Publications
Anderson Network Honors Ann Nette Pearce
Annual Living Fully With and Beyond Cancer Conference
Volunteer Voice - Spring 2008
Ann Nette Pearce was dedicated to the concept of Anderson Network almost 20 years before it was founded. She came to M. D. Anderson as a nurse in 1968, rotating through the clinics, then moved to Radiation Oncology, where she eventually became a research nurse educating patients about clinical trials. In each of these roles, the patients’ well being was primary to her. So when the Anderson Network was established in 1986, she became one of its advocates.
Then, in 1993, she underwent surgery and treatment for breast cancer — and became a member of the Network herself.
Fourteen years and many volunteer hours later, she is the recipient of the 2007 Joseph T. Painter Award, presented at Anderson Network’s 19th annual Living Fully With and Beyond Cancer Conference last fall.
Each year, the Painter Award recognizes one special volunteer for the outstanding contributions they have made to the Anderson Network. The award is named for former M. D. Anderson Vice President Joseph T. Painter, M.D., who was the inspiration for the Anderson Network. Here, Steve Stuyck, vice president for Public Affairs at M. D. Anderson, presents the 2007 award to longtime volunteer Ann Nette Pearce.
Despite a setback in 1997, when a recurrence forced her to retire, she has stayed active in the Anderson Network, serving on the telephone committee and most recently, the steering committee. In addition, she has been a Catholic Denominational volunteer at M. D. Anderson for the last eight years.
The Anderson Network Conference activities also included two keynote speakers: colon cancer survivor Vince Papale, the oldest rookie ever recruited in the National Football League, and breast cancer survivor Julie Silver, M.D., an author and physician at Harvard Medical School . Breakout sessions, wellness workshops, and panel presentations rounded out the conference.
This is an annual event for the Anderson Network, a program of the Department of Volunteer Services. Mark your calendars to celebrate with the Network at its 20th annual conference, Sept. 4-6, 2008.