Making Cancer History® in Florida

On the eve of MD Anderson's 11th annual educational seminar in the Palm Beach area, a reception hosted by Louise and Red Armour at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Fla. gave guests an opportunity to meet with leading oncologists and learn about the institution's mission to end cancer.

At the reception in Wellington, above left, Jeff Hildebrand, Louise Armour and Ronald DePinho, M.D.

More than 150 Florida residents gathered Feb. 20 at the Colony Hotel to hear presentations by MD Anderson President Ronald DePinho, M.D.; Jim Allison, Ph.D., chair of Immunology; Joxel Garcia, M.D., executive director of the cancer prevention and control platform; and Kelly Hunt, M.D., chair ad interim of Breast Surgical Oncology. Topics ranged from research developments to cancer prevention tips to advances driven by the institution’s Moon Shots Program.

More Stories From Promise

Until 20

Documentary celebrates the life, legacy of pediatric cancer advocate James Ragan

My Moon Shot

Ted Topolski, 74, of Houston, is a survivor of four cancers: B-cell lymphoma, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and skin cancer. Retired from technology sales at IBM and BMC Software, Topolski is the father of three and grandfather of six.

Moon Shots Program

Results-oriented, patient-driven

Survivors Say

Stephanne Davenport, a breast cancer survivor, is the treasurer of Montgomery County, Texas. Davenport has served in many leadership roles, helping found the Montgomery County Association of Business Women and earning the Women of Distinction award in 2013 from the Montgomery County Women's Council of Organizations. Throughout her treatment, Davenport served as a voice for her community.

iPromise

As a rising senior at Plano West Junior High School last year, Rissa Broudy was challenged by her Advanced Placement English teacher to address a meaningful problem that affects the lives of many. Rissa was inspired by the perseverance of her father, Scott Broudy, a melanoma and head and neck cancer patient at MD Anderson, and the care he receives at the institution. She saw the assignment as a way to spread melanoma prevention awareness and contribute to a family endowment named for Rissa and her sister, Linsey. In the process, she says, she learned the responsibility of a lifelong obligation and commitment to MD Anderson.