Charles A. Koller Leukemia Endowment Fund

For nearly three decades, everyone knew Charles “Chuck” Koller, M.D., a valued member of MD Anderson’s Leukemia department, by his bow ties, the bike he rode to work, his humility and the grin his widow, Paula Bottecelli, describes as “silly but cute.” Most importantly, they knew him for his compassion and love for helping patients. In 2009, Dr. Koller shared some devastating news with Paula and their five children — he’d been diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Dr. Koller had surgery at MD Anderson and lived a normal life for a few years before the cancer returned and spread to his lungs. He was determined to continue seeing his patients throughout his treatment.

Shortly before he passed away in July 2013, Paula spoke to Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., chair of Leukemia, about starting a stipend for fellows in her husband’s honor. Since then, patients, colleagues and friends have generously contributed to the Charles A. Koller Leukemia Endowment Fund.

The Koller Endowment is a major reason why the Leukemia department can offer early-career physicians the opportunity to train in the field every year. The support from this endowment helps ensure participation in a fellowship program by those who otherwise might not qualify for assistance s. The endowment helps fellows achieve their educational goals and present their research to peers and leaders in the field. These individuals, many from other countries, will be the primary investigators and clinicians of the future.

You can provide long-term support for a program of your choosing.

Establish an endowed fund for a minimum of $100,000.

Call 713-563-4084 for more information.