UAMS

Clinical Trial Promising for Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Jan. 18, 2017 | Eighteen years ago, Gail Clayton received news that changed her life. Looking back, she says finding out she had breast cancer marked the beginning of new perspectives.

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it wasn’t the end of life as so many people think. To me, it was the beginning of life.”

Clayton and her husband, Raymond, have been married 46 years. He calls UAMS one of Arkansas’ best kept secrets.

“I don’t think people realize how amazing this institution is,” Clayton said. “You become friends with your doctors and nurses. It takes a village and I believe that village is right within these walls at UAMS.

She had breast cancer twice and was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That prompted Clayton’s oncologist, Laura Hutchins, M.D., to refer her to gynecologic oncologist Kristin Zorn, M.D.

“Anytime we see a patient with a new diagnosis of cancer in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (the internal lining of the abdomen), we think of a possible hereditary source for that cancer,” Zorn said.

Clayton and Zorn discussed genetic counseling and ultimately found Clayton had a mutation in one of the BRCA genes, commonly known as the breast cancer genes. Every person is born with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but women who inherit mutations of the genes have an increased chance of developing breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

Researchers’ knowledge about these genetic mutations has helped lead to development of a new class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors.

“PARP inhibitors capitalize on the genetic defect that’s already present in people who carry one of these mutations,” Zorn said. “It helps to kill the cancer cells that are accumulating DNA damage.”

There are three types of PARP inhibitors that have been FDA-approved over the past few years: olaparib, rucaparib and niraparib. Clayton is a part of a clinical trial that includes her taking olaparib.

“With PARP inhibitors, we first focused on people who carry a BRCA or similar mutation. We’re now finding many patients with ovarian cancer who do not have a mutation are responding to the drugs.”

Another advantage of this new class of drugs is that they can be taken orally rather than through intravenous infusion, making it more convenient for patients. This works especially well for Clayton who spends a great deal of her time seeing the world.

“If someone says go, we pack a bag and go.”

Since her first diagnosis, Clayton says she takes nothing for granted and began living in a way she may not have if not for the illness. She and Raymond Clayton have made lots of memories abroad. Sometimes their adult son Randy joins them.

“We’ve been to the Baltic States, Russia, Berlin, Sweden…”

She’s responded well to the clinical trial and shows no indications of slowing down.

“…England, Paris, the Caribbean, Ireland. It’s been a journey.”

“Part of the reason I’m so passionate about practicing at a place like UAMS, is that it helps us bring cutting-edge therapies to our patients,” Zorn said. “Sometimes we’re talking about a surgical advance, sometimes we’re talking about an advance in treatment.”

Zorn says genetic counseling and testing has become a standard of care in some of the most common gynecological cancers.

“While many parts of the country are having trouble keeping up with the change in the standard of care, UAMS has a genetic counselor embedded in our clinic so that we can accomplish that.”

“The way I see it,” said Clayton, “Even if the clinical trial didn’t work for me, maybe it would work for someone else. I’m grateful for the strides scientists have made in treating this disease.”

This clinical trial was developed through the NRG Oncology cooperative trial group of the National Cancer Institute. The only access to this trial in Arkansas is at UAMS.

UAMS to Offer 7-Week Freedom From Smoking Program Starting Jan. 23

LITTLE ROCK — Anyone ready to quit smoking is invited to participate in a free seven-week program sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

The small-group Freedom from Smoking program will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. for seven Tuesdays starting Jan. 23 at 900 John Barrow Road. There is no cost to participate.

To register, contact certified tobacco treatment specialist Pat Franklin, A.P.R.N., at (501) 944-5934 or plfranklin@uams.edu.

Participants receive one-on-one support, hear first-hand stories from former smokers, and get information on nicotine replacement therapies, healthy eating habits and stress management.

Since it was introduced by the American Lung Association (ALA) almost 30 years ago, the Freedom From Smoking program has helped more than a million Americans end their addiction to nicotine. The program is offered by the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and uses materials provided by the ALA.

Study Shows Key Molecular Differences in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia Could Lead to Better Treatment

LITTLE ROCK – A scientist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is among the lead authors of a study that could lead to more effective therapies for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

UAMS’ Jason Farrar, M.D., and collaborators at eleven other institutions published their study in the journal Nature Medicine and presented findings at the 2017 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH) held Dec. 9-12 in Atlanta. Many of the published results were first released at the 2016 ASH Annual Meeting, held in San Diego.

“Although research has made great strides in improving survival rates for children with acute lymphocytic leukemia, progress in AML, a less common less form of childhood leukemia, has lagged behind. Our research is a step forward in understanding how to better treat children with this challenging disease,” said Farrar, assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.

The study’s findings identified key differences between the molecular structure of AML in young patients as opposed to those who are older. Due to these differences, the researchers concluded that traditional therapies used to treat adults with AML are not effective for children and young adults with the same disease.

“One of our key findings is that there is a clear age continuum in the biology of AML. Because the disease develops differently in the young, middle aged and old, we know that we can’t use the previously accepted therapies that were designed for older adults and expect them to have the same outcomes for children and young adults,” Farrar said.

The study involved an analysis of the genomes of more than 1,000 AML patients treated nationwide through the Children’s Oncology Group, with ages ranging from 8 days to 29 years. Of that number, 200 had their entire genome sequenced for the study, however the group’s continuing research includes whole-genome sequencing for hundreds more participants.

Data also was gathered from about 400 of these patients to determine how their cancer cells read and interpreted the DNA changes.

“We need high-depth data on every AML patient we treat to get the best possible understanding of how this disease works at a molecular level,” Farrar said.

Most commonly diagnosed in older adults, AML starts in the bone marrow and can move quickly to the blood. According to the American Cancer Society, about 21,000 Americans are diagnosed with AML each year and about 10,600 die of it. As stated in the researchers’ paper, four out of 10 young AML patients do not survive long term.

Based on their findings, Farrar and his collaborators have already developed an improved system for determining the severity of AML in young people at the time of their diagnosis. The individual patient’s treatment is then tailored to the severity of their disease, with those who have less severe disease receiving treatment with fewer possible side effects.

This system is implemented at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where collaborator Soheil Meshinchi, M.D., of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, sees patients and will soon be integrated into national cooperative clinical trials for children and young adults with AML.

“Being able to identify whether a child has high-risk or low-risk disease is very important to their long-term outlook. For example, many of the drugs used to treat AML can cause young patients to have cardiac conditions as they age. If we can effectively treat their cancer with drugs that do not damage their heart, we definitely want to do that,” Farrar said.

Funded by the National Cancer Institute, this research effort is part of a program called the TARGET Initiative, which is focused on determining the genetic changes that drive the formation and progression of hard-to-treat childhood cancers. TARGET stands for Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments.

In addition to AML, the TARGET Initiative researchers also study acute lymphoblastic leukemia, kidney tumors, neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma.

Additional support for this study comes from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, the Center for Translational Pediatric Research at Arkansas Children’s, Scientific Computing at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the University of Southern California’s Center for High-Performance Computing, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the Jane Anne Nohl Hematology Research Fund.

In addition to Farrar and Meshinchi, the paper’s lead authors include Hamid Bolouri, Ph.D., and Rhonda E. Ries of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Timothy Triche Jr., M.D., Ph.D., of the Van Andel Research Institute and University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Faith in Cancer Care Team Keeps New Mexico Woman at UAMS

Dec. 1, 2017 | Tina Farber arrived in Arkansas with one thing on her mind — meeting her two new grandbabies. Her son’s third child had arrived in April, and her daughter was expecting her third about one month later.

“I was planning to stay about two months,” said Farber, a native Arkansan who now lives in New Mexico. “I had a PET scan scheduled for July 7 and needed to return home in time for that.”

A stage 3 lung cancer survivor, Farber was considered to be in remission following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in 2016. The PET scan was a routine follow-up to ensure the cancer had not returned.

Her plans were about to change, however, when she soon developed a cough, headache and fever, prompting a trip to the urgent care clinic. After returning to her daughter’s house with a diagnosis of pneumonia, Farber’s fever shot up to 102.4 degrees and the family took action.

“My daughter, Brittney, said to pack my bags. She was taking me to the hospital,” said Farber.

About a year earlier, while still undergoing chemotherapy, Farber also had made a visit to Arkansas. A bout with dehydration during her stay landed her in the UAMS Emergency Department, where she was impressed with the doctors and nurses who attended to her.

“Everything was in sync. They got me all taken care of. I told my kids that if I’m ever visiting again and need to see a doctor, don’t take me anywhere but UAMS,” she said.

After making the hour-long drive from her daughter’s home in Malvern, Farber again arrived at UAMS where she was quickly admitted and given the attention of a team of health care providers.

“Before I even got my wristband, they called me to triage and then immediately put me in a room where six people were waiting to take care of me. I was blown away,” she said.

After a series of tests, the doctor arrived with unexpected news. Lesions were found in her brain and bones that likely meant the lung cancer had spread.

“Once we found out the tumor had progressed to the brain and bones, we immediately got Mrs. Farber’s team together to carefully review her case and formulate an overall treatment plan,” said Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

That team included Xia, who specializes in radiation therapy for brain cancer; medical oncologist Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, M.D., who specializes in lung cancer; and orthopedic oncologist Corey Montgomery, M.D., who specializes in bone cancer. Other specialists in neurology and neurosurgery also were consulted as the treatment plan took shape.

“Having a team of physicians who work together efficiently and in a timely manner is particularly critical in cancer patient care. At the UAMS Cancer Institute, our doctors and nurses communicate instantly and continuously to coordinate our patients’ care at every step, from diagnosis and care management planning to treatment delivery,” said Xia, who also works closely with nurse practitioner Nikki Baxter, A.P.R.N., at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center.

Because radiation therapy requires daily treatments, Baxter is available to assist patients with symptom management and other issues that arise on a day-to-day basis.

“Communication and accessibility are the top priority with our patients. We all work together to provide the best care possible,” Baxter said.

That emphasis on communication and coordination have lightened the load for Farber and convinced her to postpone returning to New Mexico in favor of continuing treatment in her home state at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“It’s hard to be away from my husband, but God put me here for a reason,” said Farber, who added that her family and long-time friends have offered endless support and encouragement during her extended stay in Arkansas.

“The doctors and nurses at UAMS have taken the time to get to know me. They all know my story, which is really important to me. I’m going to stay here and fight this battle because I know I’m in good hands,” Farber said.

Duo Named UAMS Cancer Institute Volunteers of the Year

Nov. 7, 2017 | Sometimes two is better than one. That was the case this year when the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary named a duo as Volunteers of the Year.

Henry Noor and Len Tanner can be found at the Cancer Institute every Tuesday morning greeting patients, offering directions and distributing snacks. They were honored at the auxiliary’s volunteer appreciation luncheon held Oct. 19 at the home of Miguel Newberg.

“Henry and Len are outgoing, friendly and wonderful at interacting with the patients. They are often described as the Dynamic Duo, or sometimes, in jest, Double Trouble,” said Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Department of Volunteer Services and Auxiliary, which presents the annual award.

Tanner developed a connection with the Cancer Institute during his career as a pharmaceutical representative. Following his retirement in 2007, he returned to the institute as a volunteer.

Noor began volunteering the following year, also after his retirement. Soon afterward, the pair joined forces. About a decade later, both men have individually logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours.

“We are fortunate to have Henry and Len at the Cancer Institute. Their dedication and willingness to serve others is an inspiration,” Lowe said.

The Cancer Institute Auxiliary has about 500 members, more than half of whom volunteer on a regular basis in the waiting areas and gift shop or help with special events throughout the year.

Funds raised by the auxiliary are distributed as grants benefiting cancer patients at the Cancer Institute and in northwest Arkansas. Tara Smith is auxiliary president.

UAMS Scientist Takes Lead in National Tobacco Control Publication

Nov. 6, 2017 | It’s hard to quit smoking. Ask anyone who has tried and failed and tried again, sometimes in a seemingly endless cycle.

This process of quitting is important for individuals and their personal health, but there are also bigger concerns at stake — specifically how smoking affects our society as a whole.

This complex issue is of vital interest to public health researchers who spend their time trying to understand why some population groups are more likely to smoke than others and what strategies will help them quit once and for all.

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., M.P.H., is one of those researchers. Now entering her second year as director of the UAMS Center for the Study of Tobacco in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Fagan has devoted her career to studying tobacco control and cancer prevention. Specifically, her interest lies in reducing tobacco-related health disparities among underserved populations.

That expertise has recently resulted in the publication of a six-year-long project she conceived of while serving as a health scientist in the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Maryland.

“A Socioecological Approach to Addressing Tobacco-Related Health Disparities” is the 22^nd volume in a series of monographs addressing issues related to tobacco control. Monographs are detailed studies written about specific topics.

The NCI established the Tobacco Control Monograph series in 1991 to provide information about emerging public health issues in smoking and tobacco use control. Fagan served as scientific advisor, writer and editor for this monograph — the first to focus on tobacco-related health disparities.

After initiating the project, Fagan asked Linda Alexander, Ed.D., associate dean of academic affairs at the West Virginia University School of Public Health, to serve as editor. Together, they recruited more than 50 subject matter experts to write and contribute chapters on the impact, causes and trends in tobacco-related health disparities.

“What’s unique about this monograph, is that it’s the first comprehensive document to focus on tobacco-related health disparities since the publication of the 1998 surgeon general’s report on tobacco and minorities,” Fagan said, adding that while that report, titled “Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups,” focused only on racial and ethnic minorities, this monograph encompasses a broader spectrum.

“We include a focus on how issues such as poverty, educational attainment and gender affect tobacco use. We also highlight some of the issues with the LGBTQ population, as recent studies have shown this group to have a higher use of tobacco than other groups,” she said.

For Fagan, the most significant conclusion derived from the monograph centers on the varying speeds in which some groups benefit from declines in tobacco use versus others.

“Overall, tobacco use has declined, and we have evidence that shows which practices have effectively influenced this trend. This includes such things as a cigarette taxes that increase the cost of the product or receipt of advice to quit smoking from a health provider such as a doctor or dentist, , as well as statewide policies that prohibit smoking in the workplace, restaurants and bars,” she said.

What remains to be answered is why some groups benefit from these practices — and gain the resulting health benefits — more quickly than others. The answer, Fagan said, may lie in part in the applicability of different interventions for various cultural groups and the social context in which the interventions occur for different groups.

“While we know the practices that help people quit smoking, it remains to be seen if these practices work the same way for all groups or if they need to be adapted in order to be effective across cultures,” she said.

One of the groups significantly affected by smoking and tobacco-related disease is those who live in poverty. Research outlined in the monograph shows that social factors play a major role in this correlation and can run the gamut from cigarette ads at gas stations to the lack of primary care physicians in rural areas.

“In the rural Delta, for example, access to primary care providers is quite limited. People in the Delta don’t have doctors to advise them to quit or prescribe nicotine replacement therapies. This could influence why they are not benefiting from these practices at the same rate as other groups,” Fagan said.

Arkansas, and other states, also have a long way to go in implementing comprehensive clean air policies for public places, as well as encouraging families to restrict smoking in the home. These in-home practices are particularly important for African-American families, as they are twice as likely to be exposed to second-hand smoke in the home as other groups.

“We have a lot of progress to make in helping people understand that when they prohibit smoking in their home they are protecting their children from asthma, as well as protecting themselves and their children from lung cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases caused by tobacco,” Fagan said.

In addition to the dangers of smoking, the monograph also highlights the changing landscape of tobacco control, including the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes and other new products that heat, rather than burn, tobacco.

For Fagan, the main takeaway message from all of the combined research is that regardless of any of other factors, tobacco use is dangerous.

“There is no safe use of tobacco. That’s the most important message to communicate to all groups,” she said.

Cancer Imaging Archive Housed at UAMS Bolstered by $8.3 Million NCI Grant

LITTLE ROCK – The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded an $8.3 million grant to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for expansion and enhancement of an archive containing freely accessible cancer medical images and data.

The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) is a free online service that hosts a large collection of cancer-related medical images available for public download. All patient identification has been removed from the images and supporting data, which include outcomes, treatment details, genetic information, pathology reports and expert analyses when available. Since its formation about seven years ago, TCIA data has been used to produce almost 500 academic papers.

In 2015, the archive moved from Washington University in St. Louis to UAMS when its lead principal investigator, Fred Prior, Ph.D., took the position as the first-ever chair of the UAMS Department of Biomedical Informatics. Prior assumed leadership of the TCIA project during his tenure at Washington University. Additional principal investigators on the project are Ashish Sharma, Ph.D., of Emory University in Atlanta and Joel Saltz, M.D., Ph.D., of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York.

The grant, titled “TCIA Sustainment and Scalability: Platforms for Quantitative Imaging Informatics in Precision Medicine,” supports the TCIA by expanding its capacity to provide data-driven information and images for use in research studies; adding new high-quality data collections; and encouraging the engagement, collaboration and dissemination of information among the research community.

“Since 2011, the Cancer Imaging Archive has encouraged and supported cancer-related research by acquiring, curating, hosting and managing collections of images and other data essential to the discovery process. This grant will allow us to undergo the continuous improvements and expansion necessary to provide the large collections of data required to test and validate cancer research studies for years to come,” said Prior, professor in the Department of Bioinformatics in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Biomedical informatics uses computers, rather than traditional laboratories, to extract knowledge from large sets of data. Under Prior’s leadership, the UAMS department has grown to include about 50 faculty and staff members responsible for developing computational tools to assess and manage medical and public health information for research programs.

The ultimate goal of the archive is the advancement of precision medicine, which allows for therapies to be tailored to the individual needs of each patient based on the specific makeup of his or her cancer. Prior and his team are accomplishing this goal by using computers to read and understand medical images in new ways and by applying these tools across multiple formats, from microscope images of tumor biopsy samples to CT images of the lung.

Prior’s research team for this grant includes Lawrence Tarbox, Ph.D.; Mathias Brochhausen, Ph.D.; Tracy Nolan; Kirk E. Smith; William C. Bennett; Roosevelt D. Dobbins; Diana Stockton; and Sean M. Berryman.

Breast Cancer Didn’t Steal Little Rock Woman’s Zeal for Life

Oct. 12, 2017 | The past year and a half has included many challenges for Josephine Guiden — being diagnosed with cancer, then chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatments— but none of them have snatched her passion for life.

“There’s power in knowing you have to be positive about life,” said the 70-year-old Little Rock resident. “You only come this way once and you have to make the best of it while you’re here.”

Guiden’s taxing journey began in May of 2016 when she discovered a knot in her breast under her right arm. She recognized immediately it could be cancer.

“It was shocking, but through years of mammograms and exams, physicians tell you what the knot will feel like,” she said. “You don’t quite get it then, but when I felt that knot, I knew it was malignant. I knew it was cancer.”

She called her doctor and had a previously scheduled mammogram moved up, but in the meantime, went on a bus trip to New York with the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center in North Little Rock.

“I had lots of fun,” she said, “but my energy level was low.”

When she returned, her mammogram and biopsy confirmed what she already suspected: breast cancer. However, at stage 3 it was more advanced than she expected.

“There was anxiety and fear when it was confirmed and it was so advanced that I was upset with myself,” she said. “Even though I expected the diagnosis, I came home afterwards and had a good cry. But I knew I had to stay positive, I had to pray about the situation and that’s what I did. I told God, ‘I choose life. I want to live.’”

She was shepherded through the next several months of treatment by Daniela Ochoa, M.D., breast surgeon in the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Breast Surgical Oncology in the UAMS College of Medicine; Issam Makhoul, M.D., director of the UAMS Division of Hematology/Oncology and associate professor in the College of Medicine; and Loverd Peacock, M.D., radiation oncologist in the Cancer Institute and faculty member in the Department of Radiation Oncology in the College of Medicine.

“They were my guardian angels,” said Guiden. “I was placed in the midst of three great doctors who made me feel so special that no one could have ever convinced me that I wasn’t their favorite patient.”

Ochoa said the whole-team approach is one of the benefits to breast cancer treatment at UAMS.

“We have specialists who practice only in breast cancer — from radiologists and oncologists to geneticists, pathologists and behavioral health specialists,” said Ochoa. “We have team members who work closely in managing breast cancer patients and are able to provide a consensus opinion, and our patients benefit from that.”

A few days after her diagnosis, Guiden received her port for chemotherapy treatment. The first series of treatment lasted 12 weeks. In the three-week hiatus between her first and second rounds of chemotherapy, she took another cross-country bus trip. This time to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

She began her second round of chemotherapy the day after she returned and completed it just before Thanksgiving. On Dec. 27, she had a lumpectomy, a surgery to remove the tumor, performed by Ochoa. Then she received radiation treatment for five weeks from Peacock.

Throughout her treatment regimen, Guiden says she relied on her faith, family, friends and fellow church members at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock for support.

There was her Sunday School teacher who gave her a scripture after her diagnosis, Psalms 117:17-18, that she carried with her daily; countless prayers with her Sunday School class; her two sisters and a close friend who stopped by often to help with household chores and cooking; her son who did yard work; and her brothers who helped make sure she didn’t miss a family reunion gathering.

“I was surrounded by a wonderful group of people that supported me,” she said.

In May, one year after her diagnosis, Guiden had another mammogram performed. She was cancer free. Guiden could barely contain herself when she saw Ochoa following the exam.

“I just grabbed her and almost picked her up off the floor,” she said. “I was so happy to have the relief. There was quite a bit of anxiety prior to the mammogram because you don’t know what to expect or what will be there.”

Ochoa said Guiden’s story conveys the importance of monthly self-examinations.

“I’ll often hear patients say they don’t know what they’re feeling for, but the idea is to be familiar so something new will stand out and feel different. The monthly interval is important because it’s enough of a timeframe that you’ll notice a difference if it occurs.”

Looking back, Guiden sees that importance, too.

“It’s so important to do self-exams,” she said. “If I had done that, I would have found this sooner, but I stopped. That was the culprit, me not taking stock in myself and my well-being.”

Annual Gala for Life Raises $942,000 for UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Oct. 11, 2017 | The bright lights of New York City shone on Little Rock on Sept. 15 when the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute hosted its 22^nd annual Gala for Life.

The black-tie event, held at Little Rock’s Statehouse Convention Center, brought together 740 supporters from throughout Arkansas and raised about $942,000 for the fight against cancer. A portion of the net proceeds will directly benefit the UAMS Cancer Genetics Program, which includes Arkansas’ only board-certified geneticists who diagnose, manage and treat complex cancer syndromes.

Arkansas native and three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Remmel T. Dickinson served as event chair. KTHV news anchor Craig O’Neill was master of ceremonies.

“We are so thankful for the leadership of Remmel Dickinson and for our generous sponsors who make this event possible. All of the money raised by the Gala of Life stays in Arkansas and is used to help us advance our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer,” said Peter Emanuel, M.D., Cancer Institute director and professor in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Gala for Life presenting sponsors were the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Inc. and Highlands Oncology Group.

Donations made by guests that evening were matched by Nan Ellen and Jack M. East; Peggy and Haskell Dickinson; and Mary Kay and Dr. F.E. Joyce and family. View a complete list of sponsors here.

Dinner entertainment included performances by Michael Buble tribute artist Scott Keo; a musical revue by Broadway performers Dan’yelle Williamson and Kevin Massey; and a special performance by “America’s Got Talent” finalist and sand story artist Joe Castillo.

Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring the sights and sounds of New York City’s Rockefeller Center and Times Square, complete with ice skaters, food carts, street performers, digital caricature artists and a virtual graffiti wall.

UAMS Treats Pediatric Cancer Survivors to a Day at the Zoo

Sept. 14, 2017 | Five-year-old Lilly Johnson may dream of going to Madagascar, but on a recent sunny Saturday she was happy to enjoy some wild animals a little closer to home.

As a patient of the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center (ROC), Lilly and her family were invited to enjoy a day at the Little Rock Zoo for the center’s ROC Star Kids event. The sixth annual gathering held Sept. 9 brought together childhood cancer survivors and their families from across the state. The UAMS Radiation Oncology Center is the only facility in Arkansas that provides radiation therapy for children.

Lilly’s parents, John Paul and Jennifer Johnson, drove their five children two hours from the south Arkansas town of Hermitage to participate. “Lilly dreams of going to Madagascar or Australia just to see the animals, so this was the perfect place for us to come and enjoy the day together,” said Jennifer. It also was perfect timing for Lilly, a Ewing sarcoma survivor, who had both celebrated her birthday and was declared to be in remission within the past two weeks. Ewing sarcoma is a tumor that forms in the bone or soft tissue and most often occurs in children and young adults.

“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family. We are happy to provide this event each year for these special families to make memories and enjoy some relaxation together,” said Peter Emanuel, M.D., director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and professor in the UAMS College of Medicine.

A total of 82 pediatric cancer survivors and family members joined in the fun, which included unlimited time viewing the animals; train and carousel rides; and lunch. The event is hosted by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary.

For the parents, however, these events are more than just a fun family outing.

“Coming to ROC Star Kids reminds us we’re not alone. We share a camaraderie with the other families that helps us keep things in perspective,” said Steve Chamness, whose son, Zach, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma shortly before his second birthday. Although considered a rare cancer, medulloblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant brain tumor in children.

Upon his diagnosis, Zach’s cancer had already spread to his spine and required both regular and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplants at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in addition to one month of radiation treatments at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center.

Now 5, Zach is cancer free and attending kindergarten in his hometown of Cabot. “We’re just so grateful,” said his mom, Jill Chamness.

Jamie Weaver echoed that gratefulness about her daughter, Kaylee, and the care she received at UAMS. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 3, Kaylee underwent 10 rounds of radiation therapy at ROC during her 15 total months of treatment. Now in second grade, Kaylee plays soccer, attends Sunday school and is “doing great,” her mom said, adding that she received clear scans earlier that week.

Prior ROC Star Kids events have been held at the UAMS Cancer Institute, an Arkansas Razorbacks football game, Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery and Dickey-Stephens Park. This is the first year to host the event at the Little Rock Zoo.

The program began with the encouragement and support of Arkansas’ former First Lady Ginger Beebe. Beebe’s granddaughter, Alexandria, was diagnosed at 11 weeks old with a tumor encircling her spinal column and was treated successfully at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.