Philanthropy Newsroom

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

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

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 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 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...

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

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

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.

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., 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

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 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, 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

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

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

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 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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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