact that as number 10 of 13 children, she endured the sibling rivalries and the rugged games played on the backyard rink, where she learned to skate at the age of two (“My parents were Canadian,” she laughs.). Whatever shaped Megan MacKenzie’s spirit made it iron-strong, as not many could have endured the many blows she took. In mid-December 2006, MacKenzie found a lump in her right breast during a self exam. She was vigilant about her exams because of family history. Her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1940, had a mastectomy, and lived into her 80’s before passing away. A subsequent mammogram showed a tumor and a cloudy mass. By the time she had additional imaging tests completed, radiologists had found three tumors and two “hot spots.”She is almost non-chalant in describing her initial reaction. “From the beginning, I knew I was going to have a mastectomy,” she said. “The good

news was that it was not in my lymph nodes and it was Stage One.” MacKenzie’s optimism would soon be tested. Just days after an ultrasound that identified her tumors, her mother passed away at age 85. If that wasn’t enough, during the calling hours for her mother, her father received word that recent tests he had undergone confirmed that he had esophageal cancer. Together, they embarked on an internet journey to research more about their diseases, sharing frustrations along the way. Without realizing it at the time, MacKenzie was entering into the second phase of her battle with cancer – that of a patient advocate. “He confided a lot in me and I did my best to give him guidance,” she recalled. In another cruel twist, her father lost his battle on Christmas Day 2007 at the age of 86. Megan’s surgery which was to include a mastectomy and breast reconstruction was scheduled for late February 2007 and brought yet another blow. After nearly 12 hours in the O.R., she awoke to find that the reconstructive surgery had to be aborted, and that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, meaning that what was

originally diagnosed as Stage One cancer was now Stage Two. In addition to removing 22 lymph nodes, Dr. Kristin Skinner, director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center at URMC and chief of the division of Surgical Oncology removed four tumors. As she prepared for consults with Michelle Shayne, M.D. and Marilyn Ling, M.D. to plan follow up chemotherapy and radiation treatments, respectively, MacKenzie received more bad news, Pathology reports from her tissue samples and additional CT scans that showed a spot on her lung and a tumor on the sixth rib on her right side made her diagnosis far graver. Coming in for her first chemo treatment, MacKenzie met with Shayne, and intuitively knew something was wrong. She (Dr. Shayne) had this poker face and I knew right away I was in trouble,”MacKenzie recalls. “She told me that a bone scan and the CT scan confirmed that things had changed again. My cancer was no longer curable but it was treatable and would someday take my life.” In late July 2007, MacKenzie had surgery to remove four inches of her rib. Finally, after months of an ever-worsening prognosis, she received some good news. The tumor was found to be benign, and her chances at survival went from 0% to 85%. Eight rounds of chemotherapy and 42 radiation treatments later, MacKenzie received the words she had been waiting for.

Ability to Surmount Obstacles and Give Back Make MacKenzie an Inspiration

Megan MacKenzie carefully makes her way over a stream

during her Hiking for a Cure journey.

Megan MacKenzie and friends take a break


“I graduated from the Wilmot Cancer Center on January 23, 2008 (the date of her last treatment) and since then I have been cancer free,” she beams. “Until that point, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.” Her personal battle now complete, MacKenzie took up the fight for others as a way of giving back. A fitness boxing class she took to gain back her strength introduced her to nine other women who wanted to do a boxing fundraiser for breast cancer, and the annual “Knock-Out Breast Cancer” was born. “They wanted me to be their poster child,” she laughs. Her fellow officials in the close-knit sport of hockey had also come to her aid during her struggles. In April they had donated funds to MacKenzie and another official who had also been diagnosed with cancer within weeks of her. The donation came with a book of inspirational messages from her colleagues.

“I was floored. So many people had done so much for me; I felt that I had to return the favor. I felt the best way was to help the next person in line.” As a result, in addition to becoming involved with Knock-Out Breast Cancer, MacKenzie became part of the annual “Golden Challenge” soccer game between the women’s teams at Nazareth College and SUNY Brockport. “I had played soccer with the coaches at Nazareth (Gail Mann) and Brockport (Joan Schockow) and they came to me and wanted to honor me and another survivor, and donate money to the breast care center at Wilmot.” With the support of her close friends in hockey officiating circles, MacKenzie took on her biggest fundraising challenge in July 2011 – Hiking for a Cure. She and three of her colleagues hiked Section 12 of the Colorado trail, spending four days backpacking through the rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness. The trek included 24

miles along the trail, and an additional 3-5 miles each day just getting to and from the trail. Thanks to MacKenzie’s efforts, Hiking for a Cure raised approximately $10,000. Funds from this year’s Golden Challenge and from her 50th birthday party (“a kegger,” she laughs), raised an additional $7,000, enabling her to generate $17,000 for the Wilmot Cancer Center. Her desire to raise funds for the center stems from her great respect for the physicians and researchers based there. “When you realize the talent at the Wilmot Cancer Center, which is in our own backyard, you realize the need to support the research,” she said. “During this time fundraising, I’ve met more and more people behind the scenes. When you see what needs to be done, you can’t help but to be inspired and roll your sleeves up. It’s not going to take one person to beat this (cancer)…it’s going to take a whole community to beat it.” wcc

A peek at some gorgeous scenery along the trail.


* Congratulations to the organizers of the first ‘Battle at the Bay’ event. They raised $7,540 for GI cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center in the name of their late friend, Billy Statt.

* Many thanks to the staff at the Soccer Shack, in Brighton, for raising more than $100 to help support the purchase of new prone breast boards for the Department of Radiation Oncology.

* Volunteers and employees of Henrietta Ambulance ‘went pink’ and raised over $800 by creating pink ‘EMS’ t-shirts and pink EMS pins, which were sold to members and friends with proceeds benefiting the Comprehensive Breast Care Center at the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* Congratulations to the Brighton Girls Field Hockey team, who hosted a ‘Play for the Cure’ week, wearing and selling pink socks, and collecting donations to support breast cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center. The girls raised $300 through their efforts.

* Special thanks to the staff at TLC Adventures in Child Care. They raised $861 for the Wilmot Cancer Center through a variety of employee-driven fundraising endeavors.

* Many thanks to Pauline Kubica, and the staff of the Department of Microbiology at Strong Memorial Hospital for their donation of $104 to support the Comprehensive Breast Care Center Patient Needs Fund.

* Congratulations to the students at School of the Arts, as they hosted ‘SOTA Goes Pink for Breast Cancer.’ They sold t-shirts with student designed artwork and held their 2nd annual basketball event with staff vs. staff, and juniors vs. seniors. Both students and staff had an amazing time helping to raise the $500 donation.

* Congratulations to Megan Johnson on a very successful Holiday Harvest Showcase. More than 200 people enjoyed an afternoon of shopping from 30 different vendors, including jewelry, handbags, quilts, and more. The event, held in Geneseo, raised $430 to support the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* Happy 40th anniversary to Eastview Mall! The mall’s anniversary celebration culminated in a donation of $2,228 to the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* To Kevin and Zoe Wilmot, Carolyn Linehan and many of their family and friends who joined Crosby’s Crew for the Eastman House Photo Finish 5k. Together they raised more than $120,000 to support pediatric cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

* To Richard DiMarzo for donating a

Pig Roast dinner for 80 guests at Lento Restaurant. The event was a huge success, raising awareness and generating more than $8,500 to support for Judy’s Fund for Cancer Survivorship. Special thanks to Paul and Katy Hanrahan for their help.

* Hats off to Angelo Rose and Toby Reh, along with the staff at Rose and Reh Attorney’s in Victor, for hosting their 3rd annual ‘Holiday Benefit’ to support the Wilmot Cancer Center’s Patient Needs Fund. More than 130 guests came out to celebrate the holiday season, enjoy great food, and listen to original music by Angelo Rose. At the end of the evening, $5,905 was raised from their efforts.

* Many thanks to Tom Lewis for hosting a Jamboree in memory of his close friend and musical colleague, Carl Trenchard. The event was filled with great food and music, and wonderful stories about Carl and the impact he had on the music community in the southern tier. More than $600 was raised to support cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* Congratulations to Mike Roberts and his organizing committee for an amazingly successful 3rd annual Nancy Lives, Wilmot Gives fundraising event and 1st annual golf tournament. Held in memory

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Sandra Sabatka, LMSW, left, with Pauline Kubica

Nancy Lives, Wilmot Gives organizers

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of Mike’s mother, Nancy Roberts, this event draws more than 400 people, who enjoy a wonderful party with good food and friends. This year’s event raised more than $13,000 for the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* Congratulations to Dalida Atallah, owner of Dado boutique, and her team who put on two fantastic fashion shows a year to benefit Wilmot. The 2012 shows raised close to $50,000, making their cumulative total $100,000.

* Congratulations to the organizers of the first annual ‘Strollin’ for the Colon’ walk event that was held in the spring in Geneseo. Nurses from the Gastroentrology group led the event to help spread awareness and raise funds for colon cancer research. The first-time event raised more than $11,000.

* Many thanks to Kaitlyn Osterling and her family for hosting the first annual ‘For Pete’s Sake Memorial Golf Tournament’, in memory of Peter Osterling, who lost his battle to liver cancer. The event was held in June and raised close to $10,000.

* The 5th annual Meaghan’s Run event was a success in remembering Meaghan Latone and her battle with non-smoker’s lung cancer. More than 500 people participated on the rainy day, and $25,000 was raised to support Dr. Yuhchyau Chen’s research in lung cancer.

* The third annual Michael Contestabile golf tournament was held in July to remember Michael, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. $10,000 was raised to support Dr. Aram Hezel’s pancreatic cancer research.

* The Brockport Rotary once again put on a great family event with a BBQ competition, music and BBQ! The three-day event raised $10,000 for the Wilmot Cancer Center.

* The second annual Jack Keller Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Deerfield Country Club. They raised over $4,500 to support pancreatic research.

* The inaugural KM tournament was held in August at Mill Creek Golf Course in memory of Kathleen Mrzywka. The tournament raised $5,000 to benefit brain tumor research.

* Family and friends of Dave Caisse held a memorial walk in Chili. The day’s event raised $1,800 to support the brain tumor patient needs fund.

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Colon Cancer Walk (left to right): Mary Jo Ciaccia, Ginny Gullo, Tina Cottone, Alok

Khorana, M.D., and Vivek Kaul, M.D. Jennifer Serventi, N.P., Michael Mrzywka and Nimish Mohile, M.D.

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Wilmot Cancer Center to Partner with Channel 13 for Unique Education/Fundraising EventThroughout the day of January 30, Channel 13 News will feature a sharp focus on the Wilmot Cancer Center and the research underway to fight the war against cancer. As part of the “Planting Seeds of hope” day-long event, during each newscast – beginning at 5:00 a.m. and running through the 6:00 news – Channel 13 will feature segments with URMC researchers

and patients. This event – designed to raise awareness of and generate funds for seed research – will feature live interviews with Wilmot physicians and scientists during Channel 13’s newscasts throughout the day. During this time, viewers will be encouraged to call a special phone bank manned by Wilmot staff and supporters to make donations to support seed research at Wilmot. Seed funding is vitally important to researchers, providing funds that enable them to collect essential data and form the foundation of research that will allow them to compete for larger, federal grants. Be sure to call in with your support as an anonymous donor has agreed to match contributions. Plan on joining us!


(from left) Students Laura Ogozaly and Allison Yacono

with teacher Betsy Spanagel

Bebette yunis Uses Fight With Rare Form of Cancer as Inspiration to Give Back

It takes a strong person to turn adversity into something positive, but that is exactly what Bebette Yunis did when she celebrated her 50th birthday recently. Having been diagnosed two years ago with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a rare form of lymphoma, Bebette chose to turn her birthday into a fun-filled event that raised more than $100,000 for the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. “ Bebette’s Fabulous 50th Fundraiser” was held at her family’s home, Camp Arey, on the shores of Keuka Lake. More than 300 family members and friends gathered on

a perfect summer evening to eat, drink, dance, bid on auction items and generally have a wonderful time. In celebrating their love and

support for Bebette, they enthusiastically supported her efforts to raise funds for the Wilmot Cancer Center and its doctors and staff who worked so hard to help her get to this point. It was not the first time that Bebette inspired this type of philanthropy. In May 2010, not long after she had been diagnosed, her friends Robin and John Katko participated in a 100-mile bicycle race in her honor. Each of the riders had a picture of Bebette on their jersey and when the ride became difficult they used Bebette’s example as inspiration. Funds were raised for the Central New York Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Later that month, her nephew, Rance Reynolds, decided to shave his head and to raise money for the hospital which was taking such good care of Bebette, who, because of her treatments, had already lost hers. Supporters of Rance’s efforts contributed $15,000, which was donated to the Wilmot Cancer Center. Feeling a bit stronger in September 2010, Bebette walked in the “Light the Night” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising $3,000. At that point she said, “It was my first effort in ‘giving back’ and I want to be able to help the less fortunate patients with blood cancers be able enjoy the comforts that I have been provided during this disease. Hopefully, the money raised can help assist those people with basics like food, gas, medical supplies etc...” She participated in the “Light the Night” again in 2011, setting the pattern for the philanthropy that would follow. After speaking with Wilmot’s Deborah Mulford, M.D., Bebette and her partner, Kristen De Luca, decided to donate the funds raised from the birthday party to the Patient Needs Fund. This fund supports cancer patients at the Cancer Center who do not have the means to pay for basic needs such as transportation, utility bills and prescription drugs – the kinds of things Bebette had thought about in 2010 when she participated in her first fundraiser. Motivated by this cause, Bebette and Kristen drew upon their many friends and family to supply donations for this event. They asked that people make a donation to the cancer center to attend. Her parents, Nicholas and Barbara, generously offered to help underwrite some of the costs of the event. Friends and family members donated trips, wine, jewelry, sporting goods and other items which would be the core of the silent auction that helped Bebette double her initial $50,000 goal.

National Philanthropy DayCongratulations to the students and Math Teachers at Rush-Henrietta’s 9th Grade Academy, for winning the Outstanding Youth Philanthropists award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Rochester Chapter celebration of National Philanthropy Day last November. For each of the last five years, students at the school have celebrated Pi Day (3.14 or March 14th) in a very unique way. They bring in their loose change to donate to the Wilmot Cancer Center and for each $40 raised in each classroom, the students are able to ‘pie’ their teacher on Pi Day. “We’re so happy for the students to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the fight against cancer,” says Betsy Spanagel, a math teacher at the school, and organizer of the annual Pi Day Fundraiser. “It’s very popular with the kids – for obvious reasons,” she quips, “and has now turned into a rite-of-passage for 9th graders.” Over the five years, the students have raised more than $8,800, and thrown more than 150 whipped cream pies at their teachers.

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Bebbette Yunis and Kristen De Luca


Calendar of EventsSaturday, January 19 | Nancy Lives, Wilmot Gives | Easy on EastJoin family and friends of Nancy Roberts as they celebrate and remember Nancy Roberts at this fourth annual fundraiser. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. at Easy on East. For a $10 donation you will receive food, drink specials, great music and prizes. To learn more visit nancylives.com

Wednesday, January 30 | “Planting Seeds of hope” | Channel 13 News A day-long event, during each newscast – beginning at 5:00 a.m. and running through the 6:00 news – Channel 13 will feature segments with URMC researchers and patients. During this time, viewers will be encouraged to call a special phone bank manned by Wilmot staff and supporters to make donations to support seed research at Wilmot.

Saturday, February 9 | Bet and Bid to Rid Sarcoma Cancer | Rochester Plaza hotelJoin family and friends of Tiffany Lill as they host a fun and entertaining evening with casino gaming, food and music. All proceeds benefit the Steel Lillies foundation, named in Tiffany’s memory for sarcoma research at the Wilmot Cancer Center. For more information call (585) 276-4717.

Sunday, February 10 | keeping the hope Alive | Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn, MacedonCelebrating its 6th year, this annual event supports breast cancer care and research at the Wilmot Cancer Center. The event will be held from 1:00 -5:00 p.m, Contact Paula Bokman for more information at [email protected].

Saturday, May 11, 2013 | Discovery Ball | Rochester Riverside Convention CenterFor more information contact Shannon Martin [email protected] Friday, May 17, 2013 | Cancer Survivor’s Night at the Red Wings game | Frontier FieldJoin the Wilmot Cancer Center as we co-host an evening for cancer survivors, caregivers and their family and friends at the ballpark. Tickets will be available at a discounted price of $6.00. Save the date and plan on joining us!

The Pike Company, a Rochester-based, family-owned commercial builder that has had a role in creating scores of high-profile structures throughout the Northeast, has been an important partner of the Wilmot Cancer Center every brick of the way. “It was an honor to be selected as the construction manager to build the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center that opened in May of 2008 and then again to be selected for the four-story vertical expansion which opened in July,” says Thomas Judson Jr., Chairman and CEO of Pike. Pike not only worked diligently to build the state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer

center, but continues to support monetarily the world-class research and treatment within its walls. “It has been extremely important to me personally and to my family,” Judson says. “My daughter, Bess, and I were both successfully treated for cancer more than ten years ago. Many employees of The Pike Company have had family members and friends treated by this wonderful facility.” Pike has helped ensure that our community has a leading-edge facility for future generations who may need to walk through the Wilmot Cancer Center doors.

Corporate Partnership Spotlight: The Pike Company

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wilmotcancercenter.com

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 780Rochester, NY

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704Rochester, NY 14642

Join us for the 2013 Wilmot Cancer Center Discovery Ball:

Saturday, May 11, 2013Rochester Riverside Convention Center6:00 pm

Co-Chairs: Jeff & Patrice Pierce

Inspiration Award Recipient: Georgiana Zicari

Attire: Black Tie

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information please contact Shannon Martin at 276-4716 or [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE! 2013 Discovery Ball Saturday, May 11, 2013

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