Art Space volunteer draws inspiration from young friend
If you ask David Simon what he likes best about volunteering at MD Anderson, you’ll get a grin and a one-word answer.
“Schmoozing.”
Every week, the retired CPA gets creative with patients and caregivers in the Art Space for Patients and Caregivers and chats with patients and families at Cancer Connection. He’s happy to talk and happy to listen, quietly figuring out what each person needs.
“I try to give people a respite...

How coaching is elevating MD Anderson’s workforce
When Frances Snipes began the LEADing Teams Core program with MD Anderson’s Leadership Institute last year, she was surprised to be assigned...
Researcher uses art to share science with a broad audience
Art is an essential part of science. And for Nick Navin, Ph.D., it’s a succinct way to share important scientific discoveries.
“Art...
Childhood leukemia survivor is determined to be a counselor for future campers
Rappelling up a rock-climbing wall was Akilah Lopez’s greatest challenge at MD Anderson’s Camp Family Fun Day in August 2022.
“They had a zigzag route, which was easy,” says the 14-year-old, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia almost two years earlier. “But I went up the hard way. I was scared I was going to fall or get stuck.”
She didn’t. Akilah made it to the top, and her reward, once there, was access...

Cancer diagnosis in family drives career shift for patient services coordinator
Seventeen years ago, a phone call changed the course of Fayleta Lawrence’s life. It was her mother, breaking the news that she had just been...
Putting people first: How MD Anderson supports its employees
One day before severe winter storms swept through Texas in February 2021, Ronald Abraham and his family left their Houston...