gibbs guardian magazine - fall 2014
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More than 9 million people in 5 states will have access to cancer clinical trials
CliniCal OnCOlOgy ReseaRCh COn-sORtium-upstate awaRded funding fOR CanCeR ReseaRCh
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded $93 million a year for 5 years to researchers across the country to conduct multi-site cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research studies in their commu-nities. The grants are awarded under the NCI Commu-nity Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a national network of investigators, cancer care providers, aca-demic institutions, and other organizations that pro-vide care to diverse populations in community-based healthcare practices across the United States.
The NCORP involves 53 grants being awarded. The award falls into three categories: 7 research bases, 34 community sites, and 12 minority/underserved com-munity sites. SCOR is one of the 34 community sites. NCORP replaces two previous NCI community-based clinical research programs: the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP).
NCORP will design and conduct clinical trials to improve cancer prevention, cancer control, screening, and post-treatment management. The new program will have an expanded portfolio of clinical trials and other studies, including an emphasis on cancer care delivery research. Cancer care delivery research focuses on numerous factors that affect access to medical care such as social, financial, technological and others. The two institutions within SCOR that will initially be instrumental in establishing cancer care delivery research are Novant Health Forsyth Medi-cal Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute in Spartanburg, S.C. The other 21 member community hospitals/institutions will participate in the cancer care delivery research as the program advances and participation is expanded.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding and work with the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute to not only further their mission, but also to help our patients through new research and trials,” said Dr. Robert Siegel, the hematology
News Alert: Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute to bring hope to patients through cutting-
edge clinical drug trials
GIbbSGuardianFall 2014
Gibbs Health Institute and Guardian Research Network:
learn about Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute’s nationwide initiatives
in personalized medicine
Medicine that Hits the Mark: Meet
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute’s
radiation oncologist team
Together: Read about two people
afflicted with cancer at the same time and
their quest for survival
Inside this issue:
>>>
Gibbs is designated as OUTSTaNDING by the Commission on Cancer.
Gibbs is a CeRTIFIeD MeMbeR of the MD Anderson
Cancer Network™.
US News & World Report ranks
Spartanburg Medical Center #1 in the state of South Carolina.
The American College of
Radiology describes the Bearden-
Josey Center for Breast Health as a
CeNTeR OF eXCelleNCe.
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute
was selected as ONe OF THe FIRST
10 sites in the world for breakthrough
clinical trial to conduct Lung-MAP testing.
More people CHOOSe GIbbS for
their cancer care in Spartanburg,
Cherokee and Union counties than
any other healthcare provider in the
Upstate. Why would you choose
anyone other than Gibbs?
Gibbs Medical Oncology is the
ONly UPSTaTe PROvIDeR
certified by the American Society
of Clinical Oncology through
the Quality Oncology Practice
Initiative (QOPI®).
In Upstate South Carolina, only Gibbs Radiation
Oncology holds CeRTIFICaTION by the
American College of Radiology.
Clinical navigation services are available
to eveRy PaTIeNT at Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute.
Gibbs was ReCOGNIzeD for award-
winning Survivorship Care by the
Association of Community Cancer
Centers in 2012.
The Association of Community Cancer
Centers aWaRDeD Gibbs for its
Palliative Care Program—Supportive
Care Clinic in 2013.
The dedicated team of cancer specialists
at Gibbs was recognized by the
MD Anderson Cancer Network™ for
eXCelleNT Multidisciplinary Planning.
Our 10 diseased-focused Multidisciplinary
Planning Conferences guarantee all patients
PeRSONalIzeD TReaTMeNT options
provided by our team of experts.BL_051414
At Gibbs, our medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists hold the DISTINCTION
of being MD Anderson Physician Network-Credentialed Physicians.
What they’re sayingGIbbS GuardianMailed to patients, physicians and
friends, GibbsGuardian is published
semi-annually by the Department
of Marketing, Public Relations and
Physician Development; Spartanburg
Regional Healthcare System; 101 east
Wood Street; Spartanburg, SC 29303.
On the COveR
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research
Institute leadership Team,
left to right, back:
James Bearden, iii, M.D., F.a.C.P.
Jack pledger, Ph.D.
timothy yeatman, M.D., F.a.C.S.
Seated, front: Julian Josey, M.D.
editORial BOaRd
James Bearden iii, M.D., F.a.C.P.
david Church, D.H.a.
sharon Jackson,
Communications Manager,
Marketing and Public Relations
Julian Josey, M.D.
Jack pledger, Ph.D.
maria williamson,
vice President, Marketing and
Public Relations
timothy yeatman, M.D., F.a.C.S.
wRiteRs
James Bearden, III, M.D., F.a.C.P.
david Church, D.H.a.
sarah howell, M.S.
Julian Josey, M.D.
Jeff sams, Contributing Writer
timothy yeatman, M.D., F.a.C.S.
gRaphiC designeR
Brandy lindsey, The Graphics House, Inc.
phOtOgRapheRs
Jason ayers, ayers Production
steve fincher, Fincher Photography
steven pipes
For more information, return the envelope
included with the publication, or visit
us online at gibbscancercenter.org.
find us
giBBs CanCeR CenteR & ReseaRCh instituteoncology program director at bon Secours St. Francis. “being awarded this funding goes to show that the research happening at St. Francis, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute at Spartanburg Regional and anMed Health is not going unnoticed by the medical community.”
Upstate participating sites are: anMed Health, bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Carolina blood and Cancer Care, Roper St Francis Healthcare, Spartan-burg Medical Center, Mcleod Health.
“The achievement of this grant is important to the mission of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute ensuring our ability to bring National Cancer Institute trials to our patients,” said James D. bearden III, M.D., vice President of Clinical Research for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
paRtiCipating sites aRe:1. spartanburg medical Center (gibbs Cancer
Center & Research institute) in spartanburg, s.C.
2. anMed Health in anderson, S.C.
3. Mission Health, Inc. in asheville, N.C.
4. Waverly Hematology Oncology in Cary, N.C.
5. Roper St Francis Healthcare in Charleston, S.C.
6. Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
7. Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, va.
8. Mcleod Health in Florence, S.C.
9. CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, N.C.
10. Southeastern Oncology Medical Center in Goldsboro, N.C.
11. Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, N.C. (sites in asheboro and burlington)
12. bon Secours St Francis Hospital in Greenville, S.C.
13. Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville, N.C.
14. Park Ridge Health in Hendersonville, N.C.
15. High Point Regional Health in High Point, N.C.
16. Wellmont Health Systems in Kingsport, TN.
17. Memorial Hospital of Martinsville in Martinsville, va.
18. bon Secours St Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, va.
19. FirstHealth of the Carolinas – Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C.
20. Carolina blood and Cancer Care in Rock Hill, S.C.
21. Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga.
22. Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C.
23. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
For more information on NCORP, please visit http://ncorp.cancer.gov/news/ncorp-qa.pdf.
fOR mORe infORmatiOn:1-855-DNa-GIbbSgibbscancercenter.org
Contents
Together10
Q&A: Gibbs Health Institute and Guardian Research Network
8
Something Greater5
Welcome 4
Navigating A Path14
Awards and News Briefs22
Foundation Message27
Events and Happenings25
Medicine That Hits the Mark18
gibbscancercenter.org
4 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
The Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute (GCCRI) is an
incredible resource for Spartanburg and the Upstate—as well
as portions of North Carolina and Georgia. Over the past de-
cade, Gibbs has grown significantly in the care provided, and
in research, which offers the promise for a cure. The momen-
tum is now palpable.
It is time to spread the word about Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute, one of the country’s highest quality cancer
centers, recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an
NCI Community Cancer Center Program (NCCCP), and by MD
Anderson Cancer™ Network as an affiliate member.
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute is a division of
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, with our medical
center ranked as the number one hospital in the state of South
Carolina according to US News & World Report! Some of you
may have noticed the addition of “& Research Institute” to the
Gibbs Cancer Center name. This upgrade reflects the inclusion
of substantial, cutting-edge clinical and translational research,
and the construction of a state-of-the-art research laboratory
with NCI-funded investigators.
With the substantial growth and maturation of Gibbs Cancer
Center, the existing senior leadership decided it was time to recruit a director to take on the challenge of leading the center to the next
level. As a surgical oncologist specializing in colorectal cancer and liver surgery, I was recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tam-
pa, Fla. Where, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping develop a world-renowned cancer center. Our goal is to apply many of the lessons
learned in surgery, science and personalized medicine along the way, to elevate GCCRI to the next level.
Gibbs Cancer Center represented a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to come to a place that was “family” oriented, well
established and yet still wanted to reach for the stars. It has a proud history and a long track record of accomplishments. Gibbs is an
action-oriented institution where patients come first. The doctors, nurses, and entire staff are all engaged in making the patients experi-
ence the very best it can be, while at the same time striving to offer the best possible cancer care that would otherwise require traveling
great distances to attain. The entire culture of Gibbs is just right for an entrepreneurial, next generation solution to cancer care, allowing
Gibbs to mature into a world-class, leading-edge cancer center.
Our vision is to develop a cancer center with an international reputation in half the time it took in Tampa. I call this a “nextgen” cancer
center that will seek to personalize cancer care for each patient, in order to maximize outcomes and results. This will take investment in
people and technology. It will require expanding a thriving cancer center towards the epicenter of growth in the Upstate. In the future,
you will hear more about our exciting plans for the campus at Pelham Medical Center—a stone’s throw away from Greenville-Spartan-
burg International Airport, with easy access via I-85.
So, how do we define “The Gibbs Promise?” It’s the promise of hope. We offer the best clinical expertise to patients throughout the region,
fostering healing, recovery and encouragement. It’s the promise of personalized cancer care. We understand that nothing is more intimate than
one person’s unique fight against cancer, so we tailor our approach for each individual. And it’s our continuing promise to seek out cutting-edge
treatments and medications. Our endless passion for research will allow us to engage every cancer case with focused determination.
With this inaugural issue—and with subsequent semi-annual issues—GibbsGuardian will present updates to the community about recent
advances in research and new therapies offered by the GCCRI.
Timothy Yeatman, M.D., F.A.C.S.Director, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research InstitutePresident, Gibbs Research Institute
THe Gibbs pROMise
Welcome
Greater
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spartanburg’s devotion to delivering excellent cancer
care isn’t new. it didn’t start with the opening of Gibbs
Cancer Center in 1999, or with the very generous lead
donation from Jimmy and Marsha Gibbs towards the
development of a stand-alone cancer center. Not when
the community, led by employees at spartanburg
Regional Healthcare system, came together and raised
$4 million for the new center. The culture of excellence
at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research institute cannot
be attributed to one person, place or thing. it is an
intangible phenomenon generated when people with
the same passion and dedication come together to
build something greater than themselves. whether
through a legacy of generous giving like Jimmy and
Marsha Gibbs, an innovative idea, a vision for the future,
or plain old hard work, the history of Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research institute is the history of many. >>>
Something
by JaMes beaRDeN, iii, M.D., F.a.C.p. and JUliaN JOsey, M.D.
IN 1934, Dr. John Fleming, an OB/GYN with a special
interest in cancer, established the first local state aid cancer clinic
in South Carolina at Spartanburg General Hospital – a clinic he was
so passionate about that he personally traveled to Columbia year after
year to secure its continued funding. This clinic was the seed from which
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute would grow.
In 1964, Dr. D.C. Hull, the first fellowship-trained surgical oncologist in the state,
joined the team. He was the impetus, along with Dr. Charles Webb and Dr. John
McCollough, in creating the first tumor board, which led to the introduction of the
multidisciplinary committee. A multidisciplinary committee is a venue for physicians to
discuss the needs of cancer patients and combine surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
to plan the best course of treatment after reviewing studies with pathology and radiology.
Today, as a direct result of their actions, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute has 10
disease-specific multidisciplinary committees: breast, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, neuro-
logic, gynecologic, head and neck, cutaneous (skin) and sarcoma, endocrine, lung, hematologic,
and genomic. These teams of experienced experts review the details, discuss options and recom-
mend the very best course of treatment for each patient.
Early on, we recognized the fundamental need for research and clinical trials, a roadmap if you will, to
move cancer care and treatment forward. Research has been a sacred trust and a cause we pursued to
serve our community since 1976, when we first brought cancer research and clinical trials to Spartanburg
through a partnership with Wake Forest Medical University.
Spartanburg Regional became one of the first sites recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a
Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) in 1983 as a result of a 70-page grant written at home on the
Bearden kitchen table. We continued this legacy when Gibbs was selected to participate, as one of only ten origi-
nal sites, in the National Institutes of Health’s NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP). Today, we are one
of the 8 longest-standing participants in the NCl’s Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), which benefits
our patients by providing ongoing access to ever-expanding cancer research.
As a result of this historic commitment to research, we’re one of the largest can-
cer research centers in South Carolina, with more than 70 trials underway at any
time. Clinical research has given more to patients than any other facet of cancer
care. Our patients have early access to next-generation treatments and promising
therapies once thought only available at major metropolitan medical centers.
As the vanguard of technology in cancer care, we have always used technology to
support patients and provide them with the safest, most effective and least invasive
care possible. Nowhere is this more evident than our commitment to the latest advanc-
es in radiation oncology, which seeks to destroy abnormal cancer cells, while sparing
the normal, surrounding tissue. From the creation of the Emory B. Brock Radiation
Oncology Treatment Center in 1982 to the installation of TomoTherapy in 2007 and of
the CyberKnife, a linear accelerator on a robotic arm, at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research
Institute – Pelham this winter, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute has been committed
to the ever advancing state of
technology allowing us with
ever more accuracy to target
cancer cells while sparing the
surrounding tissue.
Our patient-focused culture
also drives us to seek out
D.C. Hull, M.D. John Fleming, M.D.
The culture of excellence at GCCRI is an intangible phenomenon generated when people with the same passion and dedication come together to build something greater than themselves.
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affiliations, partnerships and opportunities that elevate the level of care provided
at Gibbs. We are one of only ten centers in the nation affiliated with the presti-
gious MD Anderson Cancer Network™, and have been since 2005. This affiliation
provides access to evidence-based guidelines, expert opinions and advanced
treatments developed by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center™
in Houston, one of the world’s most respected cancer centers. Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute is so committed to our role as a community cancer
center that we’ve opened multiple sites, one in Gaffney in 2011 and another
Greer in 2013, to ensure our patients are able to receive the best care possible
in the communities where they live. Other
site locations include Union and Laurens.
The success of Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute cannot be attributed to
one person, or even a handful. Gibbs has a
long history of exemplary physicians, nurses,
administrators and staff. And, as we plan for
the future, this is the inheritance we honor.
The leadership of Spartanburg Region-
al Healthcare System and Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute searched long
and hard for leaders who understand and
value our culture and philosophy, and yet are
ready to move us forward. We invited Drs.
Timothy Yeatman, Jack Pledger and Mark Watson to join our team
because they share our passion and dedication, and have the skills
we need to truly become a next generation cancer center… not only
treating cancer, but striving to discover a cure as well. Under their
leadership, Gibbs Cancer Center became Gibbs Cancer Cen-
ter & Research Institute in April 2013 with the installation of a
7,500-square-foot-research facility dedicated to finding ways to
both prevent and cure cancer.
Planning for the future, while honoring our past and
thriving in the present, we at Gibbs Cancer Center & Re-
search Institute have dedicated our lives to the care of
others in their most difficult time. Our commitment
and passion for the care of our patients has made
Gibbs what it is today, and will take us to places
we haven’t yet imagined. We look forward to
continuing this journey together.
Opposite: Top, Reche Ballenger, Data Control Clerk, Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health; Gina Ehlich, Licensed Massage Therapist, Center for Health and Healing
Middle, Liza Owens-West, MBA, Clinical Business Manager, Medical Group of the Carolinas – Hematology / Oncology; Diane Skinner, CTR, Manager, Cancer Data Management
Bottom, David Myers, CMD, Manager of Radiation Oncology – Pelham; Kristen Robinson, MAT, BSN, RN, Clinical Research
8 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
“Imagine for a moment you’ve
been diagnosed with cancer.
Now, visualize a place where
the specific genetics of your
cancer could be analyzed and
paired with the latest clinical
trial, giving you top-tier access
to the most cutting-edge care
available. Picture for a moment
that it’s available right here
in your community. Imagine
what it would mean if it were
available not only to your
community, but communities
across the nation. This is the
goal of Gibbs Health Institute.”
SPARTANBURG
Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) is
an integrated healthcare delivery system
in Upstate South Carolina that consists
of Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartan-
burg Hospital for Restorative Care and
Pelham Medical Center. Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute (GCCRI) is
located at Spartanburg Medical Center.
The GCCRI is a National Cancer Institute
designated Community Cancer Center
(NCCCP) and is currently an MD Ander-
son Cancer Network. The GCCRI has
recently embarked on a novel, one-of-a-
kind, initiative in personalized medicine
that will enhance the reputation of all
participants.
WHAT IS GIBBS health INStItUte (GhI) aNd the GUardIaN reSearCh NetWOrk (GrN)?
The GCCRI has created a new na-
tional initiative. The Gibbs Health
Institute (GHI) will manage a network
of community hospitals called the
Guardian Research Network (GRN)
and revolutionize the way clinical
trials are done and how personal-
ized medicine is delivered in the
community setting. This new model
combines clinical trials and genetic
testing to revolutionize cancer care
nationwide, and will be a national
network of cancer centers, communi-
ty hospitals and hospital systems.
WHO IS INvOlved IN thIS NatIONal CaNCer INItIatIve?
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Insti-
tute President, Timothy Yeatman, M.D.,
has been working diligently to make
this idea a reality since his arrival in
2012. As development progressed on
this project, Mark Watson, M.D., Ph.D.
joined the Gibbs Health Institute’s
executive team in 2013. Dr. Watson,
GHI Chief Operating Officer, has ex-
perience in developing personalized
medicine and integrating genetic
information into clinical trials. His
experience in leading cutting-edge
clinical research will provide tremen-
dous value as he helps execute this
national initiative.
HOW WIll thIS NatIONal health INItIatIve BeNeFIt PatIeNtS?
This national health initiative will
perform trials in a smarter, better
and faster way that has never been
attempted before. The best clinical
trials will soon be made available
to the local communities where
more than 80 percent of patients
are actually treated. Thus, trials
will be brought to patients, instead
of the current practice of sending
patients to trials (out-of-town).
This will be of great benefit for
traditionally underserved groups,
including minority, impoverished
and rural populations that can’t af-
ford to travel outside of their local
community.
WHAT are ClINICal trIalS?
Clinical trials are the best way for
patients to gain access to the most
cutting-edge drug therapies avail-
able today—therapies that provide
hope for a cure to a deadly disease.
Unfortunately, only three percent of
patients are actually able to access
clinical trials. The best clinical trials are
generally offered at tertiary care cen-
gibbs health institute Q&a
Mark Watson, M.D., Ph.D.
ters and require patients to travel great
distances. The GRN seeks to democra-
tize the clinical trial process by lever-
aging the power of a large nationwide
network to bring the best clinical trials
to the local community centers.
HOW WIll GrN revOlUtIONIze the drUG develOPMeNt PrOCeSS?
The drug development process is cur-
rently very difficult. While there are
more than 1,000 drugs waiting to be
tested, the costs of clinical trials are
skyrocketing due to the time it takes
to manually find patients for trials.
These costs reduce the number of
drugs that get tested in trials and ulti-
mately get approved by the FDA. The
GRN seeks to change this paradigm
by dramatically reducing the time it
takes to complete a clinical trial. We
seek to reduce trial times from up to
two years to less than six months by
simply finding the right patients for
the right trials at the right time. We
hope to bring trials to the large body
of community based patients who
currently have no access.
HOW WIll the GrN aFFeCt the qUalItY OF PatIeNt Care?
The GRN, due to its size and
geographic reach, will be uniquely
positioned to lead the path to
personalized cancer care during the
next decade. For example, the GRN
will be able to set new community
standards for genetic testing in cancer
patients, and with adoption, these
standards will rapidly become the
new standard of care nationwide. The
GRN will educate network physicians
and set quality standards and metrics
regarding clinical trial activities
and genetic testing. The GRN will
provide the forum for sharing of best
practices and training of physicians
in personalized medicine. The GRN
will also reduce the time it takes for a
patient to find a clinical trial.
Currently, there is no easy way for a
patient to navigate the complex task
of finding a suitable drug trial. This
often takes far too much time with the
end result being that most patients
miss the golden window of oppor-
tunity to participate in a potentially
life-saving trial. The GRN will change
this by rapidly identifying trials for pa-
tients in a matter of weeks rather than
months to a year. Finally participation
in clinical trials requires a level of rigor
and meticulous care that raises the bar
for all who participate. We believe that
participating centers will experience a
collective enhancement in the quality
of care delivered.
HOW IS PatIeNt INFOrMatION GOING tO Be Shared aNd COMMUNICated WIth PartNer hOSPItalS?
Using sophisticated data warehous-
ing approaches, GHI will review
real-time electronic medical record
(EMR) data from hundreds of GRN
hospitals, eligible patients will be
rapidly identified as trial candidates.
Through these and other activities,
this initiative will enhance the repu-
tations of its members and ultimately
reduce the need for patients to leave
the community for the best continu-
um of cancer care.
WHEN WIll GrN ServICeS Be avaIlaBle tO CaNCer PatIeNtS?
GRN services are expected to be
available to our cancer patients once
8-10 partners have signed on with this
national health initiative and the data
warehouse is complete.
HOW MUCh WIll thIS INItIatIve COSt?
This national health initiative’s success
requires the commitment of com-
munity-based hospitals around the
country to invest funds expected to
exceed $25 million dollars. This level
of investment is necessary to lay the
groundwork for this extensive project
and allow us to achieve critical mass
and scale necessary in this collabo-
ration. The scope and breadth of this
project is beyond any other undertak-
en by Spartanburg Regional Health-
care System to date, and will require
commitments from multiple health
systems to launch this project.
HOW WIll thIS INItIatIve BeNeFIt the SPartaNBUrG COMMUNItY?
It is anticipated that this initiative will
create more than 100 high-paying
jobs and bring substantial regional
and national investments in the
community.
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10 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
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Togetherby saRaH HOwell, M.s.
>>>
Summer 2012: i had just started graduate school, the boys were three and six and my hus-
band had just changed careers. we’d finished dinner and the kids were in the bath when i got
the call. “Hi Mom, what’s up?” My Mom never called at night unless something was wrong.
“Just wanted to let you know,” she said, “i’m going in for a hysterectomy next week.” Ok, i
thought, as news goes this, was manageable. and, not unexpected, given Mom was 62. “Oh,
who’s doing it?” i asked. “Dr. Hunter,” Mom said. “wait a minute, there’s no Ob/GyN named
Hunter in spartanburg,” i thought. There were only two Dr. Hunters i knew of: Dr. Karen Hunt-
er, at internal Medicine – Greer and… “Mom, why is Dr. James Hunter doing your hysterecto-
my?” i asked. she answered with the words no one wants to hear: “i have cancer.”
MY parents met in the fourth grade at Gledhill
Grammar School in Sepulveda, Calif.. Fiercely private
and independent, they faced 45 years of marriage,
life and family with only each other. They moved from
California to Pennsylvania to North Carolina before
finally finding their home in Spartanburg, they raised
three daughters and four Labradors. Dad was work-
ing in Tennessee and coming home on the weekends
because Mom wouldn’t leave her five grandbabies, and
now… Mom had cancer.
After the requisite panic subsided, I gathered my wits,
did my research and prepared for the journey ahead. I
knew we could beat this. I knew Mom had one of the
very best GYN/Oncologists in the state, Dr. James
Hunter, watching out for her. And, I knew the care
12 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
that kept him going back to the ENT all spring and
swollen lymph nodes. “Oh, ok” I said suspiciously; Dad
was never sick. Ten minutes later, during a lull in the
conversation, Dad said to Mom, “So, when do you think
the test will be back?” I looked up from my phone:
“Huh, test, what test?” A silent conversation ensued;
you know, the kind parents have when their kids are
little and they’re trying to decide how to answer a
tough question. Mom finally looked over at me: “Dad
had a biopsy.” my heart stopped “We weren’t going to
tell you or your sisters till we knew for sure.” She didn’t
say the word but she didn’t have to. If Dad had a biop-
sy on a swollen lymph node with no symptoms, well
we were waiting for the answer to just one question:
was it lymphoma and, if so, what kind?
As I made Dad give me the whole story, I slowly
realized that he was planning, if it was cancer, to seek
treatment in Tennessee where he lived and worked
during the week. No reason to come home, no reason
he would be out of work, no need to have anyone
there to help. Fiercely private and independent. Did
I mention stubborn? Dad lives in Franklin, Tenn., just
20 miles from Vanderbilt, but I knew he needed to be
home. I also knew that being home wouldn’t compro-
mise his care. He would receive quality, personalized
care in Spartanburg at the Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute…just like Mom.
Luckily, it didn’t take long to bring Dad around. After
we officially got the news a week later, I flew up to
Nashville to go with him to his first appointment. At
the oncologists’ office, we were kept waiting for over
an hour while the staff had a party in the back. No kid-
ding, the staff member who finally took us back after
I, politely, expressed my displeasure, was still carrying
her plate. We met with a physician who, while perfectly
nice, didn’t have all the information from the biopsy
and hadn’t yet reviewed Dad’s chart. When we left, we
didn’t have any more information than we’d started
with. I saw an opportunity. I began to expound on
the difference in our experience so far with Mom and
the treatment we’d just received. How Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute is part of an integrated
healthcare system and what that means. How care is
coordinated across specialties and physicians work
together, sharing information so they have what they
need to focus on the patient. “Let me call and see if we
can get an appointment,” I said. That was Wednesday
provided at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute,
right here in Spartanburg, rivaled that of any cancer
center in the country. What I didn’t know was that in
only a few short weeks, I would be having a similar
conversation with my Dad.
Dad and I were sitting with Mom in pre-op, waiting
for her to go back for surgery. I’d been with her to the
last appointment with Dr. Hunter and met his nurse
practitioner, Lynnette Kemp, who, with the patience of
a saint and kindness of a mother hen, would shepherd
my Mom over every bump and celebrate every mile-
stone. I’d learned that Mom had gone to her OB/GYN,
Dr. Bobby Pereyo, at the Woman’s Clinic at the very
first indication that something was wrong and he’d
wasted no time in ordering the necessary tests and
referring her to Dr. Hunter. Mom had stage IA, grade 3,
serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, cancer of
the lining of the uterus not uncommon in women her
age. This was good news, the cancer was contained
entirely within the uterus itself; a hysterectomy and
four short sessions of chemotherapy over the course
of four months and she would be done. We could not
have hoped for a better diagnosis.
As we sat there I noticed Dad had a large lump on his
neck with a Band-Aid over it. Now, you have to know
Dad; over the years he’s been a football player, surfer,
hunter, fisherman, motorcycle racer, runner, cross coun-
try skier and road and mountain bike racer, so injuries
weren’t at all uncommon or unexpected. He’d once
impaled his arm on a branch mountain biking and, in
his youth, had to spend six months in traction from a
football injury. “What’d you do to your neck Dad?” I
asked. He mumbled something about a sinus infection
1-855-DNA-GIBBS | 13
afternoon; within the hour we had an appointment for
the following Monday.
When we met Dr. Asim Pati on Monday, he had the
paperwork I’d arranged to have transferred from the
office in Tennessee, including slides from the biopsy
which he’d already sent to the pathologist for review. He
took Dad’s history and performed a physical exam, then
told us that Dad’s case would go to a disease-specific
multidisciplinary planning conference, a team of physi-
cians and staff who would review his case and develop
an individualized treatment plan just for him. The staff
was kind and efficient, we didn’t have to wait, and no
one was carrying around plates of food. The experience
couldn’t have been more different.
Mom and Dad especially bonded with Dr. Pati’s nurse,
Lori Ann, and his nurse practitioner, Crystal. To this
day Dad still talks about Crystal, soft spoken and kind,
infinitely skilled and usually unflappable. Dad managed
to unsettle her when, during his bone marrow aspi-
ration and biopsy, she bent not one but two needles
before managing to get a sample. He still revels in the
fact that he truly is a “tough old bird.”
Dad was finally diagnosed with stage 1A, grade three,
follicular B cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; he would
undergo three, 3-week cycles of R-CHOP, a cocktail of
chemotherapy and other drugs that would have him in
the chair for six hours each session. And, once the che-
mo was done, he would endure radiation therapy every
day for four weeks. Mom’s treatment wasn’t as severe;
she was scheduled for an hour once a month for four
months and no radiation. Mom and Dad went to all their
sessions together, and one infusion nurse took care of
them both. When their schedules lined up, the infusion
nurse, Vickie, made sure they were scheduled for treat-
ment at the same time and sat them side-by-side.
Chemotherapy would take its toll on both of them.
Dad would lose his hair; Mom didn’t. She was pretty
pleased about that, but the overwhelming fatigue and
weakness was the greatest challenge for both of them.
Even after their treatment was over it would take them
almost a year to feel like themselves again.
Summer 2014: Mom and Dad have been cancer free
for over a year, thanks to the exceptional care they
received at the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research
Institute. Dad’s discovered a new hobby, flying model
airplanes. Mom is chasing after her grandbabies again,
and I have nothing but gratitude for the physicians and
staff at Gibbs. Thank you…
14 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
navigating a Path
by DaviD CHURCH, D.H.a and TiMOTHy yeaTMaN, M.D., F.a.C.s.
>>>
Imagine you are diagnosed with cancer. Think of
the fear, isolation, confusion and uncertainty you
would feel in that moment.
Now, picture a room full of surgeons, oncologists,
hematologists, radiologists, researchers, genetic
counselors and advanced nurse practitioners.
These clinicians have spent their life’s work
studying a specific type of cancer and they are all
currently focused on one thing—you.
Navigators work closely with patients, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed.
Back, Kim Johnson, Jerral Kimmel, Sharon Bartelt; Front, Sonya Lovett, Noel Kinard, Chad Dingman, Jon Austin (Not pictured, Kirsten Beeker)
16 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
GIBBS Cancer Center & Research Institute
has 10 disease-focused teams just like this, com-
posed of physicians and clinicians with special-
ized training and experience in different types of
cancer. Because cancer care is so complex and
individualized, requiring specific technology and
infrastructure, the physicians at Gibbs decided
that pooling their knowledge was an excellent way
to ensure crucial information was not overlooked
when deciding on a course of treatment for their
patients.
Richard Orr, M.D., Chair of the Cutaneous and
Sarcoma Cancer Program, explains that by working
together, physicians can provide better outcomes.
“Our goal is to provide excellent patient care; to do
that, we’ve set-up an environment where we can
share the most information and get multiple opin-
ions, allowing us to give the best possible care to
our patients,” Orr said.
The disease-focused teams at Gibbs Cancer Center
& Research Institute include: Breast, Genitourinary,
Gastrointestinal, Neurologic, Gynecologic, Head and
Neck, Cutaneous (Skin) and Sarcoma, Endocrine,
Lung and Hematologic. Every week, these teams
meet in multidisciplinary planning committees to
discuss individual cases.
Pathologists and radiol-
ogist share images and
slides providing the most
up-to-date information,
and a physician leader fa-
cilitates the discussion as
each expert weighs in on
the development of a per-
sonalized treatment plan
for every patient. Having
all the players in the room
at the same time, review-
ing the same information,
gives the team the ability
to fully explore every
possible option including
clinical trials and research
studies. At Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute, the best providers are
working together in one location with one thing in
mind: you.
But how? Most of them have never met you and
never will. How does a dynamic group like this
know enough about you to focus on you and your
treatment, rather than just your disease? For that,
you can thank the team of clinical navigators at
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute.
The Clinical Navigation Team at Gibbs Cancer Cen-
ter & Research Institute is comprised of licensed
medical social workers and oncology-certified reg-
istered nurses. Their job is to know everything there
is to know about you and your disease.
Chad Dingman, Manager of Oncology Support Ser-
vices at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute,
and a navigator himself, describes the role as the
glue connecting the patient to the team through
the multidisciplinary planning committee.
“It’s one of those roles that is so crucial to the team,
yet so behind the scenes,” Dingman said.
“Each of the 10 disease-focused teams has a clinical
navigator working with them to pull the pieces to-
gether and make the process seamless for the phy-
sicians and the patients,” Patti Hegedus explained,
Director of Oncology Clinical Performance at Gibbs.
Navigators identify newly-diagnosed patients and
bring their cases before the multidisciplinary plan-
ning committee. Once a plan is in place, they follow
the patient from diagnosis to treatment, helping
them traverse the unfamiliar healthcare landscape
and ensuring they have the resources necessary to
succeed.
“Patients often won’t come out and tell you what
they need, often they don’t know themselves,”
Dingman said. “But by being truly present and lis-
tening, you can help them accomplish their goals.”
Kim Johnson, RN, OCN, exemplifies this type
of commitment. A breast cancer survivor, Kim
knows what it’s like to be a patient; she also
knows the importance of having someone there
Richard Orr, M.D.
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every step of the journey. As the clinical navigator
for the Genitourinary Cancer Program, one day
Kim noticed one of her patients kept missing his
radiation therapy appointments. After “listening”
between the lines and asking the right questions,
Kim learned her patient had two adopted teenage
special-needs boys at home. The kids were out of
school for summer, and he had no one to watch
them when he came for treatment every weekday
for four weeks. Exemplifying the “whatever-it-
takes” dedication so crucial to her role, Kim rallied
the team and approached her manager with a
plan. For the next four weeks, every Monday –
Friday, Tim and Travis would come bounding down
the hall ready to hang out in the conference room,
play games, draw pictures and talk about their
obsession with The Peddler Steakhouse while their
dad received his treatment downstairs. Today their
dad is cancer-free, due in no small part to Kim’s
ability to understand her patients’ needs and the
Clinical Navigation Team’s commitment to doing
“whatever it takes.”
The disease-focused teams at Gibbs Cancer Center
& Research Institute are changing the way can-
cer care is delivered. This is precision medicine,
focused on the patient—not the disease. In 2013
alone, 1,730 individual patient cases were present-
ed before one of the 10 multidisciplinary planning
committees. That’s 1,730 cancer patients who had
the complete attention of a room full of experts
focused solely on their recovery. 1,730 patients who
were no longer alone, afraid or uncertain… because
now, they had a plan.
Kim Johnson, Cancer Survivor and RN, OCN Clinical Navigator with GCCRI, understands the importance of having someone there every step of the journey. Tim and Travis are all smiles because of GCCRI’s commitment to doing “whatever it takes.”
18 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
Medicine That Hits the Mark
after many patients receive a cancer diagnosis, their treatment passes into the hands
of a radiation oncologist. This is a physician who specializes in treating many types of
cancer through radiation therapy, working in conjunction with chemotherapy, following
a surgery or biopsy. Most types of cancers are treated with radiation therapy, including
breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and brain tumors. The radiation
oncologist chooses the most effective radiation treatment for each particular patient, to
destroy abnormal cancer cells, while sparing the normal, surrounding tissue. accurately
hitting the mark is vital for proper treatment. >>>
by JeFF saMs
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THE Radiation Oncology department at
Spartanburg Medical Center is a highly talented
physician group practicing at the Gibbs Cancer &
Research Institute. Whether administering radiation
with the intent to cure, or as an effective palliative
treatment to relieve symptoms caused by cancer, this
team of professionals is passionate about its daily
mission. Here’s a closer look at the board-certified
physicians of radiation oncology:
> daniel B. Fried, M.d., is a Chicago native who
grew up in Chapel Hill, N.C. He holds a doctorate
in epidemiology, and served as assistant
professor of radiation oncology at Wake Forest
University School of Medicine. He is nationally
and internationally recognized in the fields of
prostate, lung and breast cancers, as well as
precisely targeted stereotactic body radiotherapy.
He has extensive experience with the Cyberknife®
Radiosurgery system, a non-invasive alternative
to tumor surgery. Dr. Fried lectures and publishes
extensively, and serves on review boards of several
respected medical journals. He has won numerous
research service awards and fellowships, and is a
principal investigator for clinical research trials.
> heather Newlin allen, M.d., FaCS, is an Alabama
native who attended college and medical school at the
University of Florida. After a residency at the Shands
Cancer Center in Gainesville, she joined the radiation
oncology staff at Roper Hospital in Charleston, S.C.
Following an assignment in Phoebe Putney Hospital
in Albany, GA., she joined the staff at Medical Group
of the Carolinas. “I am committed to integrating so-
phisticated technology into successful treatment for
cancer patients,” said Dr. Allen. “I strongly value the
multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and seek to
enroll patients on clinical trials whenever feasible. Our
participation in clinical trials has required our practice
to maintain high standards in order to comply with the
latest protocol, thus providing the highest quality care.”
> Patricia Griffin, M.d., is a Spartanburg native who
received her undergraduate degree at the University
of South Carolina, and her doctorate at the Medical
University of South Carolina. After an internship at
Patricia Griffin, M.D.Heather Allen, M.D.Daniel Fried, M.D.Drew Monitto, M.D.Amy Curtis, M.D.
20 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
Spartanburg Medical Center, she served her residen-
cy and fellowship at the University of Maryland in
Baltimore. Dr. Griffin has published and presented
extensively, and is widely recognized for her re-
search in high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR), pelvic
tumors, and the role of hypoxia (low oxygen) on
cancer cells.
“We’re testing therapies that not only improve pa-
tients’ rates of survival, but can also increase their
comfort levels—both short and long term,” said Dr.
Griffin. “A focus on preserving quality of life gives
the kind of hope and encouragement that helps to
lengthen life.” She regularly gives community talks
on women’s health issues and cancer care.
> drew C. Monitto, M.d., was born in New York City,
and grew up in Asheville, N.C. He attended Princeton
before earning his undergraduate degree at UNC
Asheville and his doctorate at UNC Medical School in
Chapel Hill. An internship and residency at the Uni-
versity of Vermont College of Medicine came next,
followed by a residency in oncology research at the
University of Virginia. He is a tireless advocate for
cancer patients, both in and out of the office. In ad-
dition to patient care, he conducts clinical research
on prostate and head and neck cancers, and he
has a particular focus on prostate cancer, prostate
brachytherapy and lymphoma.
“Today’s technology makes it possible to see
and target tumors more accurately,” said Dr.
Monitto. “We’re able to treat healthy tissue
less—and the cancerous tissue more—in a
way that’s much more custom-tailored
to each patient.”
> amy e. Curtis, M.d., originally
from Winston-Salem, N.C.,
attended John Cabot
University in Rome, Italy
and Emory University in
Atlanta before earning
her doctorate at the
University of North
Carolina School of
Medicine. During
her internship and
residency at Baylor University, she was named
Naresh Prashad Scholar, the highest award for
academic achievement in the department of
radiology. In addition to hands-on patient care,
Dr. Curtis’ clinical research focuses on intensity-
modulated radiation therapy, pediatric tumors,
pancreatic cancer and renal cell cancer. She has
extensively published and presented her work on the
influence of comorbidities on cancer treatments and
documentation of survivorship care.
More than 50 percent of all cancer patients receive some
form of radiation therapy during their illness. It is the
strongest partner to surgery and chemotherapy in de-
feating a wide variety of cancers, and the Medical Group
of the Carolinas has a team with true depth of experience
in both research and treatment. The goal of this dedi-
cated physician team is to precisely target cancer with
“medicine that hits the mark,” and their aim is meticulous.
Working in concert with radiation therapists, certified
physicists, nurse practitioners, pathologists and nurse
navigators, the radiation oncology team stands ready to
ensure that every patient receives the
highest quality care from a
team of world-class
specialists.
UNIqUelY qUalIFIed
the radiation Oncology physicians at Gibbs
Cancer Center & research Institute stand apart from
other local doctors in the field for several reasons:
> each radiation oncologist is credentialed by M. D. anderson
physicians Network®, a subsidiary of the University of Texas M. D.
anderson Cancer Center, a world-class facility that reflects the highest
level of cancer treatment available. Gibbs is the only cancer center in the
Carolinas—and only one of nine in the nation—affiliated with M. D. anderson.
> all of the radiation oncology physicians at Gibbs are active members of several
disease-focused program teams – groups of specialists from different medical disci-
plines who assemble to analyze and treat specific medical cases from multiple angles.
> The radiation oncology team at Gibbs conducts ongoing research on a variety of
cancers, which gives their patients access to the newest clinical expertise, medications
and next-generation treatments.
> since 1983, Gibbs has been the only Community Clinical Oncology program in south
Carolina with membership in the alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, a national clinical
trials network sponsored by National Cancer institute. The alliance encourages clinical trials
with promising new cancer therapies.
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PalMettO GOld NUrSING aWard
Kim Johnson, RN, OCN is a winner of the 2014 Palmetto Gold Award, which recognizes
the state’s best 100 registered nurses as ranked by the South Carolina Nurses Founda-
tion. Established by the South Carolina
Nurses Foundation in 2002, the Palmetto
Gold Award program recognizes 100 RNs
per year who exemplify exceptional caring
and commitment to patients, families
and colleagues while also demonstrating
leadership skills that promote the nursing
profession. Awards were presented April 12
during the Palmetto Gold Gala in Columbia,
S.C. Johnson is a nurse for Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute.
Johnson, a graduate of Spartanburg
Technical College and the University
of South Carolina - Upstate, joined the
Spartanburg Regional nursing team
in 1999. Johnson developed the first
prostate navigation program in South
Carolina, and has become a role model
for National
Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program
network, sharing best practices and tools for prostate
navigation. She is an active member of the South Carolina
Cancer Alliance work group for prostate cancer, promoting
awareness of the importance of informed decision-making
for prostate cancer screening and treatment.
22 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
aWards & neWs briefs
JOhN darGaN JOINS SPartaNBUrG reGIONal FOUNdatION
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System named John Dargan as the new senior director of philanthropy for the Spartanburg Region-
al Foundation. He is tasked with growing a donor base dedicated to the delivery of world-class cancer care at the community level
for Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. Dargan – who served 17 years as president/CEO of the Spartanburg County Foundation –
brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. Assets more than tripled during his tenure with the county foundation, and he expand-
ed the number of that organization’s managed
funds from 320 to nearly 900. This tremendous
growth exemplifies Dargan’s proven ability in re-
lationship building and fundraising, both skills nec-
essary to foster Gibbs Cancer Center’s excellence
in care, research and community involvement.
“John is an excellent addition to the Foundation,”
said Marsha Gibbs, executive committee mem-
ber of Spartanburg Regional Foundation. “He
will build upon our existing talented staff to raise
awareness and secure support for cancer needs in
this community.”
A native of Spartanburg and a graduate of Pres-
byterian College, Dargan spent 25 years in the
banking industry before joining the Spartanburg
County Foundation in 1997. Dargan’s tenure with
Spartanburg Regional Foundation began April 14.
“One of the state’s best 100 registered nurses”
COMMISSION ON CaNCer aPPrOval aNd OUtStaNdING aChIeveMeNt aWard
Spartanburg Regional Hospital Sys-
tem’s Oncology program has received
approval with commendation from the
Commission on Cancer of the Amer-
ican College of Surgeons, placing it
among an elite group of programs pro-
viding cancer care across the nation.
Only 25 percent of all hospitals are
Commission on Cancer approved. Of
those 25 percent, less than half receive
the additional honor of being approved
with commenda-
tion. The Com-
mission
on Cancer
previously
named
Spar-
tanburg
Regional
Healthcare
System as
a recipient
of its 2012
Outstanding Achievement Award.
“Gibbs Health Institute, a new national initiative that will revolutionize the way
clinical trials are done.”
BeardeN & JOSeY: CItIzeNS OF the Year
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute oncologists James Bearden, III, M.D. and Julian
Josey, M.D. were both named 2013 Citizens of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Spartan-
burg. Founding physicians of the Gibbs Regional Cancer Center, opened in 1999, they
are the namesakes of the nationally-accredited Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health. “Cancer patients in Spartanburg may now draw upon resources throughout the world
of oncology care to receive the most advanced and personalized service available,”
said Lee Close, of the Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg. “Whoever dreamed that a town like
Spartanburg, South Carolina would be the home of an array of healthcare services such
as this? Jay Bearden and Julian Josey dreamed it, and they’ve dedicated their lives to
making this dream a reality.”
CaNCer PartNerShIP
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare
System’s Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute has joined forces
with Bon Secours St. Francis Health
System to expand world-class oncolo-
gy services and clinical research in the
Upstate. The alignment of cancer core
resources and treatment between the
two systems initiated a relationship
that will advance clinical integration
and bolster quality for both hospital
healthcare organizations. The part-
nership will extend new research and
treatment opportunities for patients
and providers. “This is a collaboration
to fight cancer,” Bruce Holstien, Presi-
dent and CEO of Spartanburg Regional
Healthcare System said. “Opening new
doors in the fight against this dreadful
disease means many things: improved
access, personalized cancer care and
the best new treatments. Joining forces
with St. Francis is about the best of the
best working hard to get even better at
combatting cancer.”
“There is much more to come,” said
Julian Josey, M.D., Chairman of Radia-
tion Oncology at Gibbs. “These goals
represent doors that are opening, and
we’re excited about the advancements
we can engineer by working together.
Gibbs and St. Francis are dedicated to
the advancement of a cure and saving
lives.”
MarSha & JIMMY GIBBS dONatION
Marsha and Jimmy Gibbs, Spartanburg business leaders, name-
sake and long-time supporters of the Gibbs Cancer Center &
Research Institute, announced a gift of $250,000 towards cancer
research April 30.
The gift from the Gibbs will go towards the Gibbs Health Institute
(GHI) to support a new national initiative that will revolutionize
the way clinical trials are done and how personalized medicine
is delivered in the community setting. This new model combines clinical trials and genetic testing to revolutionize cancer care nation-
wide and will be a network of cancer centers, community hospitals and hospital systems.
“We are humbled and inspired by the extraordinary generosity of Jimmy and Marsha Gibbs,” said Bruce Holstien, Chief Executive
Officer for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “They continuously work to ensure that our patients have access to the latest
treatments in cancer care.” The Gibbs Health Institute will provide a forum for sharing best practices and training physicians in person-
alized medicine, and will seek to reduce the time it takes for a patient to find a clinical trial.
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24 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
Dr. Josey, Palmetto GarDen DeDication During a fall 2013 ceremony to dedicate the outdoor garden at the Gibbs Cancer
Center & Research Institute to Julian Josey, M.D., the co-founder of the center
was surprised to receive South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. SC House Repre-
sentative Rita Allison presented the Order of the Palmetto to Dr. Josey, on behalf
of Governor Nikki Haley. The honor is awarded to persons who make contribu-
tions of statewide significance.
Josey, a Spartanburg native, has been a leader in the treatment of cancer for
more than 40 years. He joined Spartanburg Radiation Oncology at Spartan-
burg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) in 1970. In 1976, Josey and his colleague and friend,
James Bearden, III, M.D., proposed the formation of a cancer center at SRHS that would be
dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This eventually led to the establishment
of Gibbs Cancer Center in 1999, known today as Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute.
PhYSICIaN aNd leader OF the Year reCOGNIzed
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Physician of the Year is Brian Bell, M.D., a palliative care physician at Spartanburg Medical Center. Dr. Bell is board-certified in family medicine,
hospice and palliative care, and has been with SRHS since 2010. He also contributes to the Supportive Care Clinic, the Impact program, Spartanburg
Regional Hospice and Magnolia Place of Spartanburg.
In collaboration with Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, Dr. Bell helped develop the Supportive Care Clinic, which offers palliative care within the oncology practice. In March, he became the medical director for Magnolia Place, an 88-bed skilled nursing facility. He serves on a number of committees at SRHS, and his peers consider him to be a consummate team builder.
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Leader of the Year is Lynn Foster, director of Medical Group of the Carolinas – Hematology Oncology. Foster began her career more
than 35 years ago with South Carolina’s first board-certified oncologist, James D. Bearden III, M.D.
Foster joined SRHS in 2008 as practice manager of Spartanburg Hematology Oncology which became Medical Group of the Carolinas – Palmetto Hematology/Oncology in the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. Foster’s compassion for oncology patients is first and foremost. And, her genuine respect for the staff is unparalleled.
James Bearden, III, M.D. was presented the Order of the Palmetto back in 2012.
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events & haPPenings
GIBBS SYMPOSIUM exPaNdS hOrIzONS OF reSearCh
Space, Cancer & Personalized Medicine: Expanding
the Horizons of Research took place May 15-16 on the
Spartanburg campus of Edward Via College of Osteopathic
Medicine (VCOM). Hosted by Gibbs Cancer Center & Research
Institute, the conference connected clinicians, scientists, researchers and other healthcare
professionals through a unique exchange of ideas from the ever-evolving fields of cancer
research and space biology.
The event showcased the cutting-edge research and ongoing advances in clinical care
taking place right here in the Upstate while also providing a venue for guest speakers
from national organizations, including NASA, UCLA-Caltech and Baylor College of Med-
icine, among others. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to share knowledge gleaned from
collaboration amongst colleagues across various disciplines,” said Kristin Lacey, Director
of Gibbs Research Institute.
GIBBS CaNCer CeNter & reSearCh INStItUte: ONe OF FIrSt IN the WOrld tO CON-dUCt lUNG-MaP teStINGGibbs Cancer Center & Research Insti-tute (GCCRI) has been selected as one of the first 10 test sites in the world for a breakthrough clinical cancer drug trial.
A unique public-private collaboration among the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, SWOG Cancer Research, Friends of Cancer Research, the Foun-dation for the National Institutes of Health, five pharmaceutical companies (Amgen, Genentech, Pfizer, AstraZene-ca, and AstraZeneca’s global biologics R&D arm, MedImmune), and Founda-tion Medicine announced the initiation of the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) trial.
“This diverse, collaborative approach, with support from leading lung cancer advocacy organizations, helps to ensure that the needs of patients, clinicians, developers, and regulators are all con-sidered in the design and operation of the trial,” said Ellen Sigal, Ph.D., Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research.
One benefit of the trial is enrollment ef-ficiency, since it offers a single test that looks at more than 200 cancer-related genes, rather than requiring a separate screening process for each trial. A single “master protocol” can be modified as different drugs enter and exit the trial. If a drug meets predetermined effica-cy and safety criteria, the drug and its accompanying diagnostic biomarker will be eligible for FDA approval. This new process will bring safe and effec-tive drugs to patients sooner than they might otherwise be available.
That means shared information and in-frastructure, better access for patients to promising drugs, better access for researchers to relevant enrollees based on their genomic profiles, and less time and money are needed before new drugs can be tested. This is one of two significant NCI initiatives with GCCRI this year. A five-state, multi-year research consortium grant was recently awarded to GCCRI. For more information on this trial, please visit www.lung-map.org.
SPartaNBUrG MedICal CeNter raNked #1 IN SOUth CarOlINa
Spartanburg Medical Center has been ranked the number one hospital in South Caro-
lina by U.S. News & World Report in the 2014-15 U.S. News Best
Hospitals rankings.
The magazine just released the 25th edition of its annual Best
Hospitals and Best Regional Hospitals lists, providing key in-
formation on some 5,000 medical centers across the country,
ranking them in 16 specialties on national, state and regional
tiers. The report is designed to identify the most favorable op-
tions for the most complex patients—those whose illnesses pose
unusual challenges because of underlying conditions, procedure
difficulty or other medical issues that add risk.
“This #1 ranking for Spartanburg Medical Center is further validation of the dedication
and commitment of our physicians, nurses and tremendous support team in care excel-
lence—we are honored to be recognized by such a prestigious publication,” said Bruce
Holstien, CEO of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “Spartanburg Medical Center
remains committed to the diagnosis and treatment of the most challenging and compli-
cated medical cases, offering the highest level of expertise right here at home.”
The rankings are based on a well-established methodology that includes original sur-
vey data and secondary analyses of data. Determined by factors such as risk-adjusted
survival rates, patient safety and hospital reputation, the rankings reflect the interrela-
tionship among three key aspects of care—structure, process and outcomes.
26 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014
daY OF daNCe
During American Heart Month in Feb-
ruary, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare
System (SRHS) and Gibbs Cancer Center
and Research Institute partnered with
the Spirit of Women® to present a dance
party for better health in the Upstate.
The event was held at Westgate Mall, and
offered the public an opportunity to get
free health screenings, listen to music or dance as a group. “Dancing is a wonderful and fun
way to get up, get moving, burn calories, tone muscle and have fun with family and friends,”
said Colleen Gilmore, RN, Program Coordinator for Women’s Services at SRHS. “Another
popular part of the event was ‘Walk with a Doc,’ that included an SRHS physician leading
groups during a walk around the mall and sharing healthy tips.”
Greer FaMIlY FeSt
Pelham Medical Center (PMC) was proud to continue its annual support of the Greer
Family Fest as a title sponsor for the seventh year in a row. The May 2-3 event featured
a Kids Zone, food court and more than 150 vendors throughout the festival. Pelham
Medical Center provided free health screenings, healthy food tastings and giveaways for
the entire family. Skin cancer screenings were conducted in the mobile mammography
unit stationed at the festival. The continuing sponsorship shows that PMC understands
the importance of a healthy community. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity for
Pelham Medical Center to interact directly with the community—providing education on
health issues, answering questions and encouraging people to be active participants in
their own health,” said Toni Conner, community
education coordinator at PMC. “The Greer Family
Fest is one of the best ways for Pelham Medical
Center to care for our community.”
INNOvatOr aWard
The Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute was presented with an Innovator Award by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) for its integration of specialized palliative care in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. ACCC is a nonprofit organization that assists oncology professionals to adapt to the changes of delivering quality cancer care while responding to regulatory and legislative changes. Palliative care focuses on providing patients with relief from symptoms, pain and stresses of a serious illness – regardless of the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. “The evidence is clear; patients who receive supportive care have an overall better experience during their illness, better symptom control and less pain. One of the main differences we’ve seen is that some patients actually live longer and with a better quality of life,” said Brian Bell, M.D., Medical Director of the Palliative Care and Supportive Care Clinic at Gibbs.
BettY aNN MOOre COlOreCtal SCreeNING PrOGraM
The Betty Ann Moore Colorectal
(BAM-CRC) Screening Program
provides colonoscopy services to
the underserved and uninsured
in Spartanburg and surrounding
counties in Upstate South Carolina.
Colorectal cancer screening often
prevents cancer from developing by
removing high-risk or precancerous
polyps. The screening program is
funded through the Spartanburg
Regional Foundation BAM-CRC
Screening Program fund. Private
donations to the fund support
these screening efforts. Since
the program began in 2007,
it has provided 93 screening
colonoscopies and 81 diagnostic
colonoscopies. Of the 114 polyps
removed in those procedures, 53
percent were high risk for CRC, and
three patients were diagnosed with
CRC. Tax-exempt donations to the
Betty Ann More CRC Screening
program can be made by visiting
RegionalFounation.com.
SkIN CaNCer SCreeNINGS
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System offered two free skin cancer screenings to the
public during May. Screenings conducted by the Pelham Medical Center at Greer Family
Fest May 3 revealed that 28 percent of all tests produced “suspicious” results, indicating
a need for further skin cancer testing. Of the 97 people checked in another free screen-
ing at Spartanburg Medical Center on May 6, testing revealed that 16 percent produced
suspicious results. Dermatologists on site at each screening provided referrals for any-
one with suspicious screening results. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are
diagnosed annually and about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated
with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Appointment 24/7 1-855-dNa-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org | 27
foundation message
MOBIle MaMMOGraPhY SaveS lIveS The benefits of Mobile MammographySpartanburg Regional Health-care System is proud to be a leader among mobile mam-mography programs nation-wide. Our mobile unit provided
breast cancer screenings to more than 3,700 women last year. Studies confirm that mobile mammography effectively reaches women who would not otherwise have access to breast cancer screening, even if they are identified as high risk for breast cancer. Mobile mammography pro-vides access to care, facilitates earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, and allows for quicker entry into treatment—thus, improving breast cancer out-comes. In short, mobile mammography saves lives.
a $100,000 INveStMeNt IN BreaSt CaNCer SCreeNINGLast year, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation secured two new gifts for the mobile mammography program that will expand its scope for the next two years. Our first grant of $30,000 was awarded by the Fullerton Foundation to support patient naviga-tion for the mobile mammography program. Patient navigation is critical to ensuring that high-risk, underserved populations have access to the mobile unit. Our second gift of $70,000 was made by local philanthropists Lindsay and Billy Webster. The Websters are tireless advocates for breast cancer screening, and their generous leadership launched the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health in 2006. Together, these two gifts will provide a $100,000 investment in patient navigation for breast cancer patients. Increased navigation will boost access to the mobile mammography unit by underserved women—and will save lives.
Thank You!
We extend our warmest gratitude to Lindsay and Billy Webster, and to the Fullerton Foundation, for their support of our breast cancer screening pro-gram. Your gifts make a difference!
Kristy CaradoriExecutive DirectorSpartanburg Regional Foundation
Kristy Caradori
Lindsay Webster, local philanthropist
This year in October, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation will continue the tradition
of promoting breast cancer awareness, screening, and support by hosting “An Uplifting Event: Coming Together to Stop Breast Cancer” on Monday, October
20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Spartanburg Marriott.
We are pleased to announce Marsha Gibbs and Lindsay Webster as honorary co-chairs
of this year’s event. The luncheon will include a program of local leaders with meaningful messages of courage, hope, and dignity in the midst of the ongoing fight against this
prevalent disease. We are expecting a sold-out event of 600 women united for this cause.
For more information or to participate, please contact the Spartanburg Regional Foundation at 560-6727.
COMiNG TOGeTHeR TO sTOp bReasT CaNCeR
1-855-DNA-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org
spartanburg Regional Health services District, inc.
101 east wood streetspartanburg, sC 29303
Make aN aPPOINtMeNt 24/7
lOCaTiONs & seRviCes
SPartaNBUrG Gibbs Cancer Center & research Institute380 serpentine Drive spartanburg, sC 29303• Medical Oncology• Radiation Oncology • Surgical Oncology • Gynecologic Oncology • Infusion Center • Research Institute Laboratory
Bearden-Josey Center for Breast health • Screening & Diagnostic Breast Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Bone Density• MRI• Breast Biopsy Guidance by MRI, Ultrasound and Stereotactic
laUreNS aNd UNION22725 Highway 76 east Outpatient Center, Third FloorClinton, sC 29325
407 west south streetUnion, sC 29397• Medical Oncology• Infusion Services (Chemotherapy)
PelhaM Gibbs Cancer Center & research Institute2759 south Highway 14 Greer, sC 29651• Medical Oncology• Radiation Oncology • Surgical Oncology • Gynecologic Oncology • Infusion Center
Bearden-Josey Center for Breast health• Screening & Diagnostic Breast Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Bone Density
GaFFNeY 724 Hyatt streetGaffney, sC 29341• Radiation Oncology • Medical Oncology • Infusion Center
SUPPOrt ServICeS• Cancer Learning Center• Cancer Research Trials• Cancer Survivorship Program• Educational Events & Screenings• Exercise Classes• Genetic Counseling• Massage Therapy• Nutritional Services• Oncology Social Work Services• Oncology Rehabilitation Program• Pastoral Care• Patient Navigation Services• Research Institute Laboratory• Support Groups• Supportive Care Clinic• That Special Look™ Boutique• To Your Health Café• Tobacco Cessation Program
Support services are on-site in Spartanburg and are available by referral at other Gibbs locations.
lOCatION MaP
1) Spartanburg2) Greer3) Gaffney4) Union5) Clinton
Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 204Spartanburg, SC