Philanthropy Newsroom

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center honored more than 100 faculty members at the annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence, a highly anticipated event focused on the achievements of those who have brought great distinction to the institution during the last year.

Among these award recipients are six faculty members who were honored with the institution’s most prestigious endowed faculty awards, the Jack and Beverly Randall Prize for Excellence in Cancer Research, the John Mendelsohn Award for Faculty Leadership, the R. Lee Clark Prize and the Shirley Stein Scientific Endowed Research Award.

“These incredible faculty members exemplify the gold standards of excellence that distinguish MD Anderson and advance our mission to end cancer in Texas, the nation and the world,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president. “I am inspired by all they do for our patients who ultimately benefit from their expertise, their hard work and their deep dedication.”

The Jack and Beverly Randall Prize for Excellence in Cancer Research 
BOV member Jack Randall and his wife, Beverly, established the Jack and Beverly Randall Prize for Excellence in Cancer Research in 2011 to encourage innovative ideas and the novel thinking necessary to end cancer. The $100,000 Randall Prize honors researchers and clinicians who demonstrate uncommon foresight and ingenuity, as well as dedication to excellence in cancer research. The annual prize alternates between supporting exceptional researchers and thoughtful clinicians caring for patients with cancer. The 2023 recipient is:

• Jennifer Wargo, M.D., professor, Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine; Director, Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research

Wargo is recognized for her groundbreaking and innovative discoveries on delineating the role of the microbiome in response to immunotherapy and for her studies of the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in melanoma and other cancers. She was recruited to MD Anderson in 2013 to help lead the Melanoma Moon Shot® efforts – and to continue important translational research work on targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the impact of the gut and tumor microbiome in cancer. Importantly, she is deeply invested in working with investigators across the institution and across the world to find better ways to treat, intercept and ultimately prevent cancer. Wargo is one of the inaugural members of the James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson. 

The John Mendelsohn Award for Faculty Leadership 
The Mendelsohn Award was established in 2019 to honor the late John Mendelsohn, M.D., who served as MD Anderson’s third president. Mendelsohn inspired achievements in research-driven patient care, directed expansion of clinical and research facilities, and forged a research program focused on translating scientific findings to patient care and prevention. The annual $5,000 award recognizes a faculty member who reflects Mendelsohn’s leadership, scholarship and values. The 2023 recipient is:

• Radhe Mohan, Ph.D., professor, Radiation Physics

Mohan is recognized as a pioneer of radiation dose calculation algorithms for pencil radiation beams and Monte Carlo code-based radiation treatment planning. A medical physics innovator for more than 50 years, he has long had a vision of integrating computer programming into the field. Mohan helped develop the first computerized radiation dosimetry system. He also is recognized for his endless engagement with mentees and his work to guide the next generation of high-caliber scientists. 

R. Lee Clark Prize 
Established in 2016 and funded by the Estate of Jeanne F. Shelby, the R. Lee Clark Prize recognizes MD Anderson faculty in clinical research and basic/translational research with a $5,000 prize. The prize honors the dedication to scholarship, service and social responsibility embraced by the late R. Lee Clark, M.D., MD Anderson’s first president. The 2023 recipients are:

• Han Liang, Ph.D., professor and deputy department chair, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Vicente Valero, M.D., professor, Breast Medical Oncology

Liang is recognized as an international leader in cancer bioinformatics and omic studies. As a computational/laboratory researcher, his peers noted his best-in-class scholarship, service, and social responsibility. Liang previously received an inaugural R. Lee Clark Fellow Award in 2014 before his promotion to associate professor. He leads a vigorous research group focused on analysis and interpretation of “pan-cancer” omic data, an important approach to systems-level understanding of the molecular basis of human cancers. In addition to Liang’s achievements as an independent researcher, he and his group have provided high-quality bioinformatics and biostatistics support for a variety of basic, translational and clinical programs at MD Anderson and other institutions. 

Valero is recognized for the high bar he set in service, scholarship, social service and as a gifted physician, investigator and teacher. With nearly 30 years of service to the institution, his current primary focus is on adjuvant and primary systemic therapy with novel biological agents. Valero is known as a physician who always puts patients first, always finding a way to see them quickly without being rushed. His scholarly accolades include developing and implementing many clinical trials, including as a pioneer in neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Valero has been an innovator and early but critical adopter of new technologies ranging from informatics to genomics in decision-making.

Shirley Stein Scientific Endowed Research Award 
The Shirley Stein Scientific Endowed Research Award recognizes the exceptional clinical research of faculty members with limited project resources. The endowment was established in 2014 by MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) member Gary Stein and his family and Regina Rogers, a Life Member of the BOV. Each award recipient receives $10,000 to generate preliminary data to support their competition for larger grants and federal funding. The 2023 recipients are:

• Leomar Ballester, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Pathology
• Ming Yang, Ph.D., associate professor, Radiation Physics

Ballester is recognized for his excellent clinical care for cancer patients in neuropathology and molecular pathology. A member of the national practice committee (CAP Molecular Oncology Committee), he also serves as the organizer of a neuropathology course at a national pathology conference and has validated several diagnostic markers as well as established the first clinical Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory and first clinical NGS assay at UT Health Houston. Ballester also serves as the principal investigator of a research laboratory focusing on the development of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for patients with central nervous system tumors. 

Yang is recognized for his research endeavors focused on understanding the uncertainties in particle therapy and developing novel techniques to make particle therapy more robust. His primary research area is developing dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-based techniques to reduce range uncertainty by improving the accuracy of proton stopping power ratio (SPR) estimation. Yang and his team’s original research led to the discovery of the empirical relationship between the effective atomic number and the mean excitation energy of human tissues, which enabled the use of DECT for proton SPR estimation.

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a $16.25 million gift from Howard and Susan Elias to accelerate brain tumor and cancer neuroscience research, an emerging field focused on integrating the role of the nervous system in cancer. Howard Elias’ son, Harrison, was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent successful surgery in 2000. Six years earlier, Howard’s father had died of glioblastoma. These separate diagnoses sparked a giving program over the years, leading to this latest gift which represents the Elias’ continued commitment to MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer and a belief in MD Anderson’s faculty as well as the emerging field of cancer neuroscience.

“Dr. Lang and the incredible team at MD Anderson saved my son’s life more than two decades ago,” said Howard, who has long supported the institution and recently retired as chief customer officer and president of services and digital at Dell Technologies. “Now is the time for us to increase our commitment so we can play a significant role in advancing cancer neuroscience research specifically focused on brain tumors and the nervous system. We want other families to have the chance to see their son grow up, like our family has.”

The Elias’ gift serves as the lead donation to concentrate cross-disciplinary research in cancer neuroscience at MD Anderson. The gift aims to extend patients’ lives and to eliminate their suffering through a comprehensive understanding of the interactions of the nervous system with cancer. Additionally, the Elias family’s generosity and foresight will provide secure, sustainable support for generations of researchers to come as they push the limits in searching for new therapies and cures.

“A future free from cancer is unattainable unless we work together,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Howard and Susan’s generosity and passion will play a crucial role as we work in this emerging space for generations to come. On behalf of our patients and their families, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”

Life-saving surgery sparks decades-long philanthropy
Harrison Elias was just shy of 7 years old when he was diagnosed with hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer.

“Harrison, his mother and sisters were visiting at his grandparents in Michigan,” said Howard. “They were playing cards and Harrison’s hand flipped around to where his cards were showing. When he said he couldn’t control his hand, we knew immediately something was wrong.”

The initial prognosis the Elias family received was not very promising. They began intensive research and sought multiple opinions around the country. Since they were living in The Woodlands, a suburb of Houston at the time, one of those opinions they sought was from the number one center for cancer care located just across town — MD Anderson.

“We met with Dr. Joann Ater and will never forget her kindness and professionalism,” Howard said. “From there we were connected to Dr. Frederick Lang, who performed the surgery to resect Harrison’s brain tumor a few weeks later. We have stayed in touch with Dr. Lang ever since.”

After the successful surgery, which removed the tumor from the hypothalamus, a deep part of the brain often thought to be inoperable, Harrison spent years building back his physical strength and regaining motor skills that were impacted by the cancer and the treatment. Fortunately, because the tumor was completely removed, Harrison did not need any radiation or chemotherapy. The tumor has not come back after 20+ years.

“Some days I can deadlift 400 pounds but can barely pick up a pencil with my left hand,” says Harrison, who has limited motor function on the left side of his body, a lasting reminder of the brain surgery he underwent as a child. “I have had bad days, actually a lot of bad days, but focusing on the type of person I wanted to be in the future has always gotten me through.”

The future: cancer neuroscience
The nervous system intersects with, and is impacted by, cancer in many ways. This leads to profound and complex consequences for patients, whether pediatric or adult.

“Our focus is on unraveling the fundamental scientific principles driving the cancer-neuroscience interaction,” Lang said. “These advances will drive prevention, early detection and possibly even cures for neurological cancers; will lead to strategies to overcome the adverse effects of cancer treatments on the nervous system; and will address mental health needs in cancer patients, with the ultimate result of dramatically improving outcomes.”

The Cancer Neuroscience Program is a cross-disciplinary program led by Lang, and Vinay Puduvalli, M.D., chair of Neuro-oncology, and Jim Ray, Ph.D., director of the Neurodegeneration Consortium (NDC). Jian Hu, Ph.D., associate professor of Cancer Biology, is the scientific director, and Brittany Parker Kerrigan, Ph.D., is associate director of Research Planning and Development. Future endeavors will encompass brain tumor research, neuroscience and neuro-mental health, as well as the toxic side effects of cancer treatment.

“Our relationship with the Elias’ has grown over the years,” Lang said. “They are committed to the progression of treatments in the neuroscience space. It is incredible to see Harrison thriving more than 20 years later. There can and will be more ‘Harrisons’ thanks to their generosity and foresight.”

HOUSTON ― Vijay Goradia, a Houston-based businessman, philanthropist, and cancer survivor, has donated $10 million to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to speed translational research and clinical trials. An initial allocation of $3.5 million will fund the institution’s clinical trial of a CD70-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell therapy for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), developed by Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

“We are focused on supporting the innovation and commercialization of groundbreaking research,” said Goradia, who also serves as a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors’ Executive Committee. “There is so much impactful work happening at MD Anderson. Our first step was to fund Dr. Rezvani’s incredible work in CAR NK cells. She has had some success in treating blood cancers, but now she is working on finding treatments for solid tumors, including renal cancer. We felt this was something worth supporting and we are very excited. We are very hopeful.”

Goradia, a kidney cancer survivor, and his wife, Marie, established the Vijay and Marie Goradia Cancer Fund at MD Anderson through this transformational gift. Their hope is to not only expedite innovation coming from MD Anderson but to invest in the continued success of such research. The remainder of the gift will support additional therapeutics across the research enterprise.

“The generosity of the Goradia family will be felt by cancer patients and their families for decades to come,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Future translational and therapeutic discoveries that will be supported by this fund, including the CD70 CAR NK trial, will not only expand our efforts in targeting the disease, but also may generate financial benefits to support promising research in the years ahead.”

A true game changer
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer. Each year, RCC accounts for approximately 79,000 new cancer cases and 14,000 deaths in the U.S, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While initial treatment with surgery for localized tumors can be curative, about 30% of patients develop metastatic disease, which currently is considered incurable because most of these tumors resist available chemotherapies. 

Rezvani has led extensive translational research at MD Anderson to develop and expand the power of NK cells. These tumor-destroying immune cells serve as a first defense against malignancy, but cancer cells can make themselves invisible. By genetically modifying the NK cells with CARs, which are special receptors designed to bind to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, the NK cells can better find and eliminate target cancer cells. Rezvani’s laboratory then multiplies the number of CAR NK cells, growing them in large numbers before infusing them into patients. 

“This research has the potential to become a viable treatment in a fairly short period of time,” said Rezvani. “I am grateful to Vijay and the entire Goradia family for their support and generosity as well as their belief in the science. This is the right place, the right time, and the right opportunity for such a transformational investment that may have such a grand impact in so many patients’ lives.”

The clinical trial will be a Phase I/II study that will test the safety, feasibility, persistence, and antitumor activity of off-the-shelf cord blood-derived CAR NK cells targeting CD70 and armored with IL-15 for patients with RCC. While this study is directed specifically at RCC, CD70 also is present in other malignancies, including mesothelioma, lung, and bladder cancers, suggesting there may be potential applications in other cancer types. 

“MD Anderson has long been a leader in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment and we are inspired by the institution’s efforts to bring cutting-edge research and innovation to patients in need,” said Sapphira Goradia, executive director of the Vijay and Marie Goradia Charitable Foundation. “The Marie and Vijay Goradia Charitable Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to quality health care and we hope this investment will support the acceleration of more effective and affordable cancer treatments.”

Inspiring innovation
Philanthropy has been ingrained in Goradia’s DNA. From his humble beginnings in Mumbai, India, Goradia has made a concerted effort to help others. And he is not stopping anytime soon.

“We are all hoping for the same end result, Making Cancer History®,” he said. “And that cannot happen without meaningful research being done by very smart, talented, committed people. Our hope is that MD Anderson remains at the forefront by attracting very capable and talented people to come and join its already very capable research faculty.”

Goradia said this cannot be accomplished by one, 10 or even 100 philanthropists. It is going to take more. 

“We have the format. My hope is that other donors who are interested in funding groundbreaking research and innovation may want to replicate this whole idea,” he said. “We can do this over and over again. Together, let’s end cancer.”

HOUSTON ― Cancer survivor and baseball legend Dusty Baker brought the laughs and the tears Thursday, Feb. 16 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s signature A Conversation With a Living Legend® event, hosted at the Hilton Americas Houston.

“Thank you to MD Anderson for this great honor,” said Baker. “Tonight’s event was wonderful to be a part of supporting MD Anderson and all their important efforts to end cancer.”

The intimate fireside-style chat led by Todd Kalas, voice of the Houston Astros, brought the crowd of nearly 900 to their feet, rally towels and all. Photo opportunities with the Commissioner’s Trophy and a tribute video complete with interviews from fellow cancer survivor Buck Martinez, play-by-play announcer for the Toronto Blue Jays; philanthropist Billye Aaron, wife of the late Hank Aaron, major league baseball hall of famer and former MD Anderson Living Legend; and more added to the excitement for the more than $1.5 million raised for cancer research and patient programs at MD Anderson.

“Dusty’s passion for the sport and his remarkable leadership are unmatched,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “He is the epitome of a Living Legend and we are grateful for his efforts in our mission to end cancer.”

Chaired by a triple threat of noteworthy Houstonians – Don Sinclair, T. Mark Kelly and Bob Gwin, all members of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors – A Conversation with a Living Legend^® honored Baker’s impact not only on the field but among cancer survivors everywhere.

"We are incredibly grateful to Dusty, a true gentleman whose love of his family and unwavering faith make him a special role model for all of us,” said Sinclair. “His success on and off the baseball field continued last night, as we honor him with more than $1.5 million raised in Making Cancer History®."

A Conversation With a Living Legend®
Baker and Kalas’ fireside chat lasted nearly an hour and spanned Baker’s decades-long career in Major League Baseball. Nothing was off the table as Baker spouted lessons on forgiveness; family including mentor and MLB great Henry Aaron (Baker was on deck when Aaron broke the home run record); musical interests; Spanish lessons that came in handy in his pro-ball days; and calls from President Barack Obama, Snoop Dogg and Sandy Koufax post-World Series win.

A PSA screening alerted Baker to his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis before the start of the 2002 season. Post-diagnosis, he made a commitment to take his son Darren to as many games as possible, including a World Series game where Darren (then bat boy) almost collided with a player at home plate. Today, Darren plays for the Nationals and will be rooming with Baker during spring training in West Palm Beach.

Since 1990, thousands of donors across the country have joined in support of A Conversation With a Living Legend^®, MD Anderson’s signature fundraising event. Its live interview concept has honored celebrities, heads of state, sports icons and other legendary figures, while audiences in Atlanta; Corpus Christi; Houston; Las Vegas; San Antonio; and Washington, D.C., have raised more than $50 million for cancer research and patient care programs to date.

A Legend through and through
Dusty Baker was named the Houston Astros 19th field manager in franchise history on Jan. 29, 2020. In what was his 25th year as a Major League manager, the 2022 season was perhaps Baker’s most memorable as he guided the Astros to a World Series championship. En route to the title, Baker’s Astros posted one of the most dominant seasons in recent history. After leading the American League with 106 wins, the Astros went 11-2 in the postseason, which included a combined 7-0 record in the ALDS (3-0 vs. Seattle) and ALCS (4-0 vs. New York), before defeating the Phillies in the World Series in six games. The title was Baker’s first as a manager and second overall as he was a part of the championship 1981 Dodgers club as a player. Additionally, Baker has now won three pennants as a manager in his career, including in back-to-back seasons as the Astros skipper (2021-22).

Baker has World Series experience as a player, coach and manager, having played in the Fall Classic in 1977, 1978 and 1981 with the Dodgers. As a manager, prior to 2022, Baker guided both the 2002 Giants and 2021 Astros to the World Series and was a coach on the 1989 NL Champion Giants club.

Born Johnnie B. Baker, Jr. on June 15, 1949, in Riverside, CA, “Dusty” Baker currently resides in California with his wife, Melissa, and children, Natosha and Darren. A 1967 graduate of Del Campo High School in Carmichael, CA, Baker attended American River College in Sacramento, CA. Baker’s son, Darren, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft from the University of California (Berkley).