houston methodist 2015 foundation magazine
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HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT20
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CO N TE N TS
L E T T E R F R O M C E O2
DAG M A R D O W D U N NI N N OVATO R AWA R D
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M E D I C A L S C H O L A R S1 0
R A P I D T B D E T E CT I O NA N D D I AG N O S I S
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H O N O R I N G A N AC C L A I M E D N E U R O S C I E N T I ST
1 6
C O L L A B O R AT I O NG O E S V I R A L
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T H E T R AC K TO D I S C OV E RY2 4
D I S C OV E RY TO R E C OV E RY: T R A N S L AT I O N A L
R E S E A R C H I N I T I AT I V E 3 0
F I G H T I N G A L Z H E I M E R ’S3 4
T H E S O C I E T Y F O RL E A D I N G M E D I C I N E
3 6
R E N E W E D L I F E T H R O U G H C L I N I C A L T R I A L S
3 8
FA I T H I N ACT I O N4 0
G I V I N G B AC K4 2
G A L A & E V E N T S4 6
Y E A R I N R E V I E W5 0
L E A D E R S H I P5 2
I N M E M O R I A M5 3 - 5 4
L E T T E R F R O M C H A I R M A N5 5
ANNUAL REPORT20
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2 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
HOUSTON M ET HODIST ’S STORY ALWAYS START S WIT H O UR PATIENTS.
Legendary heart surgeon and medical pioneer Dr. Michael E. DeBakey
said Houston Methodist Hospital was “a hospital with a soul,” and for
good reason. Our medical professionals practice the science of medicine
with the art of the patient relationship. Our expertise has a human touch,
balancing innovation and technology with compassion and caring.
THE CULT URE WE BUILT TOGET HER and nurtured for nearly a century is
guided by vision and faith and fueled by philanthropy. Our generous
benefactors continue to provide the resources that make medical
miracles possible. Last year, our physicians’ remarkable ability to
solve problems and collaborate led to the world’s first scalp and
skull transplant. In another first, a 20-year-old man with a lesion in
his brain stem underwent subcortical neurosurgery that followed
the natural pathways of his brain fibers and connections, allowing
surgeons to remove the lesion with no damage to the healthy brain.
Today he continues his life with no symptoms.
A GRADUATE OF THE
WHARTON MBA PROGRAM AND
BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE,
DR. MARC BOOM IS THE FIRST
PHYSICIAN IN HOUSTON METHODIST’S
NEARLY 100-YEAR HISTORY
TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 3
M ARC L. BOOM , M D
P R E S I D E N T
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
H O U STO N M E T H O D I ST
OUR PHYSICIAN S , FAC U LTY A N D STA FF S HOW AN UNQUENCHABLE
DESIRE TO PERFO RM AT TH E H IG H E ST L E VEL, with unsurpassed
quality and an unshakable belief that we can and will do better for
our patients. The depth of Houston Methodist’s medical specialties,
incorporation of translational research and focus on the whole
person set us apart. As we continue to leverage and build upon the
strengths of our centers of excellence, we will find ways to cure the
incurable and generate medical breakthroughs that change the world.
We have the technology, the entrepreneurial spirit and the brainpower
to change the future of medicine right here at Houston Methodist.
EVERY EXAMPL E demonstrates why Houston Methodist is leading
medicine and is distinctive from other hospitals and academic medical
centers. Thanks to the empowering support of our dedicated philan-
thropic family, Houston Methodist is primed to make transformational
improvements in the way we treat disease. We look forward to
continuing our valuable partnership as Houston Methodist heads
toward its second century of service.
4 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
“I can hear my grandfather’s voice. ‘Put your mother first, boy.’”
Eva Lynn and Steve Dunn sit in a conference room in Dunn Tower, the Houston Methodist building named in
honor of Steve’s father, John S. Dunn. Today, though, he is not here to talk about his father. Instead, he leans back
again over the table, taking one more look at the portrait of his mother. In the portrait she is young and beautiful.
“Unbelievable,” he says, and there’s a tremor in his voice that comes from somewhere back in time.
This year, Eva Lynn and Steve made a philanthropic commitment to establish the Dagmar Dow Dunn
Innovator Award, a bold collab-
orative translational research
program between Houston
Methodist and Rice University.
The program honors Steve’s
mother and grandfather – Dagmar
Dow Dunn and Charles Milby Dow.
Steve remembers his
mother, Dagmar Dow Dunn, as
a generous and grateful woman.
She was an active member of
Christ Church Cathedral and a
longtime volunteer at the Texas
Medical Center. She passed
away in December 2005.
His grandfather, Charles
Milby Dow, was a prominent
Houstonian known for his
charitable deeds, including
the bequest of several parks
to the City of Houston.
“They were both so generous,”
says Eva Lynn, “and they were both
grateful to be a part of Houston.”
DAGMAR DOW DUNN
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 5
“For me, I felt like we’d
done so much to honor my dad,”
Steve says. “And we hadn’t had
an opportunity until now to honor
my mother and grandfather.”
There is no question that
the Dunn family, and the John
S. Dunn Foundation, have
been leading contributors to
the growth and development
of world-class medicine in
Houston and the Texas Medical
Center. Such uncommon gen-
erosity is born from a deeply
ingrained spirit of giving, instilled
in Steve by his family.
“We were so privileged,”
Steve says. “We were so fortunate.
But in addition to that great good
fortune, we were told in no
uncertain terms that to really
appreciate our good fortune,
and to truly be grateful, it didn’t
stop with just saying thank you.
You had to pass it on.” At Houston Methodist, in addition to the naming of Dunn Tower, the Dunn Foundation
established six endowed chairs in disciplines ranging from glioblastoma to reconstructive surgery and more.
At Rice University, they have most recently funded the John S. Dunn Foundation Collaborative Research Award
Program for the BioSciences Research Collaborative. For Eva Lynn and Steve, however, the Dagmar Dow Dunn
Innovator Award is a personal, planned giving contribution. “We’ve had such blessed lives due to our families,”
says Eva Lynn. “This way we can express that gratitude.” Through a bequest, Eva Lynn and Steve’s contribution
will establish an endowment which will fund the Dagmar Dow Dunn Innovator Award in perpetuity.
THE INSPIRING LIVES BEHIND THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN
INNOVATOR AWARD
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation6
The award is modeled in part after prominent international award programs such as the Nobel Prize, the Japan
Prize and the Howard Hughes Investigators. Each year, it will provide research support to a medical investigator
at Houston Methodist or Rice University working at the cutting edge of science. Innovators will be selected
based on their success in applying discoveries generated during research in the laboratory to the development
of medical clinical trials and studies in humans. The award is shared between Houston Methodist and Rice
University because of each institution’s unique focus on translational research and strong fiscal accountability.
“Hopefully, this award can spur on help to the bedside,” says Steve. “The current time chasm between
coming up with something
really great and getting it
approved for use is too long.
Many people don’t live long
enough to benefit. Hopefully
we can speed up that process
and really help people.”
Additionally, awardees
can work in collaboration
with institutions associated
with the Gulf Coast Con-
sortia, which is comprised of
seven prominent Houston-
Galveston area institutions,
including: Baylor College of
Medicine, Rice University,
University of Houston, The
University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston,
The University of Texas
Medical Branch at Galveston,
The University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center and
the Institute of Biosciences
CHARLES MILBY DOW
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 7
& Technology at Texas A&M
Health Science Center.
The collaborative aspect of
the program was an important
factor in the creation of the award.
“Mixing the best with the best
should create a synergy in getting
all of this to the bedside – to the
patient, as quickly as possible,”
says Eva Lynn.
“In my opinion, some of our
better decisions have involved
not only Houston Methodist but
also the Gulf Coast Consortia,” says
Steve. “It’s been our experience
that they have really taken
advantage of the opportunity.”
These are the words of a
family that has garnered valuable
experience in philanthropy and
that makes philanthropic decisions
with due consideration. Eva Lynn
and Steve both agree that money
is a tool, and its impact on the
world – for good or ill – is determined by the way it is used. “I’ll never forget,” Steve says, telling the
story of when his dad established the John S. Dunn Foundation. “My father came to me, and he said,
‘Look, I’m not going to give you any more money. I’m going to give you something that’s even greater.
I’m going to give you a gift. And the gift is the opportunity to do a lot of good with a lot of money.’”
This lesson stuck with Steve, and guides his philosophy on giving today. “To me, philanthropy is the gasoline in the car,”
says Steve. “If you are in the business of writing checks for the good of the community, it really helps if you’re motivated to
try to make the world a better place – without trying to drive a particular political position or offer a business opinion.
THE INSPIRING LIVES BEHIND THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN
INNOVATOR AWARD
8 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
True philanthropy is trying to make the best decision possible to help the community. It really is altruistic.”
Eva Lynn and Steve’s connection to Houston Methodist is personal. Both have received what
they refer to as lifesaving treatment at the hospital. And both are effusive in their praise for and
trust in Houston Methodist as an institution. “We feel as though it’s an honor to be associated with
Houston Methodist,” says Steve. “We’re very keen on following the money we give, and it’s really
free of worry that the money is going to be mishandled. And that’s huge. After all, what’s wrong with
doing business with an institution that is so successful, so well-recognized? It’s an honor for us.”
Steve knows where his
sense of philanthropy and his
dedication to helping others
originates. He gives credit to
his father, who he remembers
as a powerful yet generous
man. But he returns again
to the portrait of his mother,
and then to the matching
portrait of his grandfather.
He can’t look away.
“When I see the people
that we’re able to help, it’s
made me realize even more
how truly blessed my life has
been,” says Steve. “And it’s
great to have an opportunity
to make a difference for others.
I feel a sense of urgency to make
a difference in the community.
“It’s been a gift. The gift
of giving.”
UNCOMMON GENEROSITY
IS BORN FROM
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 9
THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN
INNOVATOR AWARD
UNIQUELY FOCUSES
ON COLLABORATIVE
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
AT HOUSTON METHODIST
AND RICE UNIVERSITY.
IN PARTICULAR, THE DAGMAR
DOW DUNN INNOVATORS
WILL BE SELECTED BASED
ON THEIR SUCCESS IN
APPLYING DISCOVERIES
GENERATED DURING
RESEARCH IN THE LABORATORY
TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MEDICAL CLINICAL TRIALS
AND STUDIES IN HUMANS.
THIS PROCESS OF BRINGING
DISCOVERIES FROM THE
LABORATORY INTO HUMAN
APPLICATION HAS THE
POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP NEW
CURES AND TREATMENTS IN
YEARS RATHER THAN DECADES.
AN INGRAINED
SPIRIT OF GIVING,
INSTILLED BY FAMILY
SC
HO
LAR
S
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 11
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES faced
by a major academic training hospital is
funding its education mission. Only a por-
tion of post-graduate medical education
programs are supported by government
sources, and the number of residencies and
fellowships available have not kept pace
with the number of medical student graduates.
This shortage is especially acute in Texas,
where an estimated 45 percent of all
medical school graduates end up in out-of-
state residencies – and ultimately spend
their careers in other states.
Through the generosity of forward-
thinking benefactors, Houston Methodist
trains the next generation of physician-
scientists. These scholars programs allow
physician-mentors to educate fellows
and residents daily, providing on-the-spot
training and learning opportunities to
address the health conditions of a diverse
population. The program was originally
established through the generosity of
The Cullen Foundation and has expanded
through the support of Occidental
Petroleum Corporation, Anne and Charles
Duncan and Becky and Ralph O’Connor.
OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATIONOccidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
was founded in1920 and has evolved into a
leading international oil and gas exploration
and production company. In 2014 its head-
quarters moved from Los Angeles to Houston,
where the company sought out opportuni-
ties to support the Houston community.
“Part of our corporate obligation means
we engage in the community and give back,”
says Stephen I. Chazen, former president
and CEO of OXY. “We always get involved
in the countries and the communities where
we drill. For example, we provide education
and health care in countries such as
Colombia, Oman and others.”
In Houston, OXY leveraged its
support by coupling physician training
with the treatment of people who do not
have access to health care. The Houston
Methodist Community Scholars Program
was a great fit, partnering veteran specialist
physicians with residents and fellows
to care for uninsured and underserved
patients in community clinics throughout
the Houston area. The company’s $4 million
commitment will help sustain the program
for many years to come. “We hope this
program will encourage more people to
support Houston Methodist,” says Stephen.
“We also hope that people will get care
they might not otherwise receive.”
OXYSCHOLARS
COMBINES
SUPPORT FOR
PHYSICIANS’
TRAINING WITH
GENEROSITY
THAT HELPS
TREAT PATIENTS
WHO MIGHT
NOT OTHERWISE
RECEIVE CARE
HOUSTON METHODIST TRAINS 267 MEDICAL RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS. Philanthropy helps support some of these positions which become named scholars
in honor of their supporting benefactors. Some residents also participate in
Houston Methodist’s Community Scholars Program, a unique training opportunity
that takes specialty care to clinics in underserved Houston communities.
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation12
Establishing Houston Methodist’s inter-
nal medicine scholars program was a
natural fit for Anne and Charles Duncan.
Charles is a Life Member of the Houston
Methodist board, in recognition of nearly
25 years of service, a member of the
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
board, and the Duncans are longstanding
supporters of health care and higher
education on many fronts.
In fact, the Duncans were among
the first to fund education at Houston
Methodist, endowing the Charles and
Anne Duncan Presidential Distinguished
Chair in Medicine. Dr. Richard J. Robbins,
who holds that position, oversees the
scholars program and encouraged the
Duncans to participate.
Designed to prepare physician-
scientists to become the next leaders in
internal medicine, the scholars program
trains new physicians in specialty and
sub-specialty areas. Since its inception
in 2011, 14 medical residents have
been honored with the coveted title of
Duncan Scholar.
“We support the scholars program
as a function of Dr. Robbins’ work,”
says Charles.
“It’s an extension of our interest
in education in general, and medical
education, specifically,” adds Anne.
“We are excited about the future of
this program.”
The couple meets annually with the im-
pressive Duncan Scholar awardees. “They
come from all over the world,” says Charles.
“They are the cream of the crop, the bright-
est and best, and they are all passionate
and enthusiastic about their work.”
ANNE AND CHARLES DUNCAN: SUPPORTING THE CREAM OF THE CROP
DUNCAN SCHOLARS
THE DUNCANS
ARE INTERESTED
IN SUPPORTING
EDUCATION,
ESPECIALLY
MEDICAL
EDUCATION
BECKY AND RALPH O’CONNOR: SUPPORTING EXCELLENT TRAINING
In 2011, a minor accident landed Ralph
O’Connor at Houston Methodist under the
care of orthopedic surgeon Dr. William
“Bill” Bryan. While Ralph recovered,
Dr. Bryan introduced him to Dr. Marc Boom,
who at that time had not yet taken on the
CEO role at Houston Methodist. Later,
Ralph inquired about giving opportunities
in appreciation of the wonderful care
he received.
On learning of Dr. Boom’s impending
promotion, Ralph hatched plans for a
memorable philanthropic contribution.
On Dr. Boom’s first day as CEO, there
was a personal letter and a signed
check from the O’Connors on his desk.
“The hospital staff could not have done
a better job in taking care of us,” says
Ralph. “It’s natural to want to help some-
one who has helped you.” In subsequent
conversations, the O’Connors learned the
Houston Methodist Community Scholars
Program was a top priority for Dr. Boom.
“We are delighted to help doctors get
excellent training right here in Houston,”
says Ralph. “We know these current
scholars will teach the next generation.
So we’re not just helping one person; we
will help a lot of people.” The O’Connor’s
support will help expand the program
into areas beyond nephrology, neurology
and endocrinology.
O’CONNORSCHOLARS
THEIR HELP
FOR MEDICAL
SCHOLARS
WILL END UP
HELPING
A LOT OF
PEOPLE
14 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Infectious diseases are
good travelers. They’re
silent, invisible and resilient.
And they can spread un-
checked in no time. Throw
in a co-infection, antibiotic-
resistant bacteria and the
right environment, and it’s
a recipe for an epidemic.
Rapid testing and
accurate diagnosis are
critical in stopping the
spread of disease, but the
right tools are not always
available. Tuberculosis, or
TB, is a good example of
a disease that has been
preventable and curable
for decades. Yet more
than 1.5 million people –
including at least 75,000
children – still die from
this disease every year.
Many forms of TB are
tough to diagnose, their
severity impossible to
gauge. Diagnosing early
stage and latent TB is
difficult, as is pinpointing
TB in children and TB
with HIV (human immu-
nodeficiency virus) co-
infection. The gold stan-
dard TB diagnostic test
takes four to eight weeks
to complete, during
which time the patient
can spread the disease
to many more people.
All of these are reasons why TB, often considered a third-world disease, remains a global epidemic and is still present in the United States. In fact, TB screening is a job
requirement for many workers,
including 20,000 Houston
Methodist employees and
thousands more throughout
the Texas Medical Center.
Today, Houston Methodist’s
Dr. Tony Y. Hu is research-
ing whether the fast and
simple TB blood test
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 15
Houston Methodist is deeply grateful to the John S. Dunn Foundation and the Founding Members of the Translational Research Initiative (TRI) for their generous con-tributions in support of Dr. Hu’s research.His TB blood test is among
the first recipients of TRI
funding to quickly advance
medical discoveries to
clinical trials and ultimately
the medical marketplace.
See pages 30-33.
developed in his lab will
work on a large number
of blood samples, and
whether his testing plat-
form can find, measure
and monitor TB/HIV co-in-
fection on a global scale.
The two-year project in-
cludes testing 3,200 blood
samples from TB-infected
children and adults.
Success would mean
the first widely available
and accurate TB testing,
diagnosis and monitoring
tool in the world, one
which could help decrease
TB’s transmission and
improve therapies for pa-
tients everywhere. In short,
Dr. Hu’s TB blood testing
platform has the potential
to revolutionize the way the
world deals with TB.
Utilizing microwave irradiation to produce quicker results, his test reduces the current four- to eight-week wait timedown to four hours.
For centuries, TB
was called ‘consumption’
because it appeared to
consume its victims until
they were little more
than skin and bones.
Caused by the airborne
pathogen Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (Mtb), the
disease generally starts
in the lungs, causing
a severe cough, often
with sputum and blood,
along with chest pain,
weakness, weight loss,
fever and night sweats.
Curing TB involves a
tedious drug regimen that
takes several months to
be effective.
“If our blood analysis
testing platform is effec-
tive for TB, we believe it
also can be used to identify
and quantify other bac-
terial and viral infections
carried by blood and body
fluids,” Dr. Hu says.
Once perfected, this diagnostic tool could be used to rapidly test for Ebola and other infec-tious diseases as well as timely evaluation of anti-HIV treatments.
CELEBRATING THEFORWARD-THINKING
CAREER OFNEUROLOGISTSTANLEY APPEL
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 17
LEADERSHIP I For nearly four decades, Dr. Stanley H. Appel has dedicated his life to
understanding neurological diseases and their devastating effects. Now the Houston
Methodist Department of Neurology that he has chaired so many years will bear his
name and become the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology – thanks to an
unprecedented and remarkable gift from the woman who has worked by his side for
18 years – his wife Joan. “His passion for his work and for his patients is incredible,”
Joan says. “I thought it would be a wonderful thing to name the department after him.
He is really loved.” Her gift was a sudden epiphany, providing a pathway to ensure that
her husband’s remarkable legacy will forever be associated with the nationally renowned
department he has built at Houston Methodist. It also honors their mutual workplace,
giving the hospital abundant resources to inspire excellence and innovation in perpetuity.
INSIGHT I Dr. Appel has served as chief of the neurology division and James B. Duke Professor
of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He held a joint appointment as chair of the Depart-
ment of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the neurology service at The Methodist
Hospital from 1977 to 2004. He then became the first chair of the newly established Department
of Neurology at Houston Methodist. In this role he also directs the Houston Methodist Neuro-
logical Institute and is professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This gift is extraordinary
in so many ways,” says Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO. “First, it’s from an individual who is, herself,
a professional whose work instills the utmost respect and admiration. It’s also a transformational
gift that blends current and future endowed funding that will continue to grow and support
the organization forever. Finally, it’s from a wife honoring her husband in a very unique way, and
both the benefactor and the honoree have dedicated their lives’ work to Houston Methodist.”
KNOWLEDGE I Stanley Hersh Appel was born in 1933 to Russian immigrant
parents in Boston. As a young student at Boston Latin School, he was expected to
study up to six hours a night. He completed his undergraduate work at Harvard, then
attended Harvard Business School. But an epiphany at age 22 changed his course,
and he decided to enroll in medical school to study and understand the workings of
the human brain. He started at Tufts and earned his medical degree from Columbia
College of Physicians and Surgeons, returning to Harvard for a medical internship.
18 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
PASSION I The Appels share a passion for neurology and a deep commitment
to their patients. She is a physician assistant and conducted HIV and AIDS
research before joining the Houston Methodist Department of Neurology in 1998.
They both recall one patient’s reaction to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
diagnosis. Dr. Appel had just delivered the news when the patient said, ‘It must be
so hard for you to go from room to room and tell people that they have ALS.’ “I just
told you that you have ALS and all you can think of is us? That’s why we’re here,”
Dr. Appel recalls. “If anything is motivating, that is motivating. It keeps you going.”
VISION I Quality and duration of life have improved for ALS patients over the years. Just 15 years
ago, ALS patients lived an average of three years. Today, they live five to six years, some longer.
Physicians are now able to better control the main clinical problems of ALS patients – breathing
difficulties and falling. Dr. Appel has teamed up with Massachusetts General Hospital to study
whether altering the immune system can help ALS patients. “We’ve spent many years documenting
that the immune system plays a significant role in neurological diseases,” Dr. Appel says. His research
team recently took blood from an ALS patient and altered its properties before injecting it back
into the patient after a few weeks. “In a mouse model, this dramatically extended its life,” he says.
RESPECT I Dr. Appel’s passion for his patients and his vision for the future of ALS research come
alive in the ALS Clinic he founded 34 years ago. The MDA/ALS Research and Clinical Center
was the first multidisciplinary care center for ALS patients in the country. One Friday a month,
patients and their caregivers arrive early – it’s first-come, first-served – and physicians, social workers,
dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, volunteer lawyers and accountants come to them.
They’re called Team Hope, and they give people as much time as they need, with no direct cost
to patients. The Appels are at their best on clinic days, and they wouldn’t miss one. The love
and respect they share with these patients is present in their touch, their words and their smiles.
Ronald Bess (at right) is a regular patient who comes three to four times annually and has for a
decade. The 65-year-old retired refinery worker drives himself 55 miles to be the first one in line.
“This gentleman shows that the more positive you are, the more you fight ALS and get on with your
living, the better you do,” Dr. Appel says. When the Appels hear that he arrives 45 minutes before
the doors open at 6:30 a.m., they promise to put a chair by the elevator before the next clinic.
FAMILY I Throughout his life, Dr. Appel has maintained strong ties to family and speaks
with pride of his sons Evan and Jon, his daughter Tanya, and six grandchildren. It was
Dr. Appel’s mother, though, who always played a special role right up until the day she died
at age 101. He had called her every Sunday night since moving into the dorm at Harvard.
Dr. Appel remembers their final conversation in February 2010. “She said, ‘You know, Stan,
I’m tired. I think I’m going to say goodbye.’” The next day, he received a call that she died
peacefully in her sleep. “She was in perfect cognitive health – she never lost a synapse.”
THE APPELS ARE
PARTNERSIN LIFE AND INMEDICINE
21houstonmethodist.org/foundation
PARTNERSHIP I From the top floor of their Houston high-rise, the Appels have created
a refuge above the city and the Texas Medical Center. They live with three cats and a
nearly 360-degree view of the country’s fourth-largest city. Every evening, they sit side
by side and dine by candlelight. “There aren’t many people who can work together 24-7,
and we do,” Dr. Appel says. “Neither of us likes to fight – we’re non-confrontational people.
We work very well together.” And they make each other laugh. “She’s smart as hell and
always so funny,” he says. “What you see is what you get,” Joan Appel says of their
relationship. “We have lunch together every day, and we always will. I keep threatening
to retire, but I’ll work until I drop dead. I know we’re going to carry him out in a pine box.”
LEGACY I Dr. Appel’s list of accolades is long. He has written 15 books and
more than 400 articles, won numerous awards and trained more than 200
neurologists, many of them now heading their own departments. “Stan Appel is
among the most preeminent neurologists in the world,” says Houston Methodist
Board Member Gary Edwards, whose late mother Sonja was treated by
Dr. Appel and whose generous gifts – from Gary, his wife Peggy and their family –
endowed the ALS chair that Dr. Appel holds, named the ALS laboratory in his
mother’s memory and established the envisioned Center for Neurodegenerative
Diseases. “We’re so grateful for the exceptional care he provided to my mother,
and my family has been honored to support his work.” Perhaps Dr. Appel’s
greatest, most lasting legacy will be his connection with patients and his
ongoing quest to improve their lives through research, care and compassion.
GRATITUDE I When Joan Appel decided on this gift to name the department
in her husband’s honor, Dr. Appel had no idea it was coming. “I’m grateful,” he
says, “but whether Stan Appel’s name is on the department is not a key issue.
What is most important is that we have a community of dedicated, highly
motivated people who want to improve the quality of life for their patients.”
Joan’s gift will do just that, by helping to ensure outstanding care and
improved treatments in perpetuity through a sustained investment in research,
innovation and discovery and by the continued recruitment and retention
of leading clinician-scientists in the Appel Department of Neurology.
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onav
irus
Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital partner to develop a community defense system.
In January 2016, news reports began to
publicize the outbreak of the Zika virus
in South America. By February, the CDC
estimated that there were approximately
90 cases of Zika in the United States.
That same month, Houston Methodist and
Texas Children’s Hospital announced they
had developed the first hospital-based rapid
tests for the Zika virus. Working together, they
developed the test in a matter of weeks.
The threat of highly contagious “super-
viruses” such as Zika or Ebola can paralyze
a community. But the answer to containing
an outbreak may lie in the networks that
bind our community together.
Virginia and L.E. Simmons are philan-
thropists with a strategy. “If you look at
how people communicate today,” says L.E.,
“it’s global and it’s seamless. And I think in
five, 10 years, people not used to thinking
that way are going to be sitting on their
own little island.”
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 23
This bedrock belief in the value of sharing
resources brought together two of Houston’s most
venerable medical institutions: Houston Methodist
and Texas Children’s Hospital.
“I feel like we have so much strength in the
Texas Medical Center,” says Virginia. “And uniting
two primary hospitals and all that strength is going
to go in a very positive direction.”
She was right. Virginia and L.E. made a significant
commitment establishing a collaboration between
Dr. James Musser of Houston Methodist and Dr. James
Versalovic of Texas Children’s Hospital. The program
allows the two institutions to protect our community
from infectious diseases by detecting, isolating,
identifying and treating the illness while simultaneously
rapidly communicating updates on the virus. The collab-
oration has already produced successful results – the
nation’s first hospital-based rapid test for the Zika virus.
“We certainly collaborate,” says Dr. Versalovic,
“but not the institutional collaboration that we’re
doing now. This is at a scale that frankly has not
been matched in the Texas Medical Center.”
“Thanks to the Simmons’ support, we will be
able to tell the world exactly what’s going on from
a viral arena in our city,” says Dr. Musser. “And that
capability is truly unique.”
Dr. J
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Dr. J
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ALAN AND SHERRIE CONOVER TRAVEL THE COUNTRY IN THEIR RESTORED TRAIN CAR.
WHEN ALAN NEEDED A LIFESAVING LIVER TRANSPLANT, THEY TRAVELED
TO HOUSTON METHODIST.
25houstonmethodist.org/foundation
From the time he was 4 years old, Alan Conover was fascinated by trains. Every Sunday he and
his father visited the railroad yard to watch, to listen
and eventually, to ride.
Decades later, as Alan continues his recovery
and rehabilitation from a liver transplant, his heart is
set on returning to his journeys aboard a historic rail
car that he and his wife Sherrie restored.
In the months following his May 23, 2013, liver
transplant – performed by Drs. R. Mark Ghobrial
and Howard Monsour in the J.C. Walter Jr. Trans-
plant Center at Houston Methodist – Alan had two
goals: get well enough to climb the rail car stairs
and ride his train again; and give a generous bequest
to Houston Methodist to help create the largest
and best liver center in the nation.
Within two years of receiving his new lifesaving liver, he accomplished both goals. In April 2015, Alan and Sherrie – along with
Dr. Ghobrial and his wife Kathy, Dr. Marc Boom and
his wife Dr. Julie Boom, and Alan’s nephew Ed Jones,
chief operating officer of the Houston Methodist
Research Institute – took the J. Pinckney Hender-
son on a Houston-to-San Antonio train tour. Named
after Texas’ first governor and called The Texas
Special for its original route from St. Louis to San
Antonio, the historic train attracted railroad enthusi-
asts all along the route. Made of stainless steel and
the only rail car that was part of Amtrak’s experimental
luxury service, this was The Texas Special’s first
return trip since the original route ended in 1959.
Although still weak and 150 pounds lighter than
THE CONOVERS’ GIFT WILL FUND MEDICAL DISCOVERIES TO HELP MORE PATIENTS.
PICTURED BESIDE THE
CONOVERS’ RESTORED TRAIN CAR:
MARC BOOM, MD,
SHERRIE “GAIL” CONOVER,
ALAN CONOVER AND
MARK GHOBRIAL, MD, PHD
before his liver began failing, Alan was back on track,
his wife of 32 years by his side as they visited with
guests and cherished the ride.
The following June, they returned to Houston
Methodist for a formal dedication of the Sherrie and
Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease & Trans-
plantation. The couple decided to give what they
have – not just what they could. Their transforma-
tional $6.5 million commitment – a blended gift of
current use and a bequest, and the first named center
at Houston Methodist from generous benefactors
from a state other than Texas – will provide resources
for groundbreaking research to help more liver patients
get the lifesaving treatments they need.
Alan and Sherrie have lived in Florida since retiring in the 1980s. He worked as a fireman in
New York’s Hudson Valley for 20 years, and Sherrie
was a reading specialist in the Newburgh, NY,
school district. Their lives in retirement were packed
with full-time adventure. Alan pursued his passion
for trains with gusto, and the couple restored two
historic train cars. They hosted their friends on rail
trips all over the country, including a memorable rail
trip to the Kentucky Derby. Life was full and good.
About four years ago, Alan’s lungs started collecting fluid. He couldn’t catch his breath and
within a very short time, this generally healthy,
active man became critically ill. His Florida doctors
blamed the fluid buildup on a failing liver.
And since Alan was over 70, doctors there told him
he was too old for surgery and there was nothing
they could do but drain the fluid periodically.
The Conovers weren’t willing to settle for a compromised life if there was hope. “I called Ed
and asked, ‘What are we going to do about your
Uncle Alan?’” Sherrie recalls. Jones immediately
reached out to Dr. Monsour.
“When I got the call from Ed, it was no dif-
ferent than other calls we get, because there’s a
philosophy within the liver program that we take
all comers,” says Dr. Monsour, chief of hepatolo-
gy. “Alan came with a particular problem and we
were able to figure it out. It was a team effort.
I can tell you with all sincerity that Alan being
alive today – Sherrie’s just as much a part of that
as every physician and worker at the hospital.”
Sherrie usually knew Alan’s ‘labs’ before his
doctors did. She had an eagle eye for red flags
and bad numbers. When Drs. Monsour and Ghobrial
first met Alan, he was very ill. Within three
months, his liver disease was at a critical stage.
Yet Dr. Ghobrial says he never considered not
seeking a transplant. “I think a good center is one that’s able to treat sick patients and older patients with good outcomes,” Dr. Ghobrial says. “We’ve had
excellent outcomes over time.”
Houston Methodist’s collaborative environment
was critical to Alan’s post-transplant recovery.
He suffered complications with his heart, requiring
two aortic valve surgeries. Dr. Michael Reardon, a
cardiothoracic surgeon with the Houston Methodist
DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and a valve expert,
“ABOUT A YEAR AFTER THE TRANSPLANT,WE SAID, ‘YOU KNOW, LET’S TAKE THE
MAJORITY OF OUR STOCK,AND GIVE IT TO HOUSTON METHODIST
FOR THE LIVER CENTER.
WE WEREN’T LOOKING TO FIND ANAME FOR OURSELVES, OR A NAME FOR A UNIT.
WE WANTED TO PUT IT WHERE IT WOULDDO SOME GOOD AND HELP THE MOST PEOPLE.”
- SHERRIE AND ALAN CONOVER
performed the surgeries. The Conovers credit all
three doctors and their teams with saving Alan’s life.
“I don’t think there are any better people anywhere,” Alan says. In the months following his
transplant, the couple started talking about how
they could show their gratitude and appreciation to
their doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist. “We
don’t have any children,” Alan explains. “And this will
do more good for more people.”
Despite his illness, Alan keeps his sense of
mischief about him and notices weekly improvement
in his health. He proudly shows a photo of a much
heavier Alan Conover patting a sleeping cheetah on
a refuge in Africa. “That was me before I went on
the Ghobrial diet. I don’t recommend it,” he says.
Even when asked about the incredible and unexpected bequest, Alan responds that since
they have no children, he didn’t really want to
leave the money to his pets’ veterinarian when he
passes. He has great one-liners and likes to make
people laugh. But he and Sherrie also show a
deep joy for the moment – a sincere appreciation
for life that many people seem to overlook.
“Each day as it comes,” Sherrie is fond of saying.
They truly enjoy a delicious meal together, and
they laugh a lot. They revel in the company of good
friends and family, laughter and shared memories.
Most of all, they love to board the J. Pinckney Henderson for their next journey together, letting
their lives roll with the rhythm of the rails.
30 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Medical breakthroughs typically take decades and
billions of dollars to make it to market. Thousands
of these projects languish in the process, along with
many patients they could have helped.
Houston Methodist’s Translational Research Initiative
(TRI), a first-of-its-kind program focused on speeding
potentially lifesaving treatments from the laboratory to
patients’ bedsides, is poised to change this forever. The
TRI combines the passion of philanthropy with an expe-
dited research model, launching one of the most innova-
tive research strategies ever undertaken.
Nearly 50 bold entrepreneurs are on board as Founding
Members of the TRI and already have established an invest-
ment pool of more than $8 million toward a $10 million goal.
Fueled by a generous matching challenge, each Founding
Member’s investment is double its face value in a unique
blending of science, industry, business and entrepreneurism.
Founding Members are risk takers looking to make
medical breakthroughs a reality.
“Translational research is based on the single
most important goal: efficiently and effectively find-
ing real treatments, medical devices and cures that
improve and save lives, and getting them to patients
as quickly and safely as possible,” says Mark Houser,
chair of the Houston Methodist Research Institute
Board of Directors. “Our TRI is a game changer.”
DISCOVERY from
31houstonmethodist.org/foundation
Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone
of medical advances and gives stability to medical
research, Houser explains, adding that the Houston
Methodist TRI model builds a bridge between the
separate worlds of discovery and translation. The
TRI focuses on advancing research to human clinical
trials in a few years rather than the typical decades.
Thirteen projects were submitted for the first round
of TRI Awards, and four were selected for funding.
Houston Methodist’s TRI awardees are pioneers in their
fields, and all are conducting translational research with
global implications, working to develop the following:
• A test that predicts which patients will have the
best outcomes after liver transplant
• A portable magnetic stimulation helmet that can
reactivate brain function in stroke patients
• A simple blood test that accurately and quickly
diagnoses TB and other infectious diseases
• An imaging probe that detects recurrence of Hodgkin
lymphoma in patients without symptoms
“There’s something different about Houston
Methodist – there’s a real culture of innovation here,”
says Rod Canion, co-founder and former CEO of
Compaq Computer Corp., head of the TRI external
advisory group that screens projects and a member
of the Houston Methodist Research Institute board.
RECOVERYto
32 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
CON
GRA
TULA
TIO
NS
RECI
PIEN
TS
to our 1. Xian Li, PhD, and R. Mark Ghobrial, MD, PhD, are developing a test that predicts which patients will have the best outcomes after liver transplant.
2. Tony Hu, PhD, is developing a simpleblood test that accurately and quickly diagnoses
TB and other infectious diseases.
3. Meixiang Yu, PhD, is developing animaging probe that reports recurrence of Hodgkin
lymphoma without patient symptoms.
4. Santosh Helekar, MD, PhD, and David Chiu, MD, are testing aportable magnetic stimulation helmet that can reactivate brain function in stroke patients.
The head of Freeport LNG, a generous industry contrib-
utor to TRI, views his company’s participation as a valued
partnership. “Freeport LNG is proud to be part of this
farsighted translational research strategy, and we look
forward to the leverage these initial projects can build
for more groundbreaking developments to come,” says
Michael S. Smith, chairman and CEO of Freeport LNG. TRI’s first projects are underway:
1. Principal investigators Drs. R. Mark Ghobrial and
Xian Li, and biostatistician Dr. Beverly Shirkey, have devel-
oped a DNA-based test that can predict which patients
are at risk for sepsis to prevent futile liver transplants. A
patent is pending for their testing platform.
2. Working with co-investigators Drs. Edward Graviss
and Xuewu Liu, Dr. Tony Hu has developed a simple,
accurate TB blood test that works in four hours rather
than four to eight weeks. He is testing the platform on
TB/HIV co-infected blood samples. (See page 14.)
3. Dr. Meixiang Yu has invented a positron emission
tomography (PET) imaging probe that can detect Hodgkin
lymphoma relapse before symptoms appear. Developed
with co-investigators Drs. Youli Zu and Swaminathan Iyer,
the imaging tool can also monitor therapeutic response
for treatment.
4. Drs. Santosh Helekar and David Chiu are testing
a portable, wireless magnetic stimulation helmet –
invented by Dr. Helekar and Weill Cornell Medicine –
that shows promise in restoring some motor function in
stroke patients. TRI funding will advance their project
to a 30-person pilot clinical trial, and a patent on the
device is pending. (See page 42.)
THANK YOU TO THETRANSLATIONALRESEARCH INITIATIVEFOUNDING MEMBERS
Edward R. Allen III and Chinhui JuhnCarolyn J. and Robert J. Allison Jr. Family FoundationShahla and Hushang AnsarySteven D. ArnoldEverett E. and Randee K. BernalLeslie and Jack S. Blanton Jr.John F. III and Ann H. BookoutDrs. Julie and Marc BoomCathy and Giorgio BorlenghiMaria and Neil BushCabot Oil & Gas CorporationCam and Rod CanionAlice and Roderick CiaccioThe Cockrell Foundation Estela and David A. Cockrell Janet and Ernest H. Cockrell Stephanie and Ernest D. Cockrell Carol Cockrell Curran and Richard B. Curran Christy and J. Webb Jennings Laura Jennings Turner and John A. TurnerRoberto and Claudia ContrerasDr. Veronica Selinko-Curran and Michael F. CurranMartha and Andrew DeBuskNancy and Jack DinersteinJuliet Ellis and West GriffinLesha and Tom ElsenbrookClayton and Shel EriksonPatti and Richard EverettClara and Mauricio FabrePaola and Mauro Ferrari Freeport LNG Development, L.P.Kathy and Greg GeibE. J. and Wilda GrivettiJes and John HagaleTerence and Henrietta HallRobert A. HayMr. and Mrs. Mark A. HouserKimberly and Kyle HranickyInvescoCathy and Mel JodeitRosemarie Johnson and Matthew L. Johnson Fadila and Paal Kibsgaard Colleen and John KottsThe Mehta Family Foundation Dharmesh Mehta Jainesh Mehta Nisha Mehta Rahul MehtaMidway Foundation Claudia and Brad FreelsWendy and Ben MorelandLibbie and Greg NelsonScurlock FoundationLynne and Jim VanderhiderLisa and John WalkerWalter Oil & Gas Corporation through the generosity of Paula and Rusty Walter and Carole and Jim LookeKay and Ewing Werlein Jr.Patti and Paul YetterKelley and Donald Young
Founding Members as of February 20, 2016. For more information on howto become a Founding Member, pleasevisit houstonmethodist.org/tri or call 832.667.6194.
ALHEIM E ‘S
Z
R
MAKING LIFE BRIGHTERFOR PATIENTS WITH
Debbie and Jack Moore and Wendy and Bill Chiles
have known each other for years, primarily
through Jack’s and Bill’s connection in the
energy business. However, when both families
were touched by Alzheimer’s and dementia-
related disorders, they joined forces in support
of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at
Houston Methodist.
The Chiles’ connection with the Nantz Center
began when they heard Dr. Gustavo Román speak.
When Wendy started having concerns about her
mother, she brought her to Houston Methodist
where her diagnosis was confirmed, and innovative,
compassionate treatment began. “My mother is
remarkably better under Dr. Román’s care,” explains
Wendy. “It’s personal for us now. Supporting the
Nantz Center is our passion.”
Their passion was further sparked when the
Moores and Chiles learned of the Alzheimer’s imaging
and drug repositioning research taking place at Houston
Methodist. Working in collaboration, Dr. Joseph Masdeu
is using neuroimaging to study the role of beta amy-
loid and tau in the progression of the disease while
Dr. Stephen Wong is applying intensive drug repo-
sitioning analysis to test existing drugs for efficacy
in the treatment of the disease at various stages.
“We deeply appreciate the help Houston Methodist
has given to patients and families already affected
by Alzheimer’s,” says Bill. “Of course, our hope is
that the work of Drs. Masdeu and Wong will produce
a cure within our lifetimes that will benefit our
friends, families and others who face Alzheimer’s.”
In October 2015, the couples hosted a special
luncheon featuring CBS Sports commentator and
co-founder of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center,
Jim Nantz, and developments in the field. During the
event both the Chiles and Moores announced signif-
icant matching commitments. “We are so blessed to
have the Nantz Center here in Houston,” says Jack.
“This work is exciting and encouraging. These discoveries
have the potential to transform Alzheimer’s care.”
Following their gift announcement, the couples
challenged their friends, colleagues and community
leaders to lend their support as well. “My family has
been personally touched by this disease. We hope
getting more people involved will create momentum to
advance treatments, further prevention and ultimately
develop a cure,” says Debbie.
Visit nantzfriends.org to support the Nantz National
Alzheimer Center and join Nantz Friends.
Pictured left to right:
Jack and Debbie Moore,
Wendy and Bill Chiles
BLACK
TIEWHITE
COAT
The Society for Leading Medicine is an exceptional group of leaderswho meet for special events – from formal occasions to sports gatherings.
The funds they raise help keep Houston Methodist on the leading edge of medicine.
P I C T U R E D L E F T TO R I G H T: E D DY A N D K E L L I B L A N T O N , C A B R I N A A N D ST E V E N O W S L E Y
N E X T PA G E : D R . J U L I U S B A LO G H A N D D R . STA CY S M I T H
The Society for Leading Medicine memberships start at $1,000 annually and include invitations to unique events as well as facilitated access to health care. To join, visit houstonmethodist.org/thesociety or contact Amanda Harris at 832.667.5813.
37houstonmethodist.org/foundation
The Society for Leading Medicine, Houston Methodist’s
annual giving program, raised $2.1 million in 2015
and grew to include 488 members, making it a
powerful philanthropic force for the hospital’s
education, research and clinical care programs.
“The Society is unique in that it brings together
groups of people from all ages and backgrounds with
one common denominator: garnering recognition that
Houston Methodist is leading medicine in all disciplines,”
says Kelli Blanton, co-chair of The Society, who works
together with her husband Eddy, and friends Cabrina
and Steven Owsley, to spearhead the group.
An annual giving program comprised of an excep-
tional group of community leaders with enthusiasm
and dedication to Houston Methodist, The Society
engages members through fun and educational
events such as the Houston Texans Family Fun Day
and member appreciation parties.
Since its inception just three years ago, The Society
has raised $5.78 million to support priority
programs at Houston Methodist. In 2015,
The Society supported the Houston Methodist
Community Scholars, Department of Spiritual
Care and Education chaplaincy program
and an endowed scholarship program
that allows residents and fellows
to explore innovative, leading-edge health care
projects. “The Society Scholars program helps mold
the next generation of physicians who will care for our
families and our community, which is a truly priceless
gift,” says Cabrina Owsley.
Two of this year’s Society Scholars, Dr. Stacy Smith,
a fellow in neuro-ophthalmology, and Dr. Julius Balogh,
a resident in general surgery and elected chief resident
of patient care and quality improvement, are participating
in two significant health care initiatives.
As a Society Scholar, Dr. Smith is collaborat-
ing with hospital administrators to improve transi-
tions in patient care, while Dr. Balogh is working
with program engineers to design and implement
EPIC, a technologically advanced electronic medical
record program. As the chief resident for EPIC
design, Dr. Balogh is working with programmers to
improve physician communication and continuity of
care by tracking inpatient transitions.
“This is an excellent time to be involved with Houston
Methodist,” Dr. Smith says. “The scholars program is
young and fluid, but it grants us the opportunity to
develop projects under the leader-
ship of prestigious physicians
who have a tremendous amount
of experience.”
38 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Renewed Life. Cancer clinical trial puts Evelyn Daves in remission and savoring life with her grandchildren.
Evelyn and Ralph Daves with their grandkids:
Ethan, Laine and Caleb Meriwether
January 2015 was a month of dark days for
Evelyn Daves and her husband Ralph. They
spent more time in Houston Methodist Hospital
than they did in their Kingwood home. Her diag-
nosis with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL,
had left her blood levels dangerously low. She
fought blood infections, required
numerous transfusions and
couldn’t visit her young grand-
children because the disease left
her susceptible to infections of
every kind. There were times her
family thought they might lose her.
A year later, Evelyn is disease-
free, her blood levels are normal,
her chromosome abnormalities
gone. For Dr. Swaminathan Iyer,
the Cockrell Center for Advanced
Therapeutics (CCAT) medical di-
rector, Evelyn’s case is a landmark
example of realizing the promise
of medicine.
“She’s one of the defining
moments for me,” Dr. Iyer says.
“The medicines are only part of
the story. It’s the attitude, the
convictions, and it comes from
getting your mind, body and spirit
together. This is a testimony to
the Daves’ faith.”
Each year since 2009, Houston
Methodist has received a generous
gift from The Cockrell Foundation
toward an endowment that sup-
ports CCAT. The program fosters
innovation, research and advanced
improvements in patient care – with
the ultimate goal of using science
and medicine to benefit humanity.
CCAT started its Phase I clinical trials unit in
2015; its first patient was Evelyn Daves.
When Dr. Iyer first suggested that Evelyn could
be a good candidate for an international multicenter
clinical trial of GDC-0199 and Obinutuzumab, the
Daves put it in God’s hands. If the clinical trial was
approved for CCAT and she was accepted, they’d
give it 100 percent. It was a difficult and intense
clinical trial, requiring drug ramp-up, constant blood
draws and monitoring – it virtually takes over a patient’s
life. The CCAT Phase I unit became their home.
“I had a pretty rough go of it,” Evelyn says.
But the commitment was worth the effort. Ralph
meticulously logs the numbers and tracks Evelyn’s
progress, and they are prompt for every follow-up
appointment. She has renewed energy, and the
couple can enjoy their grandchildren again and
look forward to life and a future.
“There’s never a guarantee,” Evelyn says. “No one
can be given a clean bill of health from cancer.
But I’m so thankful that I feel good enough to play
with my grandchildren, and I just hope and pray
that I continue to be cancer-free.”
Of the five patients in the GDC-0199 clinical trial, three are
in remission and the drug combination has shown no side
effects. Visit houstonmethodist.org/research/clinical-trials
for more information about CCAT and clinical trials
which are now available at Houston Methodist Hospital,
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Houston
Methodist West Hospital and Houston Methodist
Primary Care Group – Pearland.
40 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
As the Rev. Mark Klein waited at Houston
Methodist Hospital for a heart transplant, he often
made his way slowly to the Dunn Tower lobby,
wheeling his heart balloon pump. There in the hospital’s
main public gathering spot lives a piece of artwork that
inspires hope and tranquility, a 7-foot-tall bronze
FAITHIN ACTION
and his wife Jacqueline took stock of the multitude
of miracles along his pathway to restored health and
wanted to give something back to their Lord and
Savior and to Houston Methodist. They remembered
the power of the sculpture and it dawned on them –
just as ‘Jesus – The Great Physician’ spoke to him, “I
know the statue speaks to others,” he says. The Kleins
gave a generous gift for the fabrication of a replica
statue at Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital,
one of Houston Methodist’s newest community
hospitals. It was blessed in its new home in March
2015. Three months later, the Kleins pledged another
sculpture for Houston Methodist The Woodlands
Hospital, which will open in 2017.
“They are reminders to everybody where the
healing comes from,” Rev. Klein says. “We are so
honored and thankful – I’m here today because of
faith and medicine.”
The Klein’s generous gifts honor a Houston Methodist
tradition of faith that goes back to the hospital’s
inception and was brought to life when the original
statue was created by sculptor Wei Li “Willy” Wang.
It was erected as a memorial to longtime board
member W.R. “Randy” Smith, who had dreamed
of having such an enduring reminder of Christ’s
healing ministry displayed in the main lobby of the
hospital. Smith’s friends, led by current Board Chair
Ewing Werlein Jr., gave generously for the original
gift in Smith’s memory.
The two sculptures made possible by the Kleins
bring the total number to eight. Besides the original
artwork in Houston Methodist’s flagship hospital,
reproductions of ‘Jesus – The Great Physician’
are featured in the lobbies of Houston Methodist
San Jacinto, St. John, Sugar Land, Willowbrook
and West hospitals.
For Rev. Klein – a patient who flat-lined and saw
angels wing-to-wing around his hospital bed – the
statues represent the daily miracles that sprout from
faith-based medicine.
sculpture called ‘Jesus – The Great Physician.’ The
compelling figure shows Jesus healing a sick woman
who kneels before him. Rev. Klein visited the sculpture
whenever he had the strength. “It really spoke to me,”
he recalls. “It reminded me that the Lord wants to heal us.”
After receiving a new heart in July 2013, Rev. Klein
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 43
Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III was at
the peak of his life in December
2013. He’d just finished a hunting
trip in West Texas and enjoyed a
5-mile run before his flight home
to Houston. At 56, he was in top
physical shape and, just two months
before, received a stellar annual
health report.
As he boarded his plane, the pilot –
a longtime friend – stopped him.
Rusty didn’t look right. They went to
a nearby emergency room, where a
brain scan confirmed life-alter-
ing news: Rusty had suffered a
massive stroke. Physicians admin-
istered tPA (tissue plasminogen
activator), the only FDA-approved
treatment for an acute stroke.
A helicopter sped him home to
Houston Methodist Hospital and
Dr. David Chiu, director of the
Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center.
“It was a surreal time,” Rusty recalls.
The probable cause of the cardio-
embolic stroke was traced to atrial
fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat,
and a combination of bad circum-
stances – high altitude, dehydration
and thickening blood that formed a
clot in the brain’s right hemisphere.
“It could have easily killed me,”
Rusty says. “I’m lucky to be alive.”
“It’s literally like a lightning strike,”
Dr. Chiu says. “The term ‘stroke’
connotes that sudden attack of
neurological impairment. A stroke
can affect every function of the
brain, striking at the heart of what it
means to be a human being. It can
affect anybody – nobody is exempt.”
The stroke severely weakened
Rusty’s entire left side and his walking.
He has spent the last two years
working to restore movements that
once came easily. An independent,
motivated man, Rusty depends on
caregivers to help him with basic
tasks. He works at rehabilitation
up to 30 hours a week, focusing
on dexterity, like picking up corks
for a half hour at a time. Improve-
ments come in small increments,
but each one counts.
As a third-generation Houston
oilman and president and CEO
of Walter Oil & Gas Corp., Rusty’s
life before the stroke was intense,
productive and generous. He and
his wife Paula devoted much of
their time to giving back to Houston
institutions through board service,
volunteer work and philanthropy.
At Houston Methodist, Rusty
was board chair for the Houston
Methodist Research Institute,
where the couple had just committed
a challenge gift that launched the
RUSTY WALTER EXPERIENCED A DEVASTATING STROKE --
AND RESPONDED WITH GREAT COURAGE AND GENEROSITY.
GIVINGBACK
44 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
$10 million Translational Research
Initiative (TRI) to help speed
medical discoveries from the research
laboratory to patients’ bedsides.
Today, his life remains as productive
and generous as before, but his
intensity is even greater as he and
Paula dedicate themselves to finding
better treatments for what has
become a global health epidemic
and one of the leading causes of
serious disability among adults.
Rusty already has participated in
two promising clinical trials under
the watchful eye of Dr. Chiu. The
day of his stroke, he became one
of 129 patients nationwide in a
multicenter adult stem cell trial.
He also participated in a clinical
trial for transcranial magnetic
stimulation, a non-invasive treat-
ment that uses a magnetic field
to stimulate the brain and correct
imbalance caused by the stroke.
Dr. Chiu calls Rusty his hero.
“He’s had just the right amount
of not only motivation, but
an appreciation of the science.
He’s a remarkable man.”
Rusty and Paula also gave a
generous gift to launch the
Coordinated Stroke Initiative
(CSI) and Stroke Stem Cell
Research Program. Their chal-
lenge grant was immediately
matched by Lynn and Oscar Wyatt,
a longtime Texas oilman who
suffered a stroke in 2008.
“It’s an incredible show of support,”
Dr. Chiu says. “They recognize
a crying need for improved treat-
ments, improved prevention,
improved modalities of recovery
and stroke rehabilitation. I’m
extremely grateful that Mr. Walter
and Mr. Wyatt and their families
contributed to this effort.”
The CSI will allow Houston
Methodist, which treats more
than 1,000 stroke patients
annually, to offer endovascular
mechanical clot retrieval therapy
to stroke patients who meet
the criteria and can get to the
hospital quickly. The Walter/
Wyatt gift will also allow the
development of a state-of-the-art
stroke registry, which is expected to
generate a wave of stroke research.
The Walters believe that Rusty
is alive today because he “was in
the hands of great people making
great decisions.” His bonds with
Houston Methodist go back to
his boyhood when his father
Joseph C. Walter Jr. served 21
years on the board. His father
also received a lifesaving heart
transplant at Houston Methodist
Hospital, which was renamed the
J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center
in his honor following a generous
2010 gift from Rusty and his
sister, Carole Walter Looke.
The couple take life one day at
a time, relying on the prayers and
sensitive care of family and friends,
which is their sustaining force and
a priceless gift, Paula says. Rusty
considers himself a better person
today. “You realize what really counts,”
he says. “It’s not about self. It’s
about others. I want to live longer
for my family.” When Rusty returned
home after one and a half months
of hospitalization following his
stroke, a big sign paraphrasing
Winston Churchill greeted him:
“Never, never, never give up.”
It remains his daily motto.
RUSTY’S MEDICAL TEAM COLLABORATES ON HIS CARE,
MAKING A HEROIC FIGHT FOR HIS RECOVERY.
GIVING BACK
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: SANTOSH HELEKAR, MD • DAVID CHIU, MD
DAVID McCANE • STANLEY H. APPEL, MD
46 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Event chairs Peter and Elizabeth Wareing and Cam and Rod Canion
Honoree Sanford I. Weill, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom,Jed and Milessa Lowrie and Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr.
REN
DEZ
VOU
SGENEROUSLY PRESENTEDBY THE HONORABLE AND MRS.HUSHANG ANSARY ANDCORPORATE PRESENTING SPONSOR WEATHERFORD, RENDEZVOUS WITH HOUSTON METHODIST WAS HELD ONNOVEMBER 12, 2015, AT THEHILTON AMERICAS – HOUSTON.
Through the leadership of exceptional chairs and pioneering honorees, Houston Methodist’s biennial fundraising gala was a remarkable success, raising $2,587,401 for research, education and patient care in the system’s seven hospitals. Chairs Cam and Rod Canion and Elizabeth and Peter Wareing guided Rendezvous with Houston Methodist to its record-setting achievement, which was announced to the 1,300-plus crowd by Houston Methodist President and CEO Dr. Marc L. Boom. The gala was highlighted by recognition of four honorees who have made an indelible mark on Houston Methodist and the history of health care in our community — Emily A. Crosswell, the John S. Dunn Foundation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Sanford I. Weill. They were celebrated by their friends, family and closest colleagues in a video presentation introduced by master of ceremonies, FOX 26 morning anchor Melissa Wilson. The evening also featured a special interview with former Houston Astro Jed Lowrie.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 47
Lisa Stone, honoree Emily Crosswell and David Stone
Representing honoree Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Patricia and Steve Chazen, Vicki Hollub and Glenn Vige
Presenting sponsor Hushang Ansary,honoree Sanford I. Weill and Ewing Werlein Jr.
Honoree John S. Dunn Foundation represented by Eva Lynn and Steve Dunn
Visionary level sponsors Donald and Kelley Young
Representing corporate presenting sponsor Weatherford, Monica and Brent Emerson
48 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
PEAK PERFORMANCES | JULY 16, 2015 Cam and Rod Canion, Nancy and Jack Dinerstein and Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook hosted Peak Performances – a three-part event featuring a golf tournament, Food for Thought cooking class and special evening reception. The Grand Rounds Golf Open presented by Bayou City Capital, L.P. was championed by “caddies” Clayton Erikson, Denise Monteleone and Dr. Veronica Selinko-Curran. Pictured: Tom and Lesha Elsenbrook, Jack and Nancy Dinerstein, Rod and Cam Canion, Drs. Marc and Julie BoomSP
ECIA
L EV
ENTS
THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE APPRECIATION EVENT | FEBRUARY 11, 2015 The Society for Leading Medicine’s members gathered at inaugural chairs Estela and David A. Cockrell’s beautiful home to applaud another year of generous support. The evening celebrated 2014 membership gifts which raised $2,098,348 for Houston Methodist. Pictured: David A. and Estela Cockrell, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom
THE CALLING TO PEBBLE BEACH | JUNE 12 – 14, 2015 Courtney and Jim Nantz hosted The Calling to Pebble Beach, a three-day star-studded event featuringa food and wine golf outing and special dinner honoring Arnold Palmer. All proceeds benefited the Nantz National Alzheimer Center atHouston Methodist. Pictured: Jim and Courtney Nantz, Arnold Palmer,Clint Eastwood and Christina Sandera, and Dr. Stanley Appel
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 49
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING | OCTOBER 21, 2015 Dr. Marc Boom and chair Greg Nelson hosted the second annual President’s Leadership Council meeting. The evening included the State of the System address by Dr. Boom, a special presentation by Dr. Michael Reardon on the latest advances in heart disease treatment and dinner with Houston Methodist physicians and scientists.Pictured: Christine Underwood, David Underwood – President’s Leadership Council Patient Experience Committee Chair, and Sarah Underwood
WOMEN’S EVENT | JANUARY 21, 2015 Hosted by Elaine Finger, Joyce Haufrect, Cissie Kaplan, Judy O. Margolis, Jane Parker and Rosalie Ravkind, the 2015 Women’s Event honored Drs. Eric Haufrect, Alan Kaplan and Keith Reeves. The event raised $90,000 for the Alan L. Kaplan, MD Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology which was completed through the generosity of 171 contributors in June 2015. More than 250 guests enjoyed a keynote address by Lisa Ling, executive producer and host of “This is Life” on CNN, followed by breakout sessions featuring a variety of health topics and lunch with Houston Methodist physicians.Pictured: Jane Parker, Joyce Haufrect, Rolaine Abramson, Cissie Kaplan, Dr. Alan L. Kaplan, Rosalie Ravkind and Judy O. Margolis
NIGHT AT THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE | OCTOBER 27, 2015 The Society for Leading Medicine members enjoyed a hands-on evening featuring nanotechnology, science, engineering and medicine. Pictured: Elliott David, son of honorary executive committee members Isabel and Danny David, conducting an electroplating experiment with graduate research fellows Thomas Geninatti and Laura Pandolfi
JACK S. BLANTON SR. EYE INSTITUTE DEDICATION | APRIL 16, 2015 In 2015, the Houston Methodist Department of Ophthalmology became the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Eye Institute, named in his memory to encourage trailblazing research, education and clinical care programs.Pictured: Jack S. Blanton Jr., Ginger Blanton, Elizabeth Wareing and Eddy Blanton Sr.
50 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
THE SOCIETYGREW TO
488MEMBERS
UP FROM 352
48TRI FOUNDING
MEMBERS
YEAR IN REVIEW2015
9.15 % INCREASE
IN FUNDRAISINGOVER 2014
TOTAL COMMITTED
$44,449,952
MANY THANKS
69% INDIVIDUALS
13% FOUNDATIONS
2% ORGANIZATIONS
16% CORPORATIONS & BUSINESSES
INCO
ME
SOU
RCES
2,366TOTAL UNIQUE DONORS
2,944 GIFTS
52 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
LEA
DE
RS
HIP
Houston Methodist Board of DirectorsEwing Werlein Jr., ChairJohn F. Bookout, Senior ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEOCarlton E. Baucum, Vice ChairGregory V. Nelson, Vice ChairElizabeth Blanton Wareing, SecretaryJoseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, TreasurerRobert K. Moses Jr., Asst. SecretaryMary A. Daffin, Asst. TreasurerEmily A. CrosswellMartha DeBuskGary W. EdwardsJuliet S. EllisRon A. Gentry, MDMark A. HouserBishop Janice Riggle HuieRev. Kenneth R. LevingstonVidal G. MartinezW. Benjamin MorelandThomas J. Pace III, DMinJoe Bob PerkinsC. Richard Stasney, MD, President of the Medical StaffSpencer A. TillmanDavid M. Underwood Jr.Stephen Wende, DMinAdvisoryTodd W. Trask, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff Rev. B.T. WilliamsonLife MembersErnest H. CockrellJames C. DishmanCharles W. Duncan Jr.Connie M. DyerIsaac H. Kempner IIISandra Gayle Wright, EdD, RN
Houston MethodistResearch InstituteBoard of DirectorsMark A. Houser, ChairJohn F. Bookout, Senior ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEO, Houston MethodistMauro Ferrari, PhD, President and CEO, Houston Methodist Research InstituteElizabeth Blanton Wareing, Vice ChairErnest D. Cockrell II, SecretarySteven D. ArnoldJohn F. Bookout IIITimothy B. Boone, MD, PhDGiorgio BorlenghiJoseph R. “Rod” CanionAlbert Y. ChaoJohn P. Cooke, MD, PhDDan O. DingesJoe B. FosterLaurie H. Glimcher, MDAntonio M. Gotto Jr., MD, DPhil Catherine S. JodeitEvan H. KatzRev. Kenneth R. LevingstonVidal G. MartinezGregory V. NelsonStuart W. StedmanAndrew C. von Eschenbach, MDMartha S. WaltonEwing Werlein Jr.
Houston MethodistHospital FoundationBoard of DirectorsJohn W. Johnson, ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEOJoseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, Vice ChairEmily A. Crosswell, SecretaryMorrie K. AbramsonJohn F. BookoutMichael M. ConeCharles W. Duncan Jr.John S. Dunn Jr.Marvy A. FingerRaleigh W. Johnson Jr.Vidal G. MartinezRobert K. Moses Jr.David M. Underwood Jr.James V. WalzelElizabeth Blanton WareingEwing Werlein Jr.
President’s Leadership CouncilSenior CabinetGregory V. Nelson, ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEORobert J. Allison Jr.Eva C. BissoKelli L. BlantonStephen I. ChazenDavid A. CockrellClayton EriksonDaniel M. GilbaneEric J. Haufrect, MDJohn W. JohnsonDavid KinderJohn P. KottsWilliam Gentry Lee Jr.Michael C. LinnRahul B. MehtaCynthia Pickett-StevensonVeronica Selinko-Curran, MDSteven D. StephensDouglas E. Swanson Jr.David M. Underwood Jr.Franco ValobraKelley C. YoungMembersDorothy M. AblesGina B. AndrewsArch “Beaver” Aplin IIIJudson E. BaileyMatthew K. BairdJonathan BakshtE. William BarnettSeth M. BarrettJanice H. BarrowJames R. BathVicki L. BaucumBruce R. BilgerEddy S. BlantonGinger BlantonKenneth E. BreauxGeorge M. Britton Jr.John R. Butler Jr.P. Embry CanterburyCarl M. Carter IIIGerardo A. ChapaMuffin M. ClarkM. Scott ConeClaudia ContrerasPaula D. CrielJames W. CrownoverIsabel G. DavidRay C. DavisScott A. DavisDenis A. DeBakeyLavonne C. DeBakey, PharmD, RPh Joann P. DiGennaroNancy S. DinersteinFrancoise A. DjerejianDavid R. DominyWilliam J. Doré Jr.Celia J. DupréGina Eandi, RNJenny ElkinsW. Lawrence ElliottDanielle Ellis
Thomas L. ElsenbrookAnn H. ElvinJerry E. Finger*Jeffrey H. FoutchElizabeth GhristKate H. GibsonLinda C. GillWilliam E. GipsonMarc P. GordonBilly HarrisonLaura Laux HigginsVicki A. HollubLou HouserMary F. JohnstonJo Ruth KaplanSteven J. KeanWilliam E. KingThomas C. KnudsonGeorge J. KostasLinda G. LykosJeffrey E. MargolisJudy E. MargolisDale L. MartinGeorge M. MastersonJohn M. McCormackAndrew McCullough Jr.Mary Ann McKeithanDenise D. MonteleoneJoel L. MooreRick L. MooreW. Benjamin MorelandLoretta B. MosesMason L. MoteEugene A. O’DonnellCabrina F. OwsleyJane L. ParkerFrank D. PerezRick J. PerezNicholas A. PhillipsMichael J. PlankDouglas R. QuinnMelanie RothwellScott E. SchwingerWard SheffieldL. E. SimmonsGlenn R. SmithSue H. SmithBetty A. SommerCullen R. SpitzerAlan L. SteinHenry J.N. “Kitch” Taub IIMarcy E. TaubTadd TellepsenDuncan K. UnderwoodTony ValloneRichard E. Wainerdi, PhD, PEKaren D. WalkerDancie Perugini WareW. Temple Webber IIIScott WegmannRobert A. Yekovich, DMAPaul YetterFaculty AdvisorsBobby R. Alford, MDEric H. Bernicker, MDNeal G. Copeland, PhDRobert E. Jackson, MDChristof Karmonik, PhDDaniel E. Lehane, MDAlexandria T. Phan, MDKeith O. Reeves, MDValentina Ugolini, MD
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 53
Houston Methodist Neurological Institute National CouncilGary W. Edwards, ChairKate H. Gibson, Co-ChairMorrie K. AbramsonJames R. BathEverett E. BernalRandee K. BernalEddy S. BlantonGinger BlantonJohn F. BookoutJ. David CabelloWilliam E. ChilesRobert H. GrahamBilly HarrisonMary F. JohnstonElise JosephThomas C. KnudsonGregory A. KozmetskyJames W. OdenCabrina F. OwsleyLeon M. PayneArthur A. Seeligson IIIDonna S. StahlhutRoxane R. StricklingHenry J.N. “Kitch” Taub IIAnne G. ThobaeAndrew C. von Eschenbach, MDDancie Perugini WareElizabeth Blanton WareingW. Temple Webber III
Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center CouncilConnie M. Dyer, ChairCynthia Pickett-Stevenson, Co-ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEORobert J. Allison Jr.Seth M. BarrettJ. Denny BartellKenneth E. BreauxJohn R. Butler Jr.P. Embry CanterburyCarl M. Carter IIIGerardo A. ChapaMary A. DaffinRay DavisDenis A. DeBakeyLois DeBakey, PhDJoann P. DiGennaroWilliam J. Doré Jr.William J. Doré Sr.Danielle EllisEva K. FarhaWilliam E. GipsonMarc P. GordonMiguel A. HernandezJo Ruth KaplanWilliam E. KingCynthia G. KostasGeorge J. KostasCarole E. LookeJohn M. McCormackMason L. MoteFrank D. PerezDouglas R. QuinnValentina Ugolini, MDTony ValloneElizabeth Walter
Center for Performing Arts Medicine Advisory BoardRobert E. Jackson, MD, FACP, ChairC. Richard Stasney, MD, FounderBobby R. Alford, MDE. William BarnettJanice H. BarrowGinger BlantonAnthony K. Brandt, PhDAlbert Y. ChaoEvan D. Collins, MDJames W. CrownoverLavonne C. DeBakey, PharmD, RPhFrancoise A. DjerejianDeborah K. DuncanGina Eandi, RNVictor Fainstein, MDJerry E. Finger*Jeremy Finkelstein, MDJ. Todd FrazierRobert Freeman, PhDElizabeth GhristSusanne M. GlasscockCarole J. HackettRichard L. Harper, MDEric J. Haufrect, MDPatricia P. HubbardChristof Karmonik, PhDTom Krouskop, PhD, PEMichael W. Lieberman, MD, PhDSharon Ley LietzowJudy E. MargolisVidal G. MartinezHoyt T. “Toby” MattoxEdwards U. McReynolds, MDRev. Charles R. Millikan, DMinJames M. Musser, MD, PhDNicholas A. PhillipsPatricia RauchKeith O. Reeves, MDL.E. SimmonsJerome B. SimonLois F. StarkRon Tintner, MDLaura Jennings TurnerKevin E. Varner, MDRichard E. Wainerdi, PhD, PEMargaret Alkek WilliamsAline WilsonEd WulfeRobert A. Yekovich, DMA
Houston Methodist Concussion Center Task ForceJ. D. Bucky AllshouseChris CanettiJennifer DavenportHoward S. Derman, MDJace DukeTheron EnnsHeather FirestoneTerry Lohrenz, PhDKen Podell, PhDMargaret D. ReppertJamey C. RootesBarry D. Warner
Houston Methodist Cancer Center Task ForceDorothy M. Ables Jud BaileyCarin M. BarthVicki L. BaucumDaphne BernickerScott A. DavisAnn H. ElvinLou HouserAlan Kaplan, MDCissie Rauch-KaplanChristine LukensDale MartinPeggy D. MartinMaryanne W. McCormackRick MooreLoretta B. MosesJane L. ParkerGlenn R. SmithBetty A. SommerFaculty AdvisorsEric H. Bernicker, MDE. Brian Butler, MDJenny Chang, MDNeal G. Copeland, PhDNancy A. Jenkins, PhDDaniel E. Lehane, MDAlexandria T. Phan, MDBin S. Teh, MDStephen Wong, PhD, PE
Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders Task ForceJim Braniff Pedro L. Duran-GomezCarol F. FondrenRobert E. FondrenJay H. GoldingDuncan K. UnderwoodBrock L. WagnerKaren Wagner
Houston Methodist Liver Center Task ForcePaula D. CrielBurt H. KeenanLawrence W. KellnerLinda G. LykosEugene A. O’Donnell
* In loving memory
I N M E M O R I A M
Nathaniel “Nat” S. Rogers1919-2016
Houston Methodist losta life member of its Board on
February 22, 2016.
Former President of First City National Bank of Houston,
Nathaniel “Nat” S. Rogers was a board member for 25 years
from 1971 to 1996, at which time he was elected as a
Life Member of the board.Nat provided strong financial leadership that helped shape
this institution’s stability, growthand reputation for quality.His business acumen was
integral to his service on the executive, investment, real estate
and employee pensionand trust committees.
Nat passed away in Mississippi
and is survived by his wife of 73 years - Helen, a daughter, two sons, eight grandchildren
and five great-grandsons.The Houston Methodist family is grateful for Nat’s many years
of dedication and leadership. His wisdom and experience made Houston Methodist
stronger through his presence.
54 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
I N M E M O R I A M
David M. Underwood1937–2015
ON AUGUST 30, 2015, Houston Methodist lost its longest-
serving board member and one of its most trusted guiding
lights when David M. Underwood passed away surrounded
by family in his Houston home.
A WISE AND VISIONARY LEADER, David ably carried on
the legacy of his grandparents, Walter W. and Ella F. Fondren,
steering Houston Methodist on a track of keen
financial stewardship as it evolved into one of the
nation’s leading academic medical centers. He
served on the Board for 52 years, chairing the
Finance Committee and Houston Methodist’s
first fundraising campaign, which raised
$212 million for patient care, education and
research. His remarkable record of service
led to the 2013 naming of the David M.
Underwood Board Room in Dunn Tower.
Furthermore he instilled a great appreciation of
Houston Methodist in his children: David M.
Underwood Jr. carries on his father’s
legacy as a member of the Houston
Methodist Board of Directors, while
son and daughter-in-law, Duncan and
Sarah Underwood, are members of The
Society for Leading Medicine Honorary
Executive Committee. In addition, David
promoted and enhanced the quality of health
care throughout the Texas Medical Center, where
he served as TMC Board of Directors chairman for 23 years.
During that time, the world’s largest medical complex
expanded from 24 to 56 member institutions.
DAVID GRADUATED FROM YALE UNIVERSITY and was
a broker/adviser for many years, including several at Under-
wood Neuhaus & Co., Inc., and most recently in his profes-
sional role as managing director of Wells Fargo Advisors.
He served in leadership positions with the National Association
of Securities Dealers, the Securities Industry Association
and the Texas Stock and Bond Dealers Association. He also
served as president, director and CEO of his family company,
Feliciana Corporation. He was a captain in the U.S. Army
Reserve, earning the Army Commendation Medal for distinctive
service while at Fort Polk during the Berlin Crisis.
HE DEFINED PHILANTHROPY AT ITS BEST, faithfully supporting Houston Methodist
and many other Houston institutions with his
time and resources. His, his grandparents’
and his extended family’s generosity –
both personally and through the Fondren
Foundation – established a long list of
Houston Methodist hallmarks, including the
Fondren Tower; Sue Trammell Pavilion, also
known as Fondren 12; the Fondren Presidential
Distinguished Chair at the Houston Methodist
Research Institute; the Walter
W. Fondren III Distinguished Chair
at the Houston Methodist DeBakey
Heart & Vascular Center; The Fondren
Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Program; and the Lynda K. and David M. Under-
wood Center for Digestive Disorders.
INTEGRITY AND PROFOUND KINDNESS permeated
David’s character. He also was known for his wonderful sense
of humor, his tender-heartedness, his faith and his love for his
family, including Lynda, his wife of five decades, and his
three children and nine grandchildren. Houston Methodist
has lost a treasured member of the family and one of the
brightest lights in the institution’s nearly 100-year history.
Friends and colleagues remembered David Underwood with generous gifts to Houston Methodist in his memory. As the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Magazine went to press, more than 150 gifts have been made in support of the David M. Underwood Lung Transplant Lecture Fund.
houstonmethodist.org/foundation 55
L E T T E R F R O M O U R C H A I R M A NEach year we provide this report to those who contributed
to Houston Methodist’s success in leading medicine.
Our focus is to feature the best of what philanthropy is –
from highlighting the motivations of those who have made
gifts to the opportunities for new discoveries which will
provide life-changing treatments for patients.
In 2015, Houston Methodist lost a cherished leader
and dear friend with the passing of David M. Underwood.
(See at left.) His chairmanship of our first modern-day fundraising campaign was paramount to its success,
raising $212 million. We will forever be grateful for his devoted leadership and benevolent support.
Since the Leading Medicine, Giving Hope campaign conclusion in 2012, Houston Methodist has
received more than $100 million in philanthropic support. This tremendous growth is a testament to how
much the patients we serve, their families and our community appreciate what Houston Methodist does.
This year I was honored to become chairman of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Board of Directors, following John F. Bookout’s 23 years of service in that capacity. Mr. Bookout’s
inspiring leadership and philanthropic spirit have transformed the future of academic medicine for
Houston. On behalf of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Board, I express our deepest
gratitude for his commitment, vision and generosity.
Thank you also to the individuals, families, foundations and corporations who have given
generously to enable us to reach new heights. In addition, I extend my appreciation to the dedicated
boards, councils and task forces who give of their time, energy and support to Houston Methodist.
Your commitment enhances our ability to continue leading medicine.
JOHN W. JOHNSON, CHAIR
Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
Board of Directors
56 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
A new 366-bed inpatient tower
is under construction on the
Houston Methodist Hospital
campus in the Texas Medical
Center. The tower will include
102 ICU beds, expanded OR suites,
hybrid suites and a dedicated
cardiology floor with 14 inter-
ventional catheterization labs.
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Executive Director: Susan Coulter, JDManaging Editor: Katelyn FurmanEditors: Katie Lipnick, Denny Angelle, Nathan Cernosek, Patti Muck, Mallory Rogers, Amir Safi Writers: Patti Muck, Nathan Cernosek, Mallory Rogers, Robin PhillipsArt Director & Designer: Karen Holland , Richards/CarlbergPhotographers: Terry Vine, Robert Seale, Jeff Fantich, Richard Carson, Jenny AntillIllustrators: Jim Salvati, Matt Cook, Bruce Morser
If you wish to have your name removed from Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation correspondence, please call 832.667.5619,
email [email protected] or write to Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210-4384.
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