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Philanthropy Newsroom

UT MD Anderson honors exceptional faculty with institution's highest academic awards

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center yesterday recognized outstanding faculty members for their exceptional contributions to cancer research, patient care, prevention, education and leadership. The institution’s annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence honors faculty whose achievements advance UT MD Anderson's mission to end cancer and make a meaningful impact on patients and communities worldwide.

Henry and Melinda Musselman accept the Making Cancer History® Award from UT MD Anderson’s president, Peter WT Pisters, M.D.

Parker McCollum performs at Polo on the Prairie on April 25, 2026.

Members from the event committee for Polo on the Prairie pose with Peter WT Pisters, M.D., for a group photo.

Players compete in a match at Polo on the Prairie on April 25, 2026.

Henry Musselman, Parker McCollum and Melinda Musselman pose for a photo at Polo on the Prairie on April 25, 2026.

Parker McCollum plays on stage at Polo on the Prairie on April 25, 2026.

UT MD Anderson names 2026 Andrew Sabin Family Fellows

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the newest class of Andrew Sabin Family Fellows, marking 102 fellows funded through this transformative philanthropic investment that provides support for emerging scientists and clinicians making breakthrough discoveries in cancer research and patient care.

Established through the generosity of the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, the Sabin Family Fellowship supports high-impact research across UT MD Anderson, providing funding from a $30 million endowment to early career faculty advancing impactful discovery as well as translational and clinical research. Each fellow receives $100,000 over two years, providing the resources and flexibility to focus more fully on innovative research while reducing the burden of securing additional funding.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our newest cohort of fellows, part of a growing community of exceptional researchers whose work is shaping the future of oncology,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of UT MD Anderson. “We are grateful to Mr. Sabin and the foundation for their enduring commitment to supporting promising faculty and accelerating breakthroughs that bring us closer to ending cancer.”

The 2026 class of Sabin Family Fellows includes 10 researchers across diverse disciplines who have been identified as rising leaders with the potential to significantly advance cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The current class includes:

Basic/Translational Scientists

Luigi Perelli, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Cancer Biology

Georgios Karras, Ph.D., associate professor, Genetics

Palaniraja Thandapani, Ph.D., assistant professor, Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy

Wantong Yao, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Translational Molecular Pathology

Clinical Researchers

Mark Hamilton, M.D., assistant professor, Lymphoma & Myeloma

Simone Krebs, M.D., associate professor, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging Physics

Physician-Scientists

Chelain Goodman, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Breast Radiation Oncology

Clinton Yam, M.D., associate professor, Breast Medical Oncology and Translational Molecular Pathology

Population/Quantitative Scientists

Chong Wu, Ph.D., assistant professor, Biostatistics

Jane Montealegre, Ph.D., associate professor, Behavioral Science

“The Sabin Family Fellowship has become a powerful catalyst for scientific innovation at UT MD Anderson, enabling talented investigators to pursue high-impact research at critical stages of their careers,” said Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer at UT MD Anderson. “As we celebrate this important milestone and recognize our newest class of fellows, we are grateful for the Sabin family’s commitment to discovery.”

The Andrew Sabin Family Foundation also has previously committed $10 million to support the groundbreaking immunotherapy research of the James P. Allison Institute™ through the Andrew Sabin Family Excellence Endowment and the Andrew Sabin Family Recruitment and Retention Fund. This generous support provided for the recruitment of Betty Kim, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Neurosurgery, to become a core member of the Allison Institute in 2026. Kim previously was named a Sabin Family Fellow in 2021.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate the newest class of Sabin Family Fellows and the more than 100 pioneering individuals the foundation has supported to date,” said Andrew Sabin, a senior member of the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. “Each class builds on that legacy of progress, bringing forward bold ideas and fresh perspectives. My family and I are honored to support these trailblazing scientists and clinicians as they push the boundaries of discovery and help shape the future of cancer care worldwide.”

UT MD Anderson’s Polo on the Prairie celebrates 40 years of supporting the mission to end cancer

BRECKENRIDGE, Texas ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's annual West Texas fundraising tradition, Polo on the Prairie, reached a milestone Saturday, April 25, celebrating more than $1.4 million in donations this year and more than $13 million raised over its 40-year history.

This year’s event included a U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned tournament, dinner, VIP entertainment featuring country music singer-songwriter Parker McCollum, and a fireworks finale. During the evening celebration, Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of UT MD Anderson, recognized the long-standing dedication and impact of the event founders and hosts Melinda and Henry Musselman and presented them with the Making Cancer History® Award. This special honor, established in 2007, is presented to visionary individuals uniquely dedicated in their commitment to UT MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer.

“Polo on the Prairie stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, generosity and shared purpose. We are deeply grateful to the Musselman family for their continued support of this one-of-a-kind tradition, which has enabled a variety of programs with extraordinary impact for our patients and their families,” Pisters said.

Forty years of giving back and growing
Polo on the Prairie began as an idea shared by the late Mary Anne McCloud and her son-in-law, Henry Musselman. McCloud served as a longtime member of UT MD Anderson’s Board of Visitors, as Musselman does now. Motivated by a shared desire to expand awareness of UT MD Anderson’s groundbreaking work, Musselman proposed hosting a polo tournament in West Texas and transformed an open pasture on his family’s ranch into a regulation polo field.

From $25,000 raised in its inaugural year, the event has evolved into a multigenerational tradition that raises millions. Children who once played along the sidelines now attend with families of their own, and members of the Musselman family continue to work alongside a dedicated committee of volunteers to plan and host the event.

“Reaching our 40th year is a testament to the passion and generosity of this community,” said Henry Musselman. “Polo on the Prairie has always been about more than sport or tradition — it’s about hope, partnership and making a lasting difference for cancer patients and their families. We’re grateful to everyone who’s supported us this far and look forward to the next 40 years.”

Impact beyond the playing field
Proceeds from this year’s event support UT MD Anderson’s Patient Navigation Program, which helps ease one of the most challenging aspects of a cancer diagnosis by guiding patients through care coordination. Oncology nurse navigators assist with scheduling, treatment planning and connections to supportive resources, improving patient outcomes while reducing hospital admissions and emergency care visits.

The program is a key priority of Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer, UT MD Anderson’s historic $2.5 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign that has raised more than $2 billion to support groundbreaking innovations and transformative advancements that fuel the institution’s mission.

Video Gallery

Meet Houston Dynamo FC Defender and MD Anderson ambassador Erik Sviatchenko

Erik Sviatchenko gained a new perspective after a skin cancer screening revealed a suspicious spot on his arm. Sviatchenko discusses the importance of sun protection and how his teammates work together to stay safe. To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/Soccer Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Meet Houston Dash Defender and MD Anderson ambassador Natalie Jacobs

Natalie Jacobs loves serving as an ambassador to MD Anderson and says wearing the logo on her kit is especially meaningful. “It’s important for me to use my platform to promote healthy living, because that goes into every decision that we as athletes make every day,” she says. “Every decision that we make impacts us on the field. So, it's cool to be able to talk about the way that we can all help each other in making the right choices in our health and making that a priority.” To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/Soccer Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Meet Houston Dynamo FC Defender and MD Anderson ambassador Ethan Bartlow

When Ethan Bartlow was 16 years old, his father died from cancer. “That hit our family really, really hard,” he says. Bartlow discusses his personal motivation to help MD Anderson in our mission to end cancer, along with a message for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/Soccer. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Meet Houston Dynamo FC Goalkeeper and MD Anderson ambassador Steve Clark

Meet Houston Dynamo FC Goalkeeper and MD Anderson ambassador Steve Clark Description: Steve Clark learned he had a precancerous lesion on his face during an annual trip to the dermatologist. “It was pretty shocking,” he says. Clark shares the value of routine checkups and how lifestyle changes can help with cancer prevention. To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/Soccer. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Mateo’s Story: Energy Transfer and Sunoco supports childhood cancer at MD Anderson

Mateo Rubio was two years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Mateo’s mom, Ana, shares their family’s cancer journey and experience with MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Be strong. Be brave. Don’t cry,” says Mateo. Now, seven years later, Mateo is doing great. He’s enjoying school, playing soccer and baseball. “There's no other place that I would rather be than here with my son. This is my safe spot. This is where I need to be. This is where you need to be. They'll get it right,” says Ana. One hundred percent of the funds raised from Energy Transfer and Sunoco employees will go toward innovative research and patient care to help kids like Mateo. To learn more, visit: https://MDAnderson.org/EnergyTransfer Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppo...

Meet Houston Dash Defender and MD Anderson ambassador Katie Lind

Katie Lind serves as an ambassador for MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer after experiencing her aunt’s and grandmother’s cancer diagnoses. “The goal at the end of the day is to end cancer, so this is something we all collectively want to achieve to prevent any family to have to go through what we did.” To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/Soccer Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Do you bleed orange? MD Anderson and Houston Dynamo FC team up to encourage blood donations

Houston Dynamo FC’s Diesel hypes Dynamo fans, Houston Dash fans and the community to donate blood to cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson Blood Bank is facing a critical shortage, and each donation can help up to three cancer patients. Visit MDAnderson.org/BloodBank to make an appointment today. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Jackie’s story: IBC Bank, MD Anderson team up again to end cancer

Once again, IBC Bank and MD Anderson are teaming up to end cancer. Starting April 15, the “Give Cancer the Boot” fundraising campaign will run through July 15 and aims to raise $1 million for cancer patient programs and research. Jackie Rodriguez was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 21. A recent graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University, Rodriguez will be the face of the campaign. Visit your local IBC Bank branch to donate and every donation made, IBC Bank will match it dollar for dollar. 100% of the funds will go towards patient programs and research. To learn more, visit MDAnderson.org/IBCBank.

Let’s give cancer the boot on Nov. 15!

Chris Gonzalez, cancer survivor, shares why he walks to give cancer the boot, and Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains the impact of coming together to end cancer. Join us for the 10th anniversary of MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer® on Saturday, Nov. 15 at TMC Helix Park, or participate virtually by walking wherever you are. Registration is free, and 100% of funds raised support MD Anderson’s patient programs, research, prevention and education. Register at: MDAnderson.org/BootWalk

Tiffany Richards, Ph.D., receives Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing

Tiffany Richards, Ph.D., has cared for patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center for more than two decades. She is an advanced practice provider and supervisor in the Myeloma department. In addition to her current role, Richards remains actively engaged in research, presenting and publishing her findings to advance myeloma treatment. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer® Virtual Opening Ceremony 2024

Give cancer the boot today from your own neighborhood in Houston or around the globe. Track your miles in the Boot Walk app to receive your event day badge, and make those final fundraising asks now! Thank you for joining us to #EndCancer.

Dusty Baker A Living Legend

Dusty Baker is more than a baseball icon, he's a living legend. With a career spanning decades, he left his mark as a player with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland A's before making history as a manager. Leading teams like the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and Houston Astros into the postseason, he finally secured his first World Series victory at age 73 with the Astros. But Dusty's story goes beyond the game. As a cancer survivor, he's a powerful advocate for MD Anderson and a true inspiration both on and off the field. We are honored to recognize his legacy and his commitment to making a difference. Photos provided by Getty Images and the Houston Astros

Agnes Hsu receives Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing

Agnes Hsu, a clinical nurse in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Post Anesthesia Care Unit, shares why her personal connection to cancer fuels her daily work and why she's proud to work at MD Anderson. She is the 2023 recipient of the Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. Learn more: https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/brown-foundation-award-for-excellence-in-oncology-nursing-awarde0.h00-159623379.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

How Boot Walk funds advance cancer research

Experimental radiation oncology researcher Boyi Gan, Ph.D., shares how, through the support of funds from MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer®, he was able to make critical progress on this work. Register for the Boot Walk or donate today: MDAnderson.org/BootWalk

Advancing MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer in 2024

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s relentless pursuit to end cancer involves every employee, volunteer and donor working daily toward our shared goal. With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, MD Anderson demonstrates its culture of caring with every patient and interaction. We are investing in our future, broadening our reach here at home, across Texas, with our partners nationwide and around the world, all while pioneering research breakthroughs. We are Making Cancer History®. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Advancing cell therapy to benefit cancer patients

MD Anderson Cancer Center announces the launch of the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation to develop and advance impactful cell therapies for cancer, autoimmune conditions and infections. Led by Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D., vice president & head of the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation, the institute will bring together top scientists and clinicians. Cell therapies, often described as ‘living therapies,’ are sophisticated immunotherapy treatments that use immune cells from a patient or healthy donor as building blocks. Through specialized engineering and manufacturing techniques, researchers can enhance the ability of these cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells, infected cells or otherwise abnormal cells. To learn more, visit: MDAnderson.org/CellTherapy Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

MD Anderson Research: Breakthroughs in cancer treatment

MD Anderson Cancer Center is home to the brightest minds in research, who are driving breakthroughs that transform the field, the lives of patients and society. Research opportunities exist across the cancer spectrum, including prevention, patient care and survivorship. From basic discoveries to impacts in the clinic and back to the lab, our scientists and clinicians work seamlessly together to follow a hypothesis, test new theories and deliver breakthroughs at unmatched speeds. Learn more: MDAnderson.org/Research Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

MD Anderson's Institute for Data Science in Oncology

MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the Institute for Data Science in Oncology (IDSO), which integrates the most advanced computational and data science approaches with the institution’s extensive scientific and clinical expertise to significantly improve patient’s lives by transforming cancer care and research.Learn more: MDAnderson.org/DataScienceRequest an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

MD Anderson to provide research-driven cancer care in Central Texas

MD Anderson Cancer Center is expanding its footprint to Central Texas. The University of Texas System Board of Regents announced the launch of a bold new health care initiative that will transform UT Austin’s medical district into a world-class academic medical center for education, research and patient care. MD Anderson will build and operate a new, comprehensive cancer center at The University of Texas at Austin Medical Center, while UT Austin will build and run a new specialty hospital. Learn more: https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/university-of-texas-system-regents-announce-plans-build-ut-medical-center-on-site-erwin-center.h00-159621012.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://my.mdanderson.org/RequestAppointment

MD Anderson Cancer Center is No. 1 in the nation for cancer care

MD Anderson Cancer Center has been named No. 1 in the nation for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 “Best Hospitals” ranking. We celebrate this recognition with everyone we serve. Your support drives us in our mission to end cancer. Learn more: https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/md-anderson-ranked-number-one-in-the-nation-for-cancer-care.h00-159620223.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

A new era for immunotherapy with the James P. Allison Institute

MD Anderson’s James P. Allison Institute is leading exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research to integrate immunobiology across disciplines and unlock the full potential of science and medicine for human health. Led by Nobel Laureate James P. Allison, Ph.D., together with Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., this visionary research and innovation hub is working to bring the benefits of immunotherapy to all patients. Through its research, the Allison Institute will develop combination treatment approaches that effectively integrate immunotherapy with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and targeted therapies and enable cures for more patients. Learn more: MDAnderson.org/AllisonInstitute Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Breast cancer patient volunteers at Texas Children's Houston Open after completing treatment

Rosemary Edmunds volunteered at this year’s Texas Children’s Houston Open after completing treatment for breast cancer at MD Anderson, which is the tournament’s Official Cancer Center and volunteer program sponsor. Watch as she shares more of her story and why it’s important to her to give back. #Golf #HoustonOpen #MDAnderson #MDAndersonCancerCenter #EndCancer

Ovarian cancer survivor gives back to MD Anderson

As an MD Anderson employee, Angela Hernandez knew her work in fundraising was making a difference in patients’ lives. Now as a survivor, Angela feels like she’s giving back to her success. “If I can help one other person, then that’s all I need!” Learn more about Angela's story: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/ovarian-cancer-survivor--why-i-sought-treatment-at-MD-Anderson.h00-159306201.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia survivor gives back at MD Anderson League City

Brad Adams, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia survivor, loves to volunteer and talk to cancer patients at MD Anderson League City. He feels very grateful for the care he received and for the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial conducted by William Wierda, M.D., Ph.D. To learn more about clinical trials, click here: https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/clinical-trials.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

Melanoma survivor Sam Gee grateful for immunotherapy and treatment at MD Anderson

When Sam Gee learned he had melanoma, he was a high school freshman. A mole he’d had since his early youth had become concerning and a checkup would confirm that he needed immediate care. His family turned to MD Anderson. Sam is now recovering thanks to the immunotherapy breakthroughs. Read Sam's story: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/after-two-melanoma-diagnoses--a-family-reflects-on-their-experiences-at-MD-Anderson.h00-159618645.html Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://my.mdanderson.org/RequestAppointment

14-year-old cancer survivor receives front row Taylor Swift tickets from donor impacted by cancer

14-year-old osteosarcoma survivor Hallie Barnard will receive the ultimate Swiftie’s dream: front-row tickets to Taylor Swift’s Houston concert. Ilan Saadia, whose mother was treated for lymphoma in 1991, and his 17-year-old daughter, Gabriella, are making Hallie's dreams come true. Gabriella used her "early access" to purchase two additional concert tickets, and she and her dad decided to donate them to a pediatric patient being treated at MD Anderson like Ilan's mother was. Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment

John Stamos and anaplastic thyroid cancer survivor Jeffrey Foskett give back to MD Anderson

Actor and musician John Stamos' close friend, Jeffrey Foskett, is undergoing treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer at MD Anderson. Stamos shares his gratitude for the exceptional care Foskett has received since starting treatment at MD Anderson in 2019. Foskett — a singer, songwriter and record producer who worked for decades as a touring and studio musician for The Beach Boys — began his care at MD Anderson after previous thyroid cancer treatment side effects ended his singing career. Read Jeffrey Foskett's story: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/anaplastic-thyroid-cancer-survivor--i-wish-i-d-gone-to-md-anderson-first.h00-159538167.html Make a donation to support research for rare cancers: https://gifts.mdanderson.org/Default.aspx?tsid=20695&noamt=true&chosen=100 Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://my.mdanderson.org/RequestAppointment

Stage IV breast cancer survivor: How Boot Walk funds support patient care

Stage IV breast cancer survivor: How Boot Walk funds support patient care Description: Sharon Blake shares how her experience as a stage IV breast cancer patient at MD Anderson is enhanced by programs that help her manage mental and physical side effects due to her treatment. Funds raised through MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer® support patient programs. Register for the Boot Walk or donate today: MDAnderson.org/BootWalk