From the fall 2007 issue of UConn Momentum
A $250,000 gift from Gary S. Gladstein ’66 through the Marsha Lilien Gladstein Foundation is providing strategic support for the new Women’s Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program at the UConn Health Center’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The gift, which will enable the recruitment of top-flight doctors as well as critical cancer research, is in memory of Gladstein’s wife, Judi, in gratitude for the treatment she received at the Health Center and caring guidance from Carolyn Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“Dr. Runowicz’s knowledge, guidance, caring and availability enormously helped Judi and me in handling Judi’s horrendous illness. Dr. Runowicz assembled a great team of doctors in different fields and regularly communicated with them. We knew we were in good hands,” says Gladstein, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Innovative research, novel therapies and exemplary clinical care through the program will lead to improved prevention, detection and treatment of women’s cancers. Women will receive individualized care from a multidisciplinary team that includes gynecologic and breast oncologists, genetic counselors, nutritionists and other specialists.
“This program will enhance the health care for women in Connecticut and the surrounding region,” says Runowicz.
Following the example set by the Colon Cancer Prevention Program, which opened in 2005, the new women’s program will serve as a national model for prevention and translating research from the bench to the bedside.
“The goal of the program will be to incorporate the newest molecular approaches and individualized risk assessment and prevention strategies to women at risk for cancer, which will place UConn in the highest tier of women’s cancer prevention,” says director of gynecologic oncology Molly Brewer, M.D., a nationally recognized oncologist who was recruited to create the program.
Gladstein hopes his gift will catalyze support from other alumni as well as appreciative patients and their families.
“We now have the opportunity with Dr. Runowicz and Dr. Brewer to develop an outstanding Women’s Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program,” says Gladstein. “I hope my contribution encourages other Connecticut residents and other UConn alumni to support this program. We will all feel very proud with its success.”
To support the Women’s Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program, please contact the Office of Development & Almuni Relations at 860.679.1122.
