Winter 2010 - Karmanos Cancer Institute

2011 Calendar
A Y e A r o f H o p e A n d H e A L I n G At t H e B A r B A r A A n n K A r M A n o S C A n C e r I n S t I t U t e
HOPE

Pink Power
Third-Party Events Help Raise Critical Funds
for Cancer Care and Research
The Plymouth Whalers hockey team
demonstrated the power of positive pinking last
October, as they donned custom pink uniforms
and dyed their hair pink to raise funds for the third
annual Pink Out! for Breast Cancer Awareness
game. The Whalers, owned by Peter Karmanos, Jr.,
raised about $18,000 for breast cancer research at
the Karmanos Cancer Institute. They also defeated
the Windsor Spitfires 4-1, making the game all
the more thrilling.
The unique event, which took place October 16,
2010 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, featured
breast cancer survivors dropping the puck at center
ice during the ceremonial face off. The Whalers
auctioned off the pink jerseys during and after the
game. Many of the 3,127 fans who attended also
wore pink to show their support. The 2011 Pink
Out! promises to be just as exciting.
January
2011 Motor City Open:
The Professional Squash Association
Shen Yun Performing Arts
February
BMD Charities 21st Annual Charity Ball
Knit Michigan
aPril
9th Annual Garden City Moose
Lodge Cancer Auction
May
The $500,000 Odyssey 2-Ball Putt Challenge
presented by Carl’s Golfland
Equestrian Dreams Trail Ride
3rd Annual Ken Wood Memorial Golf Outing
The Live Like Andi Run for a Cure
North Brothers Ford/City of
Westland 5K Run/Walk
June
21st Annual Hank Greenberg
Memorial Golf Invitational
John M. Malone Jr. MD, Second
Annual Golf Classic
9th Annual Solstice Run
July
Canton’s Tournament of Hope
Cruising for the Cure
FDJ International Dragon Boats Festival
Hour Detroit’s Best of Detroit Party
Nick Karmanos, vice president of Development
at Karmanos, was at the game to accept the
Whalers’ donation.
“Third-party events like the Pink Out! are incredibly
important to the Karmanos Cancer Institute,”
Karmanos says. “They raise critical funds in support
of our mission to offer the best possible care for
our patients and provide critical funding for our
nationally-recognized cancer research efforts. This
would not be possible without the help of the
many caring individuals who organize these terrific
events on our behalf and generate hundreds of
thousands of dollars in support of our efforts.”
If your organization is interested in partnering with
the Karmanos Cancer Institute, call
313-576-8121.
PHOTO: Dominique King
www.midwestguest.com
SKIN: A Melanoma Research Benefit
“The More You Show, The More You Know”
Three Shots Against Cancer
august
3rd Annual Al Knake Golf Outing
for Pancreatic Research
BAPS Charities Walkathon
The 9th Annual Janet Lynn Ripper Golf Outing
PCGC Golf Classic
The Third Annual Ryan O’Donnell Golf Classic
7th Annual Tammy Z Golf Outing
sePteMber
7th Annual Janice McTigue Golf Tournament
American Sewing Expo
Connecting the Dots of Michigan’s 3rd Annual
BCCCP Faith of a Mustard Seed Fundraiser
Florine Mark’s ReMARKable Women
Live Luncheon
8th Annual GFLCF Lung Cancer 5k Run/Walk
11th Annual Kenneth J. Scott
Memorial Golf Outing
8th Annual Kicks for the Cure
Leon and Lulu’s Pink with a Passion
Polly’s Walk for Hope
october
5th Annual Skating 4 the Cure
7th Annual Image Salon Cut-a-thon
Better Made Breast Cancer Promotion
Buddy’s Pizza Breast Cancer Promotion
Detroit Free Press Marathon
Hard Rock Café Detroit Pinktober
The 8th Annual Kay McDevitt
Memorial Golf Outing
Kroger Breast Cancer Promotion
Macy’s Twelve Oaks Breast Cancer
Awareness Fundraiser
Plymouth Whalers 4th Annual Pink Out!
Sista Strut
noveMber
11th Annual Celebration of Hope
hosted by Shaggieink
Sky Foundation Inc. Fundraiser
All events open to the public.
Inclusive as of November 19, 2010.
For more details and a full list of events,
visit www.karmanos.org/events.asp

January
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January is Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Month.
To learn more about cervical cancer treatment or
prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.
16 17 Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day 18 19 20 21
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February
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Orthodox
3 4 5 6 Armenian Christmas 7 Christmas Day
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1 New Year’s Day
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For four consecutive years, the Karmanos Cancer
Center has topped the list of preferred hospitals in
southeast Michigan for cancer care, according to a
survey by the National Research Corporation. Here are
a few reasons why our patients choose Karmanos over
other hospitals:
• Karmanos is one of only 40 National Cancer Institutedesignated
comprehensive cancer centers in the entire
United States.
• All of the Karmanos cancer specialists treat a specific
type of cancer.
• Best Doctors and Hour Detroit magazine recently
singled out many Karmanos physicians and placed
them on their “Best Doctors” and “Top Docs” lists.
• Karmanos offers access to more than 100 cancer
treatments that no other local hospital has.
• There are more than 200 types of cancer and Karmanos
not only treats them all – cancer is all we treat.
“Karmanos is totally focused on cancer treatment,
research and education,” says Karmanos President and
CEO Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. “Cancer patients
should know that we are deeply committed to providing
them with the highest quality care. Our cancer experts are
discovering new therapies every day, which will one day
lead to the end of this disease.”
For more information on cancer care and services call
1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266; or visit Karmanos.org.

February
S u N D AY
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M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
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Groundhog Day
Muhammad’s
14 Valentine’s Day 15 16 Birthday 17 18 19
21 Presidents’ Day
22 23 24 25 26
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Adopt a healthy
lifestyle and follow a diet that contains more nutrient-rich foods,
such as vegetables, grains and fruit. Exercise daily and undergo
routine health screenings. Be sure and tell your doctor
if you have a family history of cancer.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
Prophet
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Living ProoF
THE VALuE OF A COLONOSCOPY
In June 2006, Judge Kevin Robbins
received a phone call that changed his life.
The caller was Rafael Prevot, a close friend
who lived in New York City.
“Rafael told me he had stage IV colon cancer
and it had metastasized,” says Robbins, who is
on the bench at Detroit’s 36th District Court
and is a visiting judge for the Wayne County
Circuit Court Criminal Division. “Rafael asked
me to promise that I would get a colonoscopy,
and I told him I would. He died in 2008 at age
49. He was just five days younger than me.”
Robbins remained true to his word and got the
test. He also received an unexpected result: a
stage III cancer diagnosis.
“I was completely shocked,” Robbins says. “I was
just 47 and had absolutely no symptoms. I had
recently been married and had a newborn son. My
late mother was also being treated for esophageal
cancer and I was helping to care for her. Suddenly,
I was also diagnosed with cancer.”
Robbins chose to be treated at the Karmanos
Cancer Center, the same hospital where his
mother received care. He also chose the same
physician: Philip Philip, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P.,
a member of the Gastrointestinal Oncology
Multidisciplinary Team and professor of
Medicine and Oncology at Karmanos and
Wayne State University School of Medicine.
“I was so happy with the care my mom received
from Dr. Philip, I knew that I wanted him to
treat me,” Robbins says. “He gave me a lot of
support when I felt apprehensive. My mom and
I went to Karmanos for treatments together.”
Robbins’ cancer was spreading quickly. After
undergoing surgery, Robbins began an aggressive
six-month chemotherapy regimen, followed by
regular surveillance. Two years later, Robbins
became cancer-free. He continues to see Dr.
Philip for checkups.
“A colonoscopy is the best way to see if a
colorectal problem is caused by underlying
cancer,” Dr. Philip says. “We think colonoscopies
will reduce the number of new cases and people
dying from the disease. The average age for an
initial colonoscopy is 50, but you may want to
get the test earlier if you have a family history
of colon cancer, or some other related cancer or
bowel condition. The rate of colon cancer incidence
and colonic polyps are higher in younger
African Americans, and they should consider
getting the initial colonoscopy before age 50,
preferably starting at age of 45.”
Robbins remains thankful he got the test
before turning 50, and urges family, friends and
colleagues to do the same.
“Rafael was my guardian angel,” says Robbins,
who now has three children. “He could have
crawled into a shell and kept his diagnosis to
himself. Instead, he urged his family and friends
to get a colonoscopy. And I’m forever grateful,
because I’d be dead if I didn’t get that test right
away. It’s all about early diagnosis and treatment
– I’ll never stop spreading that message.”
For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS
or 1-800-527-6266.
Judge Kevin robbins

March
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Daylight Saving
Time Begins
Purim
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2011
T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
2
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Ash Wednesday
14 15 16 17 St. Patrick’s Day 18 19
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March is National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month. To learn more about
colorectal cancer treatment or prevention,
please visit Karmanos.org.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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onnie evans
Breaking
the habit
KARMANOS HELPS LuNG CANCER PATIENT
QuIT SMOKING – FOR GOOD
Bonnie Evans admits she grew up in
a strict household. But there’s one thing
her parents allowed their children to do,
starting in their late teens.
“They gave us permission to smoke,” says
Evans, 55. “I started smoking at age 17.”
By the time Evans became an adult, she
went from smoking a few occasional
cigarettes to two packs a day. Smoking
helped her cope with stress, she said.
Life became more stressful for Evans in
2003 when doctors diagnosed her with
stage IV lung cancer. After three months
of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the
tumors were gone. Still, Evans continued to
smoke. Six months later, the cancer returned.
“I felt completely ashamed, and my
doctor made me feel even more ashamed,”
Evans says. “I wanted to quit and tried
many times, but nothing worked.”
Evans switched doctors and came to
Karmanos, where she began treatment under
the care of Shirish Gadgeel, M.D., leader,
Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary
Team, and associate professor, Wayne State
University School of Medicine. She also
made an appointment with Oncology
Social Worker Kathleen Hardy.
“At Karmanos, we provide the tools to help
them quit,” Hardy says. “And the desire to
quit has to come from the patient –
we don’t force anyone into it.”
Hardy told Evans about the smoking
cessation workshops at Karmanos,
organized by the department of Patient
and Community Education.
“The process of quitting is different for every
patient – that’s why we help patients create a
personalized smoking cessation plan,” Hardy
says. “Very few people are able to quit cold
turkey. Relapse is often part of recovery for
any addiction.”
Evans made greater progress once she began
attending the workshops, available at no charge
to Karmanos patients and the community.
Finally, after trying for five years, Evans
quit smoking for good in January 2010.
“It took a whole team of people to help me
quit.” says Evans. “At Karmanos, there is no
condescending attitude. Instead, I heard,
‘We’re going to fight this together.’”
After quitting, Evans discovered new interests.
She participates in women’s wellness and
scrapbooking groups at Karmanos. She also
participates in art therapy and makes birthday
and get-well cards for Karmanos patients.
“I’d be in a much darker place had I not
gone to Karmanos,” Evans says. Today, I’m a
happy, vibrant and independent person. I’ve
been given another chance, and I’m going to
live life to the fullest.”
For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS
or 1-800-527-6266.

April
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S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
National
Volunteer Week
National
Minority Cancer
Awareness Week
Easter
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Karmanos provides world class treatment close
to home with full service outpatient facilities in
Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills and Detroit.
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Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
May
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Passover
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destroying Racial Disparities
Unprecedented Partnership aims to save lives
terrance albrecht, Ph.d.
robert chaPMan, M.d.
African Americans have the highest death
rate and the shortest survival rate of any racial and
ethnic group in the United States for most cancers,
according to the American Cancer Society.
To save lives and close the gap on racial disparities
related to cancer care in southeast Michigan, the
Karmanos Cancer Institute has teamed with the
Josephine Ford Cancer Center at Henry Ford
Health System and Wayne State University School
of Medicine to create the Southeast Michigan
Partners Against Cancer (SEMPAC).
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) helped
make this project possible with a more than
$4-million, five-year grant. SEMPAC is one of
23 NCI-supported projects in the nation, and
one of six dedicated to addressing cancer health
disparities among African Americans. SEMPAC
is also the only NCI-funded project committed
to improving access to cancer screenings and
treatment for older, underserved African
Americans in an urban area.
“There are many in our community who are not
aware of the services available to them, may not
understand how to access services, and therefore
don’t have the greatest chance of survival – this
is unacceptable,” says Karmanos President and
CEO Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. “As cancer
physicians and researchers, our focus is to find
the best treatment options and cures to save
lives. This partnership will magnify our outreach
and help save the lives of some of our most
vulnerable citizens.”
Terrance Albrecht, Ph.D., associate center
director for Population Sciences at Karmanos;
program leader, Population Studies and Disparities
Research; and professor and associate director,
Department of Oncology, WSU School of
Medicine, is a co-principal investigator for
SEMPAC. Since 2005, Dr. Albrecht and her team
at Karmanos have engaged several community
partners to create and participate in the Detroit
Community Network Program (CNP), which
received a $2.5million grant over five years from
the NCI.
The Detroit CNP supported community-based
education, training and research collaboration
to address the health disparities of older African
Americans in the city of Detroit. SEMPAC is an
outgrowth of the CNP partnership, covering the
tri-county area.
“No one institution alone can restore the health
of our community and region,” Dr. Albrecht says.
“We need everyone’s support. We can and will
make an impact on cancer disparities.
SEMPAC will create regional partnerships that
will build awareness and educate residents about
cancer treatment options; provide tools to help
residents make better health care decisions
related to cancer care; and increase the understanding
of the importance of biospecimens
to advance cancer research.
“We have a real problem right under our noses
and we need to do something about it,” says
Robert Chapman, M.D., director of the Josephine
Ford Cancer Center, Henry Ford Health System
and SEMPAC co-principal investigator. “Detroit
and southeast Michigan’s ability to create
partnerships will be the envy of the nation.”

May
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Oral, Head &
Neck Cancer
Awareness Week
Mother’s Day
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Victoria Day
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June
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May is Skin Cancer Detection
and Prevention Month. To
learn more about skin cancer
treatment or prevention, please
visit Karmanos.org.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Cinco de Mayo
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Komen Detroit
Race for the Cure ®

TAKING PATIENTS
to another place
Photographs Create a Soothing
Hospital Atmosphere
Patients and visitors have a different hospital
experience when they enter the 9th floor Inpatient Unit
at the Karmanos Cancer Center. At first glance, you might
almost think you’ve entered an art gallery.
More than 100 peaceful and highly-artistic photographs of
Michigan scenery line the halls and patient rooms – and
Karmanos employees shot all the images.
The professionally matted and framed photos depict an
array of scenes, from Comerica Park and the Detroit River
skyline, to Mackinac Island and Tahquamenon Falls in
the Upper Peninsula. The collection also features photos
of flowers, butterflies and birds, as well as polar bears and
peacocks at the Detroit Zoo.
“We initiated the photo project because we wanted to make
the floor more warm and inviting for inpatients,” says
Valerie Fred, operations support specialist at Karmanos.
“Many of our staff members are talented photographers, so
we asked employees to submit photos for consideration.”
The Patient and Family Advisory Council, an advocacy
group that represents the needs of cancer patients and their
families, reviewed more than 200 submissions and made
final selections. The council is made up of current and
former Karmanos patients and their family members.
Fred is the council’s facilitator.
“We began displaying the photos in early 2009, and the
patients and staff absolutely love them,” Fred says. “The
photos help take patients away to another place. I once
noticed a patient and his wife who were admiring a photo
of a lighthouse. They told me they were from the other side
of the state and recognized the scene. He said it made him
feel as if he were home.”
Robin Stone is a former Patient and Advisory Council
committee chair. She is also being treated at Karmanos
for ovarian cancer. Two years ago, she experienced the
power of the photographs first-hand as an inpatient.
“While I was recovering from surgery, I often looked at
the photos while I walked the halls for exercise,” Stone
says. “The photos are simply breathtaking. They provide
something of beauty to patients who are fighting cancer.
Their soothing qualities help in the recovery process.”
Oncology Care Associate Brad Ciecko is one of the
featured photographers. Among his standout images
is the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, located on
Lake Huron near Port Hope.
PHOTO: Brad Ciecko
“That photo is a personal favorite,” says Ciecko, a selftaught
photographer who is refining his skills through
online courses offered by the Academy of Art University
in San Francisco. “It’s great to bring that expressive part
of my personality to my job. The patients connect with me
through the photos, and it makes me happy to know the
photos help take their minds off cancer.”
For more information about cancer services, call
1-800-Karmanos or 1-800-527-6266, or visit Karmanos.org.

June
5
2011
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As Michigan’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to
beating cancer, Karmanos dedicates entire teams of
experts to each patient.
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National Cancer
Survivors Day Shavuot
Father’s Day
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Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Red-Hot
Karmanos Dragon Boat Team Raises
Critical Funds for Breast Cancer Research
The Karmanos Life Preservers Dragon
Boat Team symbolizes the cooperative
spirit staff members embrace in providing
the very best care to all Karmanos Cancer
Center patients.
Dragon boating, a popular early summer
activity in the Orient, typically includes a
dragon-shaped boat with 20 paddlers, a
helmsman on one end and a drummer facing
paddlers on the other end to keep the team
motivated. Team members say the drummer
keeps them in sync, allowing them to row faster.
With team members from various Karmanos
departments, these paddlers support patients
during their work hours and then use their
free time to raise funds for breast cancer
research. The team also includes breast cancer
survivors who take part in rowing activities
to combat lymphedema, a common side effect
of breast cancer treatment.
Since Karmanos became an official beneficiary
of the International Dragon Boat Festival and
the Life Preservers took to the waters six years
ago, $50,000 has been raised for breast cancer
research at Karmanos. Members of the Life
Preservers team commit to raising at least $250
from year to year and always seek fun ways to
raise more funds. Monies raised are placed in a
fund administered by the International Dragon
Boat Festival for the Cure. Over the past seven
years, the festival has raised more than $1.3
million for hospitals that research and treat
rowers
breast cancer. Karmanos receives
between $10,000 and $12,000 of
those monies each year.
The Karmanos team will compete
once again this month in the
International Dragon Boat
Festival, July 8-10 at Waterfront
Park in Tecumseh. The high-spirited
event attracts thousands of people to
the shores of Lake St. Clair at the
mouth of the Detroit River. About
115 teams and paddlers from all
over the world enter
the festival.
Dedicated Karmanos team
members include Barbara Adam,
nurse practitioner; Mara Jelich,
director of Radiation Oncology;
team Captain Laura Mantha,
research nurse in Population
Studies; Lynne Moseley, D.D.S.,
director of Oral Oncology at
Karmanos; Lee Sippel, staff nurse
in Karmanos’ Breast Center; and Adrice
Wiper, educator in the Department of Patient
and Community Education.
Life Preservers members say they love the
camaraderie, not to mention the great workout
and the sense of working as a team. The team
is so good at what they do, in fact, that they
received a Heroes of Breast Cancer award for
Philanthropy in 2010, as well as taking top
honors in the “Hospital Challenge” at last
year’s International Dragon Boats Festival
for the Cure.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized for doing
what we love -- helping our patients in all
ways possible, not only in the clinic but also
by funding research that promises them a
brighter future,” Dr. Moseley says.
Helen Dries, a retired nurse from Karmanos
and breast cancer survivor who was treated at
PHOTOS: Bert Cozens
Karmanos, originally spearheaded the effort to
get people involved in the dragon boat team.
“As dragon boaters, we continue to share
our laughter with others; to support each
other through the thrill of competition; and
to honor those we have lost,” she says. “We
spread the message that men and women can
lead full and active lives after treatment for
breast cancer, through public awareness and
paddling our best.”
To learn more about joining the Life Preservers
Dragon Boat team, contact Laura Mantha at
(313) 576-8401 or manthal@karmanos.org

July
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July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. To
learn more about sarcoma treatment or
prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.
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[BIo]
PhiliP a. PhiliP, M.d., Ph.d., F.r.c.P.
title: Leader, Gastrointestinal Multidisciplinary Team
Professor of Medicine and Oncology.
board certiFied: Internal medicine and medical oncology.
education: B.A., American Jesuit Fathers’ College, Baghdad. M.D.,
university of Baghdad College of Medicine; Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacology
and Pharmacogenetics, university of London, Guy’s Hospital Medical School.
FaMily: Wife Viva and daughters Carolyn, 17, and Celene, 10.
hobbies: Traveling. “My favorite places are London, Paris and all of Italy.”
IN SEARCH OF
uP close: PhiliP a. PhiliP, M.d., Ph.d., F.r.c.P.
As the eldest child in his household, Philip
Agop Philip, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P., entered the
family trade when his father died. At age 11, he
began spending the hot Iraqi summers working
in the family’s shoe factory.
“I quickly learned that the factory was not the
place for me,” Dr. Philip says. “The government
began placing more restrictions on private
businesses. I wanted to become a professional in
a different field – to find something demanding
but with fewer outside restraints.”
Stirred by his growing intellectual curiosity,
Dr. Philip set off on the path of challenge
and discovery, which led him to a rewarding
career in medicine. Oncology continually
inspires him to search for improved therapies
for cancer patients.
Dr. Philip embarked on his journey in the mid
1960s when he entered the American Jesuit
Fathers’ College in Baghdad. He showed an
aptitude for science and mathematics and
considered becoming an electronic engineer.
Instead, he followed his friends and applied
for medical school.
“It’s a decision I never regretted,” Dr. Philip
says. “I enjoy combining medicine and research
to practice high-quality patient care.”
Dr. Philip left Iraq in the early 1980s to
complete his doctorate in England. He
Great Challenges
discovered the challenges of oncology while
studying clinical pharmacology at the
University of London.
“I realized that science would be very instrumental
in driving oncology while offering lots of
opportunities for discovery,” Dr. Philip says. “I
became excited by the prospect of applying
science to patient care.”
Dr. Philip says he focused his interests on
gastrointestinal oncology because it was receiving
relatively little research attention compared to
other types of cancer. To further his research
aspirations, Dr. Philip came to the U.S. in the
early 1990s and joined Karmanos in 1995. In
addition to being leader of Karmanos’ Gastrointestinal
Multidisciplinary Team, Dr. Philip is also
president of the Medical Staff at Karmanos.
“Karmanos is a tremendous working
environment,” Dr. Philip says. “I’ve always
been impressed by the quality of our clinicians
and their dedication to fighting cancer. Our
interests are completely aligned with offering
compassionate patient care and discovering
new cancer treatments.
“I’m very fortunate to have developed my career
to the point where I’m practicing in a highly
advanced health care system, contributing to
patient care and participating in the research
process that will help advance cancer care
globally. The greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

August
2011
S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
sePteMber
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Ramadan Begins
Eid-al-Fitr
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Karmanos oncologists specialize
in treating a specific type of cancer
and are on the faculty of Wayne
State university School of Medicine.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Al Terwilliger, 71, of Clawson, has been a problem
solver all his life.
So when the results of his prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
blood test were elevated last August, he dealt with the
problem directly, rather than wait to see what might happen.
“It was not unlike how I approach business,” Terwilliger
says. “The first thing I did was go on the Internet.”
Terwilliger is chairman of Protecto Horse Equipment, which
sells products that protects harness racers and their horses.
Terwilliger invented many of the company’s products, which
are marketed worldwide.
“Everyone who knows me says I’m the most creative person
they know,” he says. “I solve problems. I’m a better doer than
a thinker.”
In his online research, Terwilliger kept coming across
the name of Michael L. Cher, M.D. Dr. Cher is chief of
Urology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center and
chairman of the Department of Urology at Wayne State
University School of Medicine.
“I read a lot about Dr. Cher and how well-known he is,”
Terwilliger says. “I made an appointment with him to go
over my treatment options. He told me the pros and cons
about robotic surgery, radiation and cryotherapy. I opted for
the latter, since my prostate cancer was in an early stage and
confined to one small area of the prostate. Two hours after
undergoing cryotherapy in September, I was going home.”
Cryotherapy is performed with a series of needles that target
regions of the prostate. Once inserted, the needles freeze the
tissue, killing any cancer cells in the area. The procedure is
performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about
two hours. Recovery time for Terwilliger was less than a week.
“Cryotherapy can be used for the whole prostate or just part
of it,” says Dr. Cher, who has performed about 300 cryotherapy
procedures. “It’s great for men wanting to avoid surgery or
radiation. Studies suggest that it may be just as effective.
“This is an image-guided treatment and it’s pretty specialized.
Since there is no incision, the surgeon has to be very comfortable
with using ultrasound to guide the needles to their proper
locations. The idea is to be as precise as possible. Since the
Problem-Solving
Patient
al terwilliger
PROSTATE CANCER SuRVIVOR
PRAISES CRYOTHERAPY AS
A TREATMENT OPTION
procedure involves only needles, recovery is very quick and
there is no scarring. Karmanos is one of the leaders in using
cryotherapy for prostate cancer and other tumors.”
Dr. Cher adds that with cryotherapy, men can have
customized treatment depending on where the cancer occurs
in the prostate. If cancer cells are located in only a small area,
the freezing process can be applied to that area, eliminating
potential side effects related to bladder function or sexual
function.
Today, Terwilliger is cancer free and says he feels like he’s
“30 or 40 years old.”
“I would definitely recommend cryotherapy to other men
with prostate cancer,” he says. “It was the smartest move I’ve
ever made. I found a great solution for my medical problem.”
To learn more about prostate cancer screening and diagnosis or
to make an appointment, call 1-800-KARMANOS or
1-800-527-6266.

September
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September is National Prostate, Ovarian, Gynecologic, and
Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer Awareness Month.
To learn more about treatment or prevention of
these types of cancer, please visit Karmanos.org.
5 Labor Day
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Karmanos.org • 1-800-KarManos
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2011
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Forging
KARMANOS SCIENTISTS DEVELOP POTENTIAL
TREATMENT FOR AGGRESSIVE TuMORS
Traditionally, most cancer therapies involve
some combination of chemotherapy, radiation
therapy and surgery. But what if doctors were to
supplement these therapies by helping the body’s
immune system detect tumors and destroy them?
That’s the exciting new direction scientists at the
Karmanos Cancer Institute are taking toward a
potentially ground-breaking treatment for cancer
called targeted T cell immunotherapy. Karmanos
is currently conducting a clinical study applying
immunotherapy to women with one of the deadliest
forms of the disease – triple-negative breast
cancer. The research is unique to Karmanos and
funded by a $3 million, five-year research grant
by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A
total of 40 patients are involved in the study.
“This grant from the NIH speaks to the truly
innovative research being conducted at
Karmanos and establishes the Institute’s
leadership role in creating care standards that
other hospitals will follow in the future,”
says Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., Karmanos
president and chief executive officer.
Zeina Nahleh, M.D., associate professor of
Medicine and Oncology at Karmanos and Wayne
State University School of Medicine, and co-leader
of the Breast Oncology Multidisciplinary Team
at Karmanos, is the principal investigator on the
breast cancer immunotherapy study.
Exciting New Paths
“Triple-negative breast cancer is generally more
active and aggressive than other types of breast
cancer,” Dr. Nahleh says. “Through this study, we’re
hoping to improve complete tumor response by
combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.”
Immunotherapy works through the patient’s
T cells, which are part of our immune system.
Scientists draw blood from the patient, stimulate
the T cells, and arm the T cells with bispecific
antibody, which programs them to find and
destroy tumor cells. Once the T cells are infused
into the patient after chemotherapy, they destroy
any remaining tumors and vaccinate the patient
against re-growth of their tumors. Lawrence
Lum, M.D., DSc, professor of Oncology,
Medicine, and Immunology and Microbiology
at Karmanos and Wayne State University School
of Medicine, is a pioneer in developing this type
of immunotherapy for cancer patients.
“If we can double the number of women
whose cancer is completely eradicated through
immunotherapy, it would be a home run in
how we treat women with triple-negative breast
cancer,” Dr. Lum says.
“Immunotherapy also has the potential to become a
very powerful tool in fighting other types of tumors,”
Dr. Nahleh adds. “Based on data from earlier studies,
these enhanced T cells may remain active within a
patient for years.”
“Immunotherapy is a growing field within oncology and provides
great hope for the future,” Dr. Nahleh says. “The only way we
can make advancements in the fight against cancer is to conduct
clinical trials like this immunotherapy study. I’m proud to be part
of an organization like Karmanos that fosters this type of research.”
Zeina nahleh, M.d.
lawrence luM, M.d., dsc

October
2011
S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
noveMber
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9
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. To learn more about breast cancer treatment
or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.
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Columbus Day
10 Thanksgiving (Canada) 11 12 13 14 15
Halloween
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Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Simchat Torah
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National
Mammography Day
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Yom Kippur

A New Perspective
on liFe
CANCER SuRVIVOR GENEROuSLY SuPPORTS
KARMANOS LEuKEMIA SPECIALISTS
In 2004, Darryl Staskowski of Shelby
Township made an appointment with
his family doctor for what he thought was
a lingering cold. Instead, he wound up
being rushed to the hospital with a far
more serious problem.
“I had a persistent cough and felt very
winded,” says Staskowski, 45, vice
president of Global Infrastructure at
Kelly Services. “An X-ray showed a mass
about the size of a fist near my heart.”
Doctors diagnosed Staskowski with
T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,
or ALL. Suddenly, he was faced with a
life-threatening medical situation that
required making quick decisions.
“You hear about people getting cancer,
but I never thought it would happen to
me – especially at age 39,” Staskowski
says. “I thought, ‘Now what do I do?’”
Staskowski and his wife visited several
hospitals in search of the best cancer care,
but only one met his needs: the Karmanos
Cancer Center. The Staskowskis met with
Jeffrey Zonder, M.D., a member of the
Hematology - Malignant Multidisciplinary
Team, and associate professor of Medicine
and Oncology, Hematology/Oncology at
Karmanos and Wayne State University
School of Medicine.
“Other hospitals didn’t give us a good
vibe, but from the moment we met with
Dr. Zonder, we knew Karmanos would
be the best place for treatment,” Staskowski
says. “He emanated a high level
of confidence that gave me strength. ”
Staskowski’s treatment regimen was
anything but easy, Dr. Zonder says.
“Darryl went through a two-year course
of chemotherapy, starting with an
intensive induction regimen, followed
by additional cycles of chemotherapy,
and eventually prolonged maintenance
therapy,” Dr. Zonder says. “He required
chemotherapy injections in his spinal cord
and radiation to prevent the cancer from
spreading to his brain. Throughout this
two-year obstacle course, Darryl was very
engaged and kept a positive attitude. He
never became defined by his illness and
did everything he could to become well.”
Despite facing some serious complications
during the course of treatment,
Staskowski went into remission and is
now cancer-free. He says he’s changed as
a person after beating the disease.
“This experience gave me a completely
different perspective on family, faith and
what’s really important in life,” Staskowski
says. “I was taken right to the edge. At one
point, I was in intensive care. Now, I’m
living a normal life. I also began making
regular charitable contributions to
Karmanos because I want to help leukemia
patients and have an impact on a place
that provided me with such great care.”
Darryl StaSkowSki
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Staskowski
for his gifts in support of cancer care,” says
Nick Karmanos, vice president of Development
at Karmanos. His generous support
will help provide critical funding in our
quest to find a cure for diseases such as
ALL and other types of leukemia.”
For more information on cancer screening
and diagnosis or to make an appointment, call
1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.

November
2011
S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
deceMber
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Daylight Saving
Time Ends
1
Eid-al-Adha
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20 21 22 23 24 Thanksgiving 25 26
Muharram/
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November is National Hospice Month and
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Lung
Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more,
please visit Karmanos.org.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Veterans Day
Remembrance
Day (Canada)
5
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Supporting
advanced
science
Clinical Trials Office
Helps Physicians
and Scientists Develop
New Cancer Treatments
At the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute,
patients have access to more than 100 cancer-fighting
treatments that can’t be found at any other local hospital. These
advanced therapies are made possible in part by the Clinical
Trials Office, a committed team of about 90 staff members
who provide professional “behind-the-scenes” support.
“Our office provides three main functions,” says Helen Peck,
director of the Clinical Trials Office at Karmanos. “Our
study coordinators screen patients and verify their eligibility
for trials, they register or enroll the patient onto the trial and
ensure the specific protocol (clinical trial) instructions and
requirements are followed. Our regulatory coordinators help
secure approvals from our internal review and institutional
review boards. And our research nurses primarily support
the physicians and patients in the clinic. These nurses bridge
the gap between the clinic and our office.”
Among other duties, the CTO meets internal and federal
regulations by collecting and submitting data for all trials.
For studies initiated by Karmanos researchers, the office’s
Quality Assurance and Data and Safety Monitoring
committees provide close oversight.
“Above all, our main objective is to ensure that patients are safe,”
Peck says. “Patients who choose to enroll in clinical trials are very
closely monitored for any adverse reaction, and patients can opt
out of a trial at any point.”
A new medication must be compared against standard therapies
and proven safe for patient use before it can receive Food
and Drug Administration approval and be made available as a
standard therapy.
Karmanos has one of only 14 National Cancer Institute (NCI)funded
Phase I clinical trials programs in the United States and
Canada, and the only such program in Michigan. Karmanos is
also one of only 40 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.
At any one time, Karmanos conducts about 400 clinical trials
extending across treatment and non-treatment protocols. In 2009,
more than 5,500 Karmanos patients enrolled in a clinical trial.
“As a NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center,
Karmanos has a duty to perform cancer focused research –
that’s why we offer such an extensive clinical trials program,”
Peck says. “Our goal is to offer every Karmanos patient the
opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial. And approximately
25 percent of our patients are involved in a therapeutic
clinical trial, which is much higher than the national average
of about 10 to 15 percent.
“Clinical trials are the only way we can improve cancer
therapies and learn if a promising new drug is effective.
The Clinical Trials Program is a great benefit for every patient
who comes through our doors.”
For more information on clinical trials at Karmanos, call
1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266, or visit Karmanos.org.

December
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2011
S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
Christmas Day
January
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Kwanzaa Begins
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Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
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Christmas Eve
New Year’s Eve

Karmanos medical staff share stories about their
FIRST JOBS
DavID GoRskI, M.D., Ph.D.
Breast Multidisciplinary Team
Co-Leader and Breast Cancer
Biology Program Co-Leader
“At age 15, I began working at a Burger
King in Livonia. Unfortunately, it was
the closing shift, and Burger King didn’t
close until 2 a.m. The manager also
insisted that I work some weeknights,
and I had school. Desperate for my
own source of cash, I begged my parents
to let me try it. They gave in, and I
did – for about three weeks. In the
end the price was too high. I stayed up
past 2 a.m. two or three school nights
a week, which was affecting my school
work. Because I didn’t have my driver’s
license yet, one of my parents had to
pick me up. I learned pretty quickly
that school came first.”
stePhanIe Mellon-RePPen,
Rn, Msn, acnP
Nurse Practitioner, Bone Marrow
Transplant and Cell Therapy Program
“My first real job, while attending high
school, was working at Joe’s Italian Bakery
in Livonia. I met wonderful people,
learned to cook and speak a little
Italian, too! This was also my first real
experience with customer service and
catering people’s parties is a crash course
in customer service! After closing
one night, some of the stockers were
throwing “pies” at each other – and who
hasn’t always wanted to throw a pie? I
picked one up from the display case and
threw it at a co-worker who ducked,
sending a lemon meringue pie under the
oven. I found out they were throwing pie
plates filled only with whipped cream!
Besides the wonderful friendships I
made, the best part was having all the
cannolis and pizza I could eat!”
RobeRt MoRRIs, M.D.
Gynecology Oncology Multidisciplinary
Team Leader and Professor of
Gynecologic Oncology
“I grew up in Maple Grove, Minn., at
the outermost rim of suburban sprawl
pushing into farmland. As such, I had
the choice of either washing dishes at
a chain restaurant or working on a
local farm. Outside work appealed to
me the most, so at age 15 I began
working on a neighbor’s farm. Although
the passing years may lend itself to
embellishment, for two summers I
dug miles of fence post holes, pruned
endless acres of Christmas trees, and
baled and stacked mountains of hay.
Even though I never used those skills
again, I loved the job and learned all
about hard work.”
Isaac Powell, M.D.
Genitourinary Oncology
Multidisciplinary Team member
and Professor of Urology
“At age 13, I began selling the Chicago
Defender newspaper door-to-door in
Gary, Indiana. I did this for about two
years every Friday evening and Saturday
morning. I thought I was a pretty
successful salesman at the time, but
most of my sales were to relatives and
friends. Besides delivering on days
when it rained or snowed, the most
memorable part was being chased by
dogs. I remember being aware of
which homes in the neighborhood
kept dogs. At a young age, I learned
a lot about the hardships of the
working world.”

January
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2012
S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY
New Year’s Day
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Martin Luther
16 King, Jr. Day 17 18 19 20 21
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February
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January is Cervical Cancer Screening
Awareness Month. Regular Pap tests can
help identify the disease in its early stages,
when cancer is the most treatable.
Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos
5
12
6
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Armenian Christmas
7
14
Orthodox
Christmas Day

Karmanos.org
1-800-KARMANOS
Mail Code: NCO6MC
4100 JOHN R
DETROIT, MI 48201
Email: hope@karmanos.org
...................................................
about KarManos
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is
one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated
comprehensive cancer centers in the United States.
Federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center
is the pinnacle of translational oncology research.
MARY ANN SHORT
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
LINDA H. REMINGTON
Editor
Director, Marketing and Communications
Associate Editors:
PATRICIA A. ELLIS
Media Relations Manager
ELIZABETH KATZ
External Marketing and Communications Associate
CHRISTINE PARKER
Internal Marketing and Communications Associate
...................................................
Photos by Stephen Lengnick, Plum Street Studio
NONPROFIT ORG
u.S. POSTAGE
Paid
DETROIT, MI
PERMIT NO. 1579
WINTER 2011 • VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 3
...................................................
eXecutive staFF
GEROLD BEPLER, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
ANN G. SCHWARTZ, PH.D., MPH
Executive Vice President/Deputy Director
GEORGE YOO, M.D., FACS
Chief Medical Officer
GARY MORRISON
Chief Operating Officer
NICK KARMANOS
Vice President, Development
...................................................
KarManos cancer institute board oF directors
Alan S. Schwartz, Chair
Randolph J. Agley, Vice Chair
Charles E. Becker, Lead Vice Chair
Richard M. Gabrys, Vice Chair
W. James Prowse, Vice Chair
Jonathan S. Aaron
Eugene Applebaum
Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)
Paul Borman
Armando R. Cavazos
Daniel Cornwell
KC Crain
Stephen D’Arcy (ex officio)
Debbie Dingell
Joseph Dresner
David W. Drews
Michael E. Duggan
Kenneth Eisenberg
Lillian Erdeljan
Jay Farner
Michael Ferrantino, Jr.
Nathan Forbes
Stanley Frankel
Myron Frasier
Bruce A. Gershenson
John A. Giampetroni
Charles E. Becker, Chair
Timothy Monahan, Vice Chair
Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)
Leslie C. Bowman
Armando R. Cavazos
Myron Frasier
Thomas A. Goss
S. Scott Hunter
Denise Ilitch
Valerie M. Parisi, M.D. (ex officio)
Allan Gilmour (ex officio)
Adnan Hammad, Ph.D.
Patricia Hartmann
David Jacob
Eleanor M. Josaitis
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
C. Michael Kojaian
Edward C. Levy, Jr.
Mary Matuja
Timothy Monahan
Paul L. Nine
Thomas D. Ogden
Valerie M. Parisi, M.D. (ex officio)
Dick Purtan
Hilary Ratner, Ph.D.
Eunice Ring
Gary Sakwa
Nazli G. Sater
Marc R. Schechter
Nettie H. Seabrooks
Nedda N. Shayota
Robert A. Stone
David Trott
Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius, M.D.
Nancy Yaw
Thank you to outgoing members Fred Olson and Richard F. Roth
KarManos cancer center board oF directors
Phillip A. Phillip, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)
W. James Prowse
Anthony J. Rusciano
Alan S. Schwartz (ex officio)
Nettie H. Seabrooks
Maureen L. Stapleton
Jane R. Thomas, Ph.D.
Buzz Thomas
Manuel Valdivieso, M.D.
George Yoo, M.D. (ex officio)
Thank you to outgoing member Kenneth Eisenberg
(as of January 1, 2011)
...................................................
Copyright 2010 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute