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Spring 2018 : Among Friends

Getting to know Pat Bodin, MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors member

A member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) for 10 years, Pat Bodin is a passionate supporter of MD Anderson’s cancer prevention and control platform, a key component of the Moon Shots Program™, including its EndTobacco™ initiative and the first Texas Tobacco Summit in June 2014.

BY Sarah Watson

Pat Bodin, MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors member
Photo by Wondros

Pat Bodin, of Houston, retired in 2008 as chief information officer and vice president of Global Information Technology at ExxonMobil. The Louisiana native is a graduate of Louisiana State University, which named her Alumna of the Year in 2014. Pat has been a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) for 10 years. In 2008, she established the Jimmy Lane Hewlett Cancer Research Fund in memory of her late husband. She also has provided funding through the Pat Bodin Lung Cancer Research Fellowship to help train the next generation of physician-scientists. Pat has been a passionate supporter of MD Anderson’s cancer prevention and control platform, a key component of the Moon Shots Program™, including its EndTobacco™ initiative and the first Texas Tobacco Summit in June 2014. In 2012, Pat and her husband, Eric Bodin, M.D., were inducted into the Anderson Assembly, which recognizes donors who have made a lifetime commitment to MD Anderson of $1 million or more. Pat joined the institution’s Audit Committee in 2014, becoming chair in 2017.

What three words best describe you?

Compassionate, energetic, trustworthy

How did you become involved in MD Anderson’s BOV?

After losing my first husband to metastatic lung cancer, I became involved in supporting lung cancer research at MD Anderson. I joined the BOV in 2008 and am currently a member of the executive committee. I also chair the BOV cancer control advisory group, as well as MD Anderson’s Audit Committee.

What are your goals as chair of the cancer control advisory group?

We want to achieve a measurable reduction in the cancer burden on individuals and families in Houston, the state of Texas and the world over the next 10 years. Interventions in the areas of public policy, public education, professional education and evidence-based service delivery can make a measurable and lasting difference, especially among those most vulnerable, the underserved. Our BOV cancer control advisory group, with varied backgrounds and deep community connections, provides valuable insights on current strategies and initiatives, and guidance on tactical implementation.

What drives you to motivate others in Making Cancer History®?

I have personally experienced the devastating impact of cancer in my own family, as well as that of friends. I am passionate about reducing and ultimately eliminating the pain and suffering that this disease creates for so many people.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I like to travel and spend quality time with my husband, our family and friends. I took up ballroom dancing as a retirement hobby, and I love it so much that I now dance competitively in events across the U.S. I also volunteer on various advisory groups at my alma mater, Louisiana State University.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BOV member?

I derive great satisfaction in being able to assist others in gaining access to the best cancer care in the world. It’s been particularly rewarding to gain a more in-depth understanding of the strengths and opportunities at MD Anderson, and to apply my professional experience and community perspectives to helping MD Anderson achieve even higher levels of excellence.

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