2009 Review - the Steele Children's Research Center - University of ...

2009 Review

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“Alone
we can
do so
little;
together
we can
do so
much.”
– Helen Keller
Dear Friends,
As I reflect upon 2009, I am reminded of Helen Keller’s simple, yet profound
observation: “Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Indeed, everything
we accomplish at the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center is a
result of individuals working together to make the world a better place for children.
You will see this idea woven into the articles throughout this annual review.
As UMC and the UA Steele Center work together to complete Diamond Children’s
Medical Center, I am inspired by what this momentous accomplishment signifies.
Diamond Children’s will provide compassionate, expert and family-centered care by
our world-class physicians, nurses, specialists and residents—in a beautiful, state-ofthe-art
facility designed for children and their families. Hope is on the horizon!
What’s more, because Diamond Children’s is connected to the Steele Center, our
young patients benefit from being treated by physician-scientists who also are
researching the causes of, and developing new treatments and cures for, children’s
illnesses. We ardently strive to improve clinical care through translational, or “bench
to bedside” research. This means translating our basic-science research discoveries
(bench) to practical, clinical applications that benefit the child (bedside).
For example, our Dorrance Fellow in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition—
Rajalakshmy Ramalingam—has made a discovery that may bring new understanding
to what causes IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Collin LaCasse, our Courtney Page
Zillman Fellow, is working with the pediatric oncology research team to advance the
CRCL cancer vaccine developed here and now heading toward clinical trials.
It is no coincidence that the most remarkable advances in children’s health over the
past 10 years were achieved by academically-based children’s medical centers. In fact,
all top-ranked children’s hospitals are connected to academic medical centers, such
as Children’s Hospital Boston (Harvard) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(University of Pennsylvania). By working together, I know Diamond Children’s and
the Steele Center soon will be a top-ranked academic children’s medical center as well.
No child should suffer from cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems
or the myriad other pediatrics illnesses. But, when a child is sick from illness or
injury, we are here to provide exceptional care. Because of friends and supporters
like you, the Steele Center continues to improve children’s health through our mission
to teach, to heal and to discover. Together, we are making the world a healthier place
for children.
With gratitude,
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD
Horace W. Steele Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research
Director, Steele Children’s Research Center
Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics
The University of Arizona College of Medicine
Steele Children’s Research Center Review, February 2010. Issue 16. Steele Children’s Research Center Review is published annually
by the University of Arizona, Steele Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, PO Box 245073, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073.
Steele Center Receives Grant to Study the Role of
Calcium and Klotho Gene in IBD-related Bone Loss
he Steele Children’s Research
TCenter received an NIH
American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act grant for
$605,250 that expands ongoing
research conducted by Dr. Ghishan
and his research team. The twoyear
grant, titled “Development of
Intestinal Transport of Calcium
and Phosphate,” investigates
another key component of bone
health—calcium—and how
inflammation affects calcium
absorption by the gut and the
kidneys.
“Our previous research focused
on phosphate balance. This study
will focus on calcium absorption.
It takes both to develop strong
bones,” says Dr. Ghishan, principal
investigator of the study.
In children and young adults
suffering from inflammatory bowel
diseases (IBD), bone density often
is affected, resulting in osteopenia
or osteoporosis. This decrease
results in a higher risk of bone
fractures later in life.
“Although we have long suspected
that calcium deficiency may be an
underlying factor in IBD-related
bone loss, the mechanisms by
which the calcium absorptive and
re-absorptive mechanisms are
disrupted by chronic intestinal
inflammation are still unknown,”
says Pawel Kiela, DVM, PhD,
co-investigator of the study.
“So, it’s vital to understand
how inflammation affects the
key players involved in the
maintenance of calcium balance.”
One mechanism the research
team will explore is the role
the “Klotho” gene plays in
how calcium is transported and
absorbed by the kidneys. Previous
research established that when
Klotho is down-regulated, signs of
premature aging appear, including
osteoporosis.
Recently, the Steele Center team
discovered that Klotho is downregulated
in acute and chronic
colitis. “This is a fascinating
connection,” Dr. Kiela says. “We’re
now hypothesizing that when Klotho
is down-regulated, it negatively
affects renal calcium reabsorption
which, along with other metabolic
complications, contributes to colitisassociated
calcium imbalance and the
resulting bone loss.”
“The more we understand the
mechanisms involved in calcium
and phosphate absorption, the better
chance we’ll have of developing new
therapies to help children and adults
suffering from IBD-related bone
loss,” says Dr. Ghishan.
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A Legacy of Giving: The Arizona Elks Major Projects
n 1992, the Arizona Elks Major Projects began their incredible commitment to the work of the Steele Children’s
IResearch Center. Raising between $200,000 and $300,000 each year, the Elks have made a significant difference
in children’s health. Here are highlights of Elks-supported projects through the years:
Arizona Elks Laboratories for
Transplantation Research
Amount raised: $275,000
One of the first projects the Elks
undertook was supporting the
building of two research labs
on the sixth floor of the Steele
Center. These labs currently house
researchers who specialize in
gastroenterology and nutrition.
Seed Research Awards
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Seed grants allow investigators to
“prime the pump” with preliminary
data, which will make their
research projects more attractive to
state and federal funding agencies.
Education
Amount raised: $50,000
The education funds assisted
with developing the first Pediatric
Integrative Medicine Conference,
and supported the “Morning for
Children’s Health” workshops for
parents.
Arizona Elks Clinic for
Children and Young Adults
Amount raised: $390,000
In 2001, the Arizona Elks
celebrated the grand re-opening of
the newly named “Arizona Elks
Clinic for Children and Young
Adults.” The renovated clinic now
includes separate waiting areas for
sick children and well children,
and more efficient space for
doctors, nurses and staff.
Core Support
Amount raised: $255,000
Core support funds are used
to improve facilities and repair
research equipment throughout the
Steele Center.
Marvin Lewis Pediatric
Teaching Center
Amount raised: $130,000
Marvin Lewis, a past Grand
Exalted Ruler, was passionate
about education and helping
children. Funds were used to
renovate the pediatric residency
offices and create a conference
room. Upon completion, the space
was named the “Marvin Lewis
Pediatric Teaching Center.”
About this year’s front
cover: Giovanna Manzo, 4,
and her grandfather, Tom
Welch, member of Chandler
Elks Lodge, No. 2429.
Giovanna is currently a
patient of Steele Center
pediatric allergist/
immunologist, Michael
Daines, MD, and pediatric
pulmonologist,
Cori Daines, MD.
Amy and John Manzo: Grateful for the Arizona Elks
and Steele Center Physicians
ur second daughter, Giovanna, was born on September 1,
O2005. She seemed to be healthy during her first year of life.
After her 1-year-old checkup and vaccinations, we realized
something was seriously wrong. That was the beginning of
Giovanna’s battle with illness after illness, infection after
infection. We were seen by several specialists in the Phoenix
area. Over the past three years, we’ve traveled to Lucile Packard
Children’s Hospital at Stanford in California, The Mayo Clinic
in Minnesota, and The Children’s Hospital in Colorado. We
watched Giovanna become extremely ill and suffer respiratory
and cardiac arrest. She has been hospitalized eight times.
Most recently, Linda Lewandowski, with the Arizona Elks Major Projects, arranged for
Giovanna to be examined by Steele Center physicians Drs. Michael and Cori Daines.
The “Great Daines,” as we call them, reviewed Giovanna’s medical records and helped us
understand her illness and treatment. Giovanna suffers from an unknown chronic disease that
attacks her sinuses and lungs. Dr. Cori Daines placed Giovanna’s illness in an “unknown
category” with “primary ciliary dyskinesia” and “cystic fibrosis” symptoms.
We are so grateful to the Arizona Elks Major Projects and Drs. Michael and Cori Daines for
the treatment, support and encouragement they’ve given us in caring for our daughter!
—Amy and John Manzo, members of Chandler Elks Lodge, No. 2429
Arizona Elks Endowed Chair
in Neonatology Research
Amount raised: $1.8 million (Goal: $2.5 million)
In 2003, the Arizona Elks committed to creating the
“Arizona Elks Endowed Chair in Neonatology Research.”
An endowed chair generates income that lasts forever.
Every year, a portion of the interest is available to the
Chair to support research and provide seed funding to
promising young investigators interested in neonatal
research.
Toys, Blankets, Beanies and Booties
Amount raised: Priceless
There is simply no price that can be assigned to the
hundreds of blankets, beanies and booties that have been
knitted by the Elks for the premature babies at University
Medical Center. Or the thousands of donated toys and
blankets that have brought a smile to a sick child’s face.
We are immensely grateful for these priceless gifts from
the Arizona Elks lodges throughout Arizona!
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Dorrance Fellow Update:
Rajalakshmy Ramalingam
hanks to the Dorrance
TEndowed Fellowship in
Pediatric Gastroenterology and
Nutrition, I’m investigating the
immunological mechanisms that
may contribute to the development
of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
(IBD), a painful gastrointestinal
disorder and autoimmune disease
affecting millions of Americans,
I
where nearly one in four are
under 20 years old.
Our research team has developed
a mouse model with a specific
gene (tumor growth factor
receptor) deleted from a particular
type of immune cell to study its
contribution to the cause of IBD.
Exceeding our expectations, these
Courtney Page Zillman Fellow
Update: Collin LaCasse
am honored to be the sixth
Tee Up For Tots Courtney
Page Zillman Fellow.
A decade ago, Dr. Emmanuel
Katsanis developed a new cancer
vaccine, which takes a patient’s
own tumor and isolates the
components of that tumor that
are most likely to initiate a strong
immune response. It now is
nearing human clinical trials in the
United States.
Unfortunately, there is an obstacle
that prohibits cancer vaccines
from functioning properly.
This obstacle is cancer-induced
immunosuppression. Many cancer
cells promote their own survival by
secreting chemicals that virtually
shut down the immune response
in and around the tumor. They
do this in part by hijacking
immunosuppressive cells whose
purpose in healthy individuals is
to suppress immune cells in order
to prevent over-active immune
responses and autoimmunity.
In cancer patients, these hijacked
immunosuppressive cells, instead of
protecting against autoimmunity,
surround the tumor, preventing the
immune system from identifying
and destroying the cancer. These
genetically modified mice develop
systemic autoimmune disease.
This exciting observation now has
broadened our scope of research.
There are approximately 150
different autoimmune diseases,
including IBD. Research involved
in understanding the mechanisms
of these diseases is essential
for developing new methods to
improve diagnosis and treatment.
Because of the Dorrance Family
Foundation and the leadership
of Drs. Ghishan and Kiela, our
laboratory not only has survived
during this difficult economic time,
but we have made major scientific
advancements. The Dorrance
Fellowship could not have come at
a better time, with the competition
for funding increasing every day.
I am extremely grateful to the
Dorrance family and Drs. Ghishan
and Kiela for giving me the
opportunity to pursue my PhD
in immunobiology at the Steele
Center. Thank you!
immunosuppressive cells must be
targeted and destroyed. This is my
primary research focus, and we
have made great strides.
I can’t wait for a day when
our discoveries in the lab are
implemented in the clinic,
contributing to the eradication of
pediatric cancers! I am grateful for
Tee Up For Tots, whose support
makes this research possible.
A Loving Memorial for Beloved Son:
The ‘Kick Cancer for Stephen Foundation’
tephen Placencia was a quiet
S young man with friendly blue
eyes and a warm smile. Humble
in spirit and naturally athletic,
Stephen excelled at soccer. As
a member of the Cienega High
School varsity soccer team, he
was the highest scorer during his
sophomore year. Stephen also
enjoyed riding dirt bikes and
spending time with his friends and
family.
In 2005, when Stephen was 14, he
was diagnosed with a rare form
of liver cancer—fibrolamellar
hepatocellular carcinoma. After
many surgeries, radiation and
chemotherapy treatments, Stephen
passed away on January 14, 2008.
He was only 17. “Through it all,”
says Stephen’s mom, Francie,
“he never questioned why he got
cancer. He accepted it with grace
and just went through it. Stephen
had an amazing spirit, and we
loved him beyond words.”
While hospitalized, Stephen
noticed few activities available
for teenagers. “When teens are
hospitalized, their stay is more
bearable if there are fun things for
them to do, such as playing video
games or the Wii, or watching
movies that appeal to them,”
says Francie. “Stephen wanted to
improve the experience of teens
who were hospitalized.”
About a year after Stephen’s
death, Francie and her husband,
Steve, created the Kick Cancer
for Stephen Foundation. The
foundation’s goals are to provide
funding for pediatric cancer
research at the Steele Children’s
Research Center, provide activities
for hospitalized teenagers and
provide resources to parents and
family members who have a child
with cancer or have lost a child to
cancer.
So far, the foundation has donated
flat-screen TVs, gaming systems,
X-boxes and Playstations, Wii
systems, Guitar Hero, games, movies,
Best Buy gift cards and countless
snacks and drinks to the infusion
clinic within the Elks Clinic for
Children and Young Adults and to
the pediatric wards at University
Medical Center.
“The children get so excited when
they see the games they can play
while receiving treatment,” says Laura
DiStefano, one of the nurses who
treated Stephen at the infusion clinic.
“The games help them endure their
treatments. We are inspired by Steve
and Francie’s commitment to help
these kids and families.”
“This has been a meaningful way for
us to keep Stephen’s memory alive,
and I see something positive coming
out of this,” says Francie. “We’re
doing it in Stephen’s honor, because
he touched so many lives and we
want his spirit to be carried on.”
If you would like to contribute to
Kick Cancer for Stephen, please
visit: www.kickcancerforstephen.com.
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Dr. Katsanis Named
Leading Edge
Researcher at the
University of Arizona
teele Children’s Research Center scientist and
Spediatric oncologist Emmanuel Katsanis, MD,
Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Section of
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology was named one of
only five UA Leading Edge Researchers.
Dr. Katsanis, who holds the prestigious Louise
Thomas Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cancer
Research at the Steele Center, was honored at the
UA’s sixth annual Innovation Day celebration in
March, which recognized research achievements of
students, faculty and staff. He was honored for his
ground-breaking research in the development of
the novel cancer vaccine, CRCL, which is nearing
human clinical trials.
“We’re very happy for Dr. Katsanis,” said Dr.
Ghishan. “His discovery and development of the
CRCL cancer vaccine will ultimately lead to novel
treatments for patients with leukemia and other
blood cancers, with the ultimate goal of saving
lives. We are extremely proud of this pioneering
researcher.”
Dr. Ghishan
Receives Prestigious
Distinguished Alumnus
Award for Achievement
ongratulations to Dr. Ghishan, who received a
Cprestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award for
Achievement from the University of Iowa Carver
College of Medicine. He was honored during a
special awards luncheon ceremony in June.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest
honor the college bestows upon its graduates,
recognizing those who have transcended their
fundamental roles as health-care providers, scientists
and educators to become leaders in the advancement
of medicine.
Dr. Ghishan was honored with the Award for
Achievement for his continued leadership in
pediatric gastroenterology, which has advanced
patient care, research and teaching. Internationally
recognized for his research in pediatric
gastroenterology and nutrition, Dr. Ghishan has
authored more than 400 publications including
original articles, editorials, abstracts, book reviews
and chapters. His groundbreaking research has
continuously been funded by the National Institutes
of Health for the past 30 years.
Steele Center Research Reveals Probiotics a Promising
Treatment for Common Illness among Premature Babies
teele Children’s Research Center
SResearch Professor Bohuslav
Dvorak, PhD, and his research
team have discovered that using
probiotics (healthy live bacteria
found in yogurt) is an effective way
to reduce and prevent a common,
yet devastating, disease that affects
babies born prematurely.
NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis)
is a gastrointestinal disease of
the intestines that afflicts nearly
10,000 premature babies every
year. The exact cause of NEC is
unknown, and the disease can be
mild to severe. In severe cases, a
child’s inflamed intestines may
tear, causing bacteria to leak into
the abdomen—potentially causing
a life-threatening infection. Sadly,
nearly 40 percent of babies with
NEC will not survive.
Using an experimental model
of NEC, Dr. Dvorak and his
team have shown that oral
administration of probiotics is a
promising strategy to prevent and
treat NEC. “We have confirmed
that the probiotic Bifidobacterium
bifidum, when added to infant
formula, significantly reduces the
incidence and severity of NEC,”
says Dr. Dvorak. “This particular
strain of probiotics reduces
inflammation in the intestines and
reinforces the intestinal barrier.”
Now that Dr. Dvorak and his
team have established the efficacy
of Bifidobacterium bifidum, they
are exploring how probiotics
protect against NEC at the
cellular and molecular levels, and
what long-term consequences—if
any—they have on immune and
gastrointestinal functions.
Their study, “Bifidobacterium
bifidum improves intestinal integrity
in a rat model of necrotizing
enterocolitis,” was published in
the American Journal of Physiology:
Gastrointestinal and Liver
Physiology.
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Grateful for our Volunteer Groups and Events
D
espite many economic challenges this year, the Steele Center continues to receive support from
many volunteer groups and special events. On behalf of our doctors, researchers, patients and staff,
thank you to all of our volunteers! Your efforts make a difference in the lives of children.
Arizona Elks Major Projects
(AEMP)
he 49 Elks
lodges
T
across
Arizona
continue
to work
tirelessly to build the Arizona Elks
Endowed Chair in Neonatology
Research. This year, the Elks
gave another $250,000, bringing
their total to more than $4
million. Thanks to their support,
Alan Bedrick, MD, holder of the
Chair, and his team in the NICU
continue to help newborn babies,
while researchers search for better
ways to treat neonatal diseases.
Father’s Day Council Tucson
our outstanding fathers were
honored this year at the annual
F
Golf Classic and Fathers of the
Year Awards Gala. With the
support and
dedication
of Father’s
Day Council
behind them,
the honorees
raised more
than $200,000 this year. Funds
will support research and clinical
care in type 1 diabetes, and help
build the Father’s Day Council
Tucson Endowed Chair for Type
1 Diabetes.
Runway for Research
ore than 50 children–current
cancer patients,
M
survivors and their
siblings—showed
off the latest
designs by
students at The
Art Institute of
Tucson. The
Runway for Research fashion show
drew an impressive crowd, filling
the ballroom to capacity. Funds
raised support pediatric cancer
research.
Tee Up For Tots
T
ee Up For
Tots’ brigade
of volunteers
worked
relentlessly for this year’s golf
tournament, in memory of Courtney
Page Zillman, who passed away
from neuroblastoma when she
was only 4. Proceeds support
graduate student and pediatric
cancer researcher Collin LaCasse,
the TUFT Courtney Page Zillman
Fellow.
Women’s Active 20-30 Club of
Southern Arizona
or more than
20 years, the
F
Women’s Active
20-30 Club
of Southern
Arizona have provided vital support
to the Steele Center and our efforts
in various research areas. This year’s
Cocktailing for a Cause, with its
poker tournament and gourmet
offerings, enabled them to donate
$5,000 to the Steele Center.
PANDA (People Acting Now
Discover Answers)
his year
marked
T
the 10th
anniversary
of PANDA,
who celebrated
with their golf tournament and
signature “Children Helping
Children” Fashion Show. The
PANDAs raised more than
$750,000 toward the creation of the
PANDA Children’s Neurological
Center. The Center will provide
comprehensive care for children
with a variety of neurological
conditions.
Raise a Racquet for Kids
ven rain didn’t diminish the
determination and passion of
E
the Raise
a Racquet
for Kids
volunteers!
This year’s
tennis
tournament
featured a
new kids-only
tournament
and lively
entertainment
from Tucson High School’s steel
drum band. RARK raised nearly
$50,000 to support pediatric cancer
research.
Additional Thanks
and Gratitude!
In 2009, the Steele Center welcomed
the support of several new volunteer
groups and events.
• The UA’s Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority
sold beautiful cashmere sweaters to
support the Steele Center.
• The Salpointe Catholic High School
football team raised awareness about
type 1 diabetes through their Games
for the Greater Good. The entire school
got involved, delivering Lancer bags
filled with toys for newly diagnosed
patients, and creating “Denim for
Diabetes” ribbons.
• The Gaslight Theatre actors and staff
donated their time and talents to put
together a live show and auction,
inspired by a loved one who lives with
type 1 diabetes. Proceeds benefitted
type 1 diabetes research and clinical care.
• The sad and untimely loss of their
daughter, Marisa Ann, inspired Laura
and Delbert Gallego to establish the
Marisa Ann Gallego Foundation.
They hosted the first annual iMAGine
A Cure Golf Tournament benefitting
cancer research.
• The Placencia family, who lost their
beloved son, Stephen, to cancer, used
their tragedy for good, forming the
Kick Cancer for Stephen Foundation
and donating several gaming systems
to our hematology/oncology clinic.
• The Tucson Toros named the Steele
Center their charity of choice for
the annual 4th of July Star Spangled
Spectacular and invited one of our
diabetes patients to throw out the
first pitch.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks held a
pediatric cancer awareness night and
invited our cancer patients, survivors,
and their families to enjoy a carefree
night of baseball.
Opening Soon! Diamond
Children’s Medical Center
T
he excitement is
growing! Construction
is nearing completion
on Diamond Children’s
Medical Center. The
facility will open in
phases starting in April
2010. The grand opening
of the lobby is scheduled for September 2010.
Please visit www.diamondchildrens.org for updates.
Tours:
If you would like a tour of the Steele Children’s
Research Center and Diamond Children’s, please
contact Mariana Vazquez at (520) 626-9773,
vazquez@peds.arizona.edu.
Donations:
If you are interested in supporting the doctors and
programs of Diamond Children’s or the research
(conducted through the Steele Center), you may
donate online at www.steelecenter.arizona.edu, or
use the envelope enclosed with this report. For more
information, please contact Lori Stratton, Director of
Development for the Steele Center, at (520) 626-7799,
stratton@peds.arizona.edu.
If you are interested in supporting the “bricks and
mortar” of Diamond Children’s, you may donate
online at www.diamondchildrens.org. For more
information, please contact Tom Sanders, Senior
Development Officer, UMC Foundation, (520) 694-
6599, tsanders@umcaz.org, or Richelle Litteer, Major
Gifts Officer, (520) 694-1324, rlitteer@umcaz.edu.
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Spotlight On Our Patients: Steele Story Project
ive of our patients participated in the Steele Story Project to help raise awareness about the Steele Children’s
FResearch Center. Professional photographer Lyra Waggoner photographed each child. We thank our advisory
board members who generously underwrote the costs for this project.
Gavin: When born, Gavin couldn’t
eat. He was diagnosed with “EG”
(eosinophilic gastroenteritis), a
painful GI disorder that causes
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
and choking. Under Dr. Ghishan’s
care, Gavin quickly improved.
After five months on a feeding
tube, his parents were able to
introduce solid foods into Gavin’s
diet. Now 4, “he can eat almost
anything,” says his mom, Erin.
Ian: “When I grow up, I want
to be like Dr. Griffin,” says Ian
about his Steele Center pediatric
endocrinologist, Kurt Griffin,
PhD, MD. Diagnosed with type 1
diabetes when he was 3, Ian, now
5, uses an insulin pump to manage
his diabetes. “Ian has so much
more freedom with the pump,”
says his mom, Lisa.
Ilaria: Three days after she turned
3, Ilaria was diagnosed with yolk
sac germ cell cancer. A tumor the
size of an adult fist was found
in the center of her chest. “We
were devastated,” says Ilaria’s dad,
Colin. After major surgery to
remove the tumor and four rounds
of chemotherapy, Ilaria, now 5, is
in remission. “She’s doing great,”
says her pediatric oncologist,
Emmanuel Katsanis, MD.
Jade: Eight-year-old Jade
recently was diagnosed with
supraventricular tachycardia (SVT),
a heart-rhythm disorder that causes
arrhythmia and a rapid heart rate.
Under the care of her pediatric
cardiologist, Dr. Santiago Valdés,
Jade underwent a successful
cardiac catheterization procedure
that removed the extra electrical
connection between the top and
bottom chambers of her heart.
“She feels wonderful,” says Jade’s
mom, Sherry.
Syd: Five-year-old Syd loves to listen
to classical music and already knows
the composers of many classical
pieces. Syd receives specialized
care from Sydney Rice, MD, a
developmental pediatrician, to help
with some of his neurological and
behavioral challenges. “Syd has
improved tremendously,” says his
dad, Dennis.
Boxed note cards (10 cards per box) are available for a
donation of $20 or more. To order, contact Laura Hopkins
at (520) 626-9618 or hopkins@peds.arizona.edu.
Community-based Fundraising:
Canister and Dollar Campaigns
e are grateful for the dedicated
Wleadership of Steele Children’s
Research Center advisory board
members Bill Cox and
DeeAnne Gibbons.
They created the
idea for the Steele
Center “canister” and
“dollar” campaigns
to raise money for
the Steele Center and
increase pubic awareness.
Funds raised through these
In September, the Steele
Center received a Hyundai
Hope on Wheels grant to
benefit pediatric cancer
research. Steele Center
pediatric oncologist Brenda
Wittman, MD, was chosen as
a Hyundai Scholar and
received $20,000 for her research in bacterial
infection and blood clotting related to central
venous catheters. Dr. Wittman received the funding
at a special “Handprint Ceremony,” and our
pediatric cancer patients were invited to participate
in this fun and paint-filled event. Jim Click
Automotive donated an additional $20,000 for a
total of $40,000 to support Dr. Wittman’s research!
community-based campaigns will
support Steele Center programs
with the greatest need.
The “canister campaign”
has put change canisters
at many local businesses
throughout Tucson
and Southern Arizona.
They feature Faith—a
young cancer survivor
treated by Steele Center pediatric
oncologists.
The “dollar campaign” lets you
support the Steele Center for as
little as $1! As our dollar campaign
grows, the cards will be available
in stores throughout Tucson.
To find locations near you for
both campaigns, or if you would
like to add the campaigns to your
business, please contact Laura
Hopkins at (520) 626-9618,
hopkins@peds.arizona.edu, or:
www.steelecenter.arizona.edu/
annualgiving.asp.
Steele Center Receives Grant from
Hyundai Hope on Wheels
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Facts & Figures
he UA Steele Children’s
TResearch Center serves
children throughout
Arizona and neighboring
states, focusing primarily
on difficult-to-treat diseases
like pediatric cancers, type
1 diabetes, autism spectrum
disorders, congenital heart
disease and gastrointestinal
disorders such as Crohn’s
disease and eosinophilic
esophagitis.
Steele Center pediatricians
and pediatric specialists
care for children and their
families in approximately
60,000 patient visits a year.
They provide the type
of support and cuttingedge
care that comes
from being an academic
research institution.
Physician-scientists at the
Steele Center focus on
investigating the causes of
pediatric diseases and work
to discover new treatments
and therapies for children
suffering with illness.
Federal and state grants
help fund scientific
investigation, but
philanthropy is an
important catalyst for
nurturing new ideas
because it serves as a
springboard for securing
government aid in the
future. Only 10% of
all donations are used
for development and
fundraising efforts.
We thank each of our
donors for their investment
in the Steele Center and
children’s health.
FY 08-09 Where Philanthropy Money Comes From
FY 08-09 Where Philanthropy Funds Were Directed
Faculty Highlights 2009
Brent Barber, MD, promoted to Associate Professor, Clinical
Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology.
Christopher Cunniff, MD, Professor and Chief, Section of
Genetics; elected President of the American Board of Medical Genetics
(ABMG); received 5-year, $1.25 million grant from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention to study the prevalence of Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome in children throughout Arizona and Nevada.
Cori Daines, MD, promoted to Associate Professor, Clinical
Pediatrics, Section of Pulmonary, Allergy and Immunology.
Bohuslav Dvorak, PhD, promoted to Research Professor, Section
of Neonatology; Publication: Bifidobacterium bifidum Improves Intestinal
Integrity in a Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis; American Journal
of Physiology: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2009; 297: G1-G10;
received a two-year NIH R21 grant, “Regulation of Immune Reactions
by Synthetic Thioglucans,” in collaboration with the University of
Louisville.
Sean P. Elliott, MD, Associate Professor, Section of Infectious
Diseases; inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha at UA College of
Medicine; received UA College of Medicine Faculty Teaching Award,
“Educator of the Year Lifetime Award—Years III and IV”; Publication:
The Spectrum and Presentation of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis;
American Journal of Medicine, 2009; 122(5): 770-777.
Robert P. Erickson, MD, Professor, Section of Genetics;
Publication: Autosomal Recessive Disease among the Athabaskans
of the Southwestern United States: Recent Advances and Implications
for the Future; American Journal of Medical Genetics A, 2009;
149A:2602-2611.
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, Professor and Department Head, Section
of Gastroenterology and Nutrition; received “Distinguished Alumnus
Award for Achievement,” from the University of Iowa Carver
College of Medicine; received two-year NIH “American Recovery
and Reinvestment” grant to study the role of calcium in IBD-related
bone loss. Publication: Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Down-Regulates
Intestinal NHE8 Expression by Reducing Basal Promoter Activity;
American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology, 2009; 296(3): C489-97.
Melissa Halpern, PhD, promoted to Research Associate Professor,
Section of Neonatology; Publication: Bifidobacterium bifidum Improves
Intestinal Integrity in a Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis; American
Journal of Physiology: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2009; 297:
G1-G10.
Cleo Hardin, MD, Associate Professor and Chief, Section of
Hospital Medicine & Outreach; earned “Fellow in Hospital Medicine”
(FHM) designation from the Society of Hospital Medicine.
Emmanuel Katsanis, MD, Professor and Chief, Section of
Hematology/Oncology; named “Leading Edge Researcher” at the
University of Arizona; awarded five-year R01 grant from the NIH,
“Immunotherapy for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.” Publication:
Signaling Pathways Induced by a Tumor-derived Vaccine in Antigen
Presenting Cells; Immunobiology, 2009; Oct. 30.
Pawel Kiela, DVM, PhD, Research Associate Professor, Section
of Gastroenterology and Nutrition; received two-year NIH “American
Recovery and Reinvestment” grant to study the role of calcium in
IBD-related bone loss.
Nicolas Larmonier, PhD, promoted to Research Associate
Professor, Section of Hematology/Oncology; Publication: Imatinib
Mesylate Suppresses CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cell Activity and
Enhances Active Immunotherapy Against BCR-ABL Negative Tumors;
Journal of Immunology, Nov. 181:6955-63.
William Madden, MD, Professor and Chief, Section of General
Pediatrics; received UA College of Medicine Faculty Teaching Award,
“Dean’s List for Excellence in Teaching Award, Year III.”
Ricardo Samson, MD, Professor and Chief, Section of Cardiology;
asked to serve as Associate Science Editor for the American Heart
Association.
Ziad Shehab, MD, Professor, Section of Infectious Diseases; UA
College of Medicine Faculty Teaching Award, “Outstanding Achievement
in Teaching by a Clerkship or Elective Award for Years III and IV.”
Andreas Theodorou, MD, Professor and Chief, Section of
Critical Care; Publication: Antivenom for Critically Ill Children with
Neurotoxicity from Scorpion Stings; The New England Journal of Medicine,
May 2009, Vol. 360:2090-2098. Named a “Best Doctor,” 2009.
Richard Wahl, MD, promoted to Professor, Clinical Pediatrics,
Section of General Pediatrics.
The Department of Pediatrics Welcomed New Faculty in 2009
Rachel Cramton, MD
Assistant Professor
Clinical Pediatrics
Hospital Medicine/Outreach
Nancy Gruchala, MD
Assistant Professor
Clinical Pediatrics
Hospital Medicine/Outreach
Margaret Trouard, MD
Assistant Professor
Clinical Pediatrics
Critical Care
Katri Typpo, MD
Assistant Professor
Clinical Pediatrics
Critical Care
15

16
Inspired
We are inspired by the kindness and generosity of our donors and are thankful for every gift made to the Steele Children’s
Research Center that allows us to provide today’s care and tomorrow’s cures. We want to give special thanks to the
following cash and in-kind donors who gave $1,000 or more from January through December 2009.
$500,000+
PANDA—Phoenix Women’s
Board
$250,000 - $499,999
Arizona Elks Major Projects
$100,000 - $249,999
Father’s Day Council Tucson
The Steele Foundation, Inc.
$50,000 - $99,999
Jacquelynn and Bennett Dorrance
$25,000 - $49,999
Ashley and Chris Baiker
Dorrance Family Foundation
Gifts in Honor of Rick Fink—
Father of the Year 2009
Gifts in Honor of Gary Kippur—
Father of the Year 2009
Gifts in Honor of Jose Rincon—
Father of the Year 2009
Gifts in Honor of Les White—
Father of the Year 2009
J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation
Raise a Racquet for Kids
Tee Up For Tots, Inc.
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise
$15,000 - $24,999
Anonymous
Robyn and Mike DeBell
Maxine and Ralph Henig
Hyundai Hope On Wheels
Jim Click Automotive
Sharon and Donald Ulrich
$10,000 - $14,999
Adelante Foundation
Anonymous
BlueCross BlueShield
Hazel Hare
Karen and Bob Hobbs
Jasam Foundation
Joseph Stanley Leeds Foundation
Carey and John Musil
Ramiro G. Peru
WellPoint Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Sydney and Bob Anderson
Bashas’ Charitable Fund
Brenda and George Brimhall
Laurie and Drew Brown
Cardinal Charities, Inc.
Amy and Keith Carney
Missy and Michael Cooley
Cay Cowie
CVS Caremark Corporation
Ardie and Steve Evans
Joan and Fayez Ghishan
DeeAnne and Gregg Gibbons
GoDaddy.com
Shannon and Robert Goldwater
Penny and Larry Gunning
Ruth Ann and Tom Hornaday
Immunovative Therapies, Ltd.
Stephanie and Guy Inzalaco
Steven A. Lightman
Marisa Ann Gallego Foundation
Faye Morse
Melissa and David Mullard
Joellen and Tim Rannow
RBC Dain Rauscher Foundation
Adriana and Jose Rincon
Susan and Larry Ring
Shamrock Foods Company
Linda and William Skov
Nancy and John Teets
The Gaslight Theatre
Benjamin C. Thomas
Tammy and Jon Underwood
Cindy and Les White
Allie and Mike Wilmink
Women of the Active 20-30 Club
Helen and Chris Yeung
$2,500 - $4,999
Arizona Mail Order, Inc.
Alice and Paul Baker
Laura and Michael Bill
Lee and Frank Bowman
Campbell, Yost, Clare & Norell, P.C.
Caremark Rx, Inc.
Carondelet Health Network
Catalina Mechanical Contracting, Inc.
Kyle and Casey Christensen
Desert Institute for Spine Care, P.C.
DMB Associates
Eli Lilly & Co.
Micheline and Bruce Etkin
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
Stanley D. Friedman
Melinda and John A. Gulick III
Henry Pope Foundation
Sue and Stewart Jean
Jim Boyle Dairy
Linda Kaplan
Lori and James Kelly
Lorna and Mark Kipphut
Jane and Phil Lacovara
Lundy Medical Products, LLC
Magnum Paving, Inc.
Marianne Cracchiolo Mago and
James Mago
Marc Walker Enterprises, Inc.
Judee and David Morrison
Oser Communications Group
PepsiCo Foodservice
Carolyn Ponder
Carol and Jim Schmidt
Sara and Steven Schramm
Susie and Les Small
Maria and Mark Syms
The Hart Family-Orepac Foundation
Art Valles
Kathy and Tom Van Arsdale
Jon C. Walker
Kathy and Craig Walker
Lola and Carl White
$1,000 - $2,499
AAC Structures of Arizona, LLC
Anonymous
A.F. Sterling Homes
Alana Studios of Design, LLC
Alliance Bank of Arizona
Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority
Amcep Metals, Inc.
American Openings, Inc.
Animas Corporation
Ara Parseghian Medical
Research Foundation
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
LaDonna and Robin Aronoff
Bank of Tucson
Carie and Mike Baumann
Beach Fleischman PC
Deanna and Kemp Biddulph
Valerie and Leland Bisbee III
BolchalkFReY Marketing
Louis R. Breton
Broadband Dynamics, LLC
Judy and Darren Burke
Cactus Transport, Inc.
Emily and Daniel Calihan
Norma and Martin Camacho
Joan Kaye Cauthorn and Robert
Cauthorn
Tara and Mark Cavanaugh
Chapman Automotive
Chartwell Group, LLC
John T. Chesley
Ginny Clements
Vicki and Jim Click Jr.
CMS, LLC
Katherine and Bradley Combs
Marilyn S. Congleton
Donna and Leo Connolly
Lynne K. Cook
Tiffany Crane
Tina and David Curran
David & Sondra Mack Foundation
Carol and Wallace Davis
Kristin and Harrison Dean
Delta Delta Delta Tucson
Alumnae Chapter
Desert Metals Recycling, Inc.
Joan and Don Diamond
Diamond Ventures, Inc.
Marlis and James Dinning
Karen and Mark Doerflein
Dover Associates, LLC
Employer Solutions Group
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation
Ethel & Jerry Timan Memorial
Family Fund
Meghan and Court Fable
Carmen and Geoffrey Ferlan
Susan and Thomas Firth
Pam and Gary Fitzgerald
Susan and David French
Diana and David Freshwater
Anne Fritz
Gary and Teresa Yourtz Foundation
Genentech USA
Alexis and Boz Glascock
Ellen and David Goldstein
Hacienda Del Sol
Megan and Alfred Hackbarth III
Patricia and Howard Harpst
Jamie Cain and Kenneth Head
Stephanie and David Helsten
Becky Hill
Megan and John Hink
Dennis W. Hitzeman
Laura L. Hopkins
Susan and Jim Hunter
Elizabeth and William Imparato
Jewish Federation of Southern
Arizona
Mark Joseph
J P Industries, Inc.
Tandy and Gary Kippur
Kelly and James Kirke
Kitchell Corporation
Daniel Kivel
Julie and Scott Klewer
Julie and Joe Koeth
Kirsten Korosec
Jill Kusy
Wendy and Sage Lentz
Lewis and Roca LLP
Loews Ventana Canyon
Longbow Golf Club Associates, LLC
Lunda & Associates, P.C.
Macerich Management Company
Jean and Bill Mack
Beth and Bill Madden
Carole and William Mallender
Lisa and Gregory Mallender
Mariana Vazquez and Justin Maloney
Maurice R. & Meta G. Gross
Foundation
John Maus
Amy and Sloane McFarland
McNamara, Goldsmith &
McDonald, P.C.
Clark M. Merkley
Mesch, Clark & Rothschild P.C.
Metal Management Arizona, LLC
Michael P. Bergeron Foundation,
Inc.
Karen and Alexander Mlawsky
Denise A. Monti
Linda and Fred Nachman
Sylvia and Andy Norell
Nova Financial & Investment
Corporation
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Charles D. Oliver III
Christine and James Orders
Dorothy and Julius Parker
Pfizer, Inc.
Nicole and Larry Pike
Pima County Medical Foundation
Pima County Medical Society
Deborah Oseran and Bobby Present
Monica and David Ramsze
Judy and Bill Ray
Susan B. Rehorn
Gabrielle and Robert Rife
Kathy and Gerald Ritt
Robert J. Kelly DMD, P.C.
Peggy and Jon Rowley
Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite
Sage Tax Group
Sahuaro High School Dance Team
Stephanie and Ricardo Samson
Gretchen and Ryan Schubert
Leila and Ziad Shehab
Casey and James Simmons
Siskiyou Forest Products
Lynne and Volker Sonntag
Lori and Chip Stratton
Cecelia D. Terry
TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA
Sandi and Purdom Thomas
Robyn Kessler and Jeffrey Timan
Kati and Chris Travelle
U.S. Foodservice
Terrye L. Underwood
United Commercial Travelers
University Medical Center
University of Arizona Foundation
Valley of the Sun Fine Wines
Blake and Johnjay Van Es
Vantage West Credit Union
Michelle and Marc Walker
Megan and Kris Wall
Donna and T.K. Warfield
Thomas W. Warne
Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Carol M. Williams
Monica and John Woudenberg
Jaime and Bradley Wright
Victoria and Richard York
In-kind Donors
Abbott Taylor Jewelers
American Openings, Inc.
Christina and K.C. An
Arizona Elks Major Projects
BizTucson
Broadmoor Spa, Golf and Tennis Club
Anita L. Burg
Enchantment Resort
Fairmont Southampton
Jon Wolf Photography, Inc.
Kick Cancer for Stephen Foundation
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Loews Ventana Canyon
St. Regis Resort
Terranea Resort
Tucson Police Foundation
US Airways Group
17

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, Professor and Head
Cardiology
Section Chief: Ricardo Samson, MD
Professor
Brent Barber, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Stan Goldberg, MD
Professor Emeritus
Scott Klewer, MD
Professor
Daniela Lax, MD
Associate Professor
Gregory Mike Nichols, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Santiago Valdés, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Critical Care
Section Chief: Andreas Theodorou, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Marc Berg, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Hillary Franke, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Mary Gaspers, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Michael Karadsheh, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Robyn Meyer, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Katri Typpo, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Mark Witten, PhD
Research Professor
Simon Wong, MD
Research Associate Professor
Developmental & Behavioral
Pediatrics
Sydney A. Rice, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Margaret Trouard, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Endocrinology
Section Chief: Mark Wheeler, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Kurt Griffin, PhD, MD
Assistant Professor
Chetan Patel, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Gastroenterology
Section Chief: Hassan Hassan, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD
Professor and Department Head
Pawel Kiela, PhD
Research Associate Professor
Hua Xu, PhD
Research Associate Professor
General Pediatrics
Section Chief: Kimberly Gerhart, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Conrad Clemens, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Thomas Ball, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Kathryn Bowen, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Karen Davenport, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Tracey Kurtzman, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
William Madden, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
William Marshall Jr., MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Richard Wahl, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Genetics
Section Chief: Christopher Cunniff, MD
Professor
Robert Erickson, MD
Professor
John Meaney, PhD
Research Lecturer
Hematology/Oncology
Section Chief: Emmanuel Katsanis, MD
Professor
Michael Graham, MD
Associate Professor
Nicolas Larmonier, PhD
Research Associate Professor
Brenda Wittman, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Hospital Medicine/Outreach
Section Chief: Cleo Hardin, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Rachel Cramton, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Nancy Gruchala, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Eliza Holland, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Zakiya Karim, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Chan Lowe, Jr., MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Hengameh Rastegar-Murphy, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Jasna Seserinac, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Infectious Diseases
Section Chief: Ziad Shehab, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Sean Elliott, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Neonatology
Section Chief: Alan Bedrick, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Jasmine Ahmed, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Bohuslav Dvorak, PhD
Research Professor
Edith Edde, DO
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Melissa Halpern, PhD
Research Associate Professor
Catherine Tsai, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Nephrology
Section Chief: Emmanuel Apostol, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology
Section Chief: Wayne Morgan, MD
Professor
Mark Brown, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Cori Daines, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Michael Daines, MD
Assistant Professor
Roni Grad, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Fernando Martinez, MD
Professor
Anne Wright, PhD
Research Professor
Phoenix Clerkship Program
Kipp Charlton, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Maricopa Medical Center
John Muhm Jr., MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Kristin Samaddar, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
St. Joseph’s Hospital
Mitchell Shub, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Steele Center Advisory Boards
Tucson
Advisory Board
Chair: Phil Lacovara, PhD
Active Members
Louis Breton
Ginny Clements
Bill Cox
Bert Dover
Jay Foust
DeeAnne Gibbons
Cynthia Goodman Shaw
Linda Immerman-Stoffers
Beth Koontz
Bill Krauss
Troy Little
Andrea Malis
Andy Norell
Ray Novak, MD
Kathy Orr
Larry Ring
Steve Rosenberg
Peggy Rowley
Dian Rutin
Judy Smedes
Jeremy Sohn
Tom Strasburg
Louise Thomas
Consulting Members
Judy Abrams
Joan Kaye Cauthorn
Robert Davis
Norma Feldman
Shirley Fulginiti
Mark Kipphut
Ruth Mondschein, PhD
David Sitton
Credits:
Writer/Editor/Art Director/Designer
Darci Slaten, MA
Director of Communications and Marketing
Graphic Design
Roma Krebs, AHSC BioCommunications
Editorial Board
George Humphrey, MA
Director, AHSC Office of Public Affairs
Honorary Members
Lissa Marinaro
William Foucher
Linda Lewandowski
Life Members
Joan Diamond
Virginia Furrow, MD
Maxine Henig
Cele Peterson
Lynn Taussig, MD
Louise Thomas
Phoenix
Advisory Board
Chair: Kim Sterling-Heflin
Kirk Aleck, MD
John Checkett
Mary Chick
Robyn DeBell
Jodi Freeman
Penny Gunning
Annette Heasman
Patti Lau
Bill Mack
Phillippa Maltese
Karen Meyer
Andy Plattner
Bill Ridenour
Jan Neal Riemar
Joan Rankin Shapiro, PhD
Mitch Shub, MD
Margo Smith
Greg Stanton
Judy Walruff, PhD
Dick Whitney
Phoenix
Women’s
Advisory Board
(PANDA)
President:
Stephanie Helsten
Trisha Anthony
Tifanny Anton
Ashley Baiker
Sara Baldwin
Charlene Berge-Blum
Alexandra Boyle
Judy Burke
Emily Calihan
Sarah Carlenzoli
Kyle Christensen
Heidi Coupland
Lisa Cowan
Tiffany Crane
Tina Curran
Christy Dean
Kristin Dean
Robyn DeBell
Jacquie Dorrance
Jennifer Dougherty
Debbi Douglas
Kay Eskridge
Meghan Fable
Dana Gapusan
Lora Golke
Melinda Gulick
Penny Gunning
Megan Hackbarth
Tori Heintzelman
Nancy Hepburn
Megan Hink
Catherine Jacobson
Lori Kelly
Melissa Kenly
Kelly Kirke
Julie Koeth
Photography
Martha Lochert Photography (Cover; About Cover)
Margaret Hartshorn
- AHSC BioCommunications (p. 15)
Laura Hopkins (p. 13)
Francie Placencia (p. 7)
Darci Slaten (all other photos)
Lyra Waggoner (p. 12)
Pam Kolbe
Wendy Lentz
Kari MacDonald
Amy Mahoney
Lisa Mallender
Lizabeth Matthews
Traci Mead
Ashley Ragan
Julie Rauch
Judy Ray
Kathy Ritt
Laurie Ritt
Erika Sahagun
Gretchen Schubert
Susie Small
Tracy Smith
Kati Travelle
Gerri Tsantilas
Kristin Ulrich
Tammy Underwood
Julie Vogel
Carol Waldrop*
Kathy Walker
Michelle Walker
Megan Wall
Karin Weiler
Nancy White
Linda Whitney
Allie Wilmink
Susan Wissink
Jaime Wright
Helen Yeung
*In memorium
Golden PANDAs
Carolyn Bosworth
Ann Denk
Suellen Edens
Pam Fitzgerald
Carol Schmidt
Mary Lynn Schmidt
Judy Shannon
Sandi Thomas
Associate
Members
Sydney Anderson
Nancy Berge
Muffie Churchill
Joan Colangelo
Kathy DeSanto
Kelly Eaton
Ardie Evans
Diana Finley
Lindsey Gladwin
Ruthann Grace
Carol Hebets
Karen Hobbs
Michelle Hobbs
RuthAnn Hornaday
Mary Hudak
Jennifer Irby
Kerry Jameson
Cathy Kleeman
Kathleen Lang
Beth Matthews
Carey Musil
Stacie Olson
Pam Overton
Kathey Plenge
Kerrie Schmidt
Judy Schubert
Lynne Sonntag
Anne Spellman
Kim Sterling-Helfin
Sharon Ulrich
Kathy Van Arsdale
Desha Whitney-Wikle
Additional Assistance
Laura Hopkins
Katie Riley
Thomas S. Sanders
Jean Spinelli
Mariana Vazquez, MS
Lori Stratton, MPH
Additional Writing
Laura Hopkins
18
Director of Development
Lori Stratton, MPH
Mariana Vazquez, MS
19

2010 Events
April 10
PANDA 11th Annual
“Children Helping Children”
Fashion Show
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, Phoenix
May 7
Father’s Day Council Golf Classic
Loews Ventana Canyon
June 19
Fathers of the Year Awards Gala
Loews Ventana Canyon
August 27
Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament
Hilton El Conquistador
Fall 2010
Raise A Racquet for Kids
Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club
Fall 2010
Runway for Research
Hilton El Conquistador
December 2010
PANDA 3rd Annual
“Playing FORE PANDA”
Golf Tournament
Phoenix, Arizona
The University of Arizona
Steele Children’s Research Center
Department of Pediatrics
PO Box 245073
Tucson, AZ 85724-5073
About the
Steele Center Logo
O
ur logo is an incomplete puzzle, with a
child in the center. The pieces to the puzzle
represent everyone who is integral to improving
children’s health…doctors, nurses, medical staff,
researchers, families, volunteer groups, donors
and others. We all can be a piece of the puzzle,
working together to improve children’s health.
The puzzle isn’t finished, because we can’t do it without YOU.
Thank you for your support! To learn more about the Steele
Center, please visit www.steelecenter.arizona.edu.
Stay connected to the Steele Center
Learn more about what’s happening
at the Steele Center through our Web site:
www.steelecenter.arizona.edu
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