Inspiring Innovation
August 6, 2024
In this issue of Momentum, we highlight people who give hope, inspire innovation and improve cancer care. They are the force behind the scientific advancements, breakthrough therapies and treatment protocols at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center that help our patients achieve longer and better lives.
Our cover story is about the resilience of an 80-year-old woman who underwent the first double robotic colon and liver surgery at Vanderbilt and the medical team who made it a success. Robotic surgery requires a highly skilled surgeon who, from a console, uses a powerful camera to see inside the body and controls miniature surgical instruments that can be rotated in ways beyond the dexterity of the human hand. In this case, two surgeons worked in tandem inside the operating room. Vanderbilt’s surgical oncologists are increasingly utilizing robotic technology, when appropriate, so patients can experience quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays and less need for pain treatments.
Our care for patients does not end with cancer treatments. We support our patients with programs that lift their spirits and help them cope with challenges. The music therapy program, which you can read about in this issue, is one such initiative. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has offered music therapy to pediatric patients for almost 20 years and recently expanded the program for adult cancer patients. Another support program highlighted in this issue is the clinical care coordinator for women with bladder cancer. These programs were started with donor support. The Esen and Cano Ozgener Fund for the Healing Arts supports the music therapy program, while Gail Kraemer’s gift funds the clinical care coordinator.
People also support our mission through special fundraising events, such as Chic Awearness, an annual fashion show scheduled for Sept. 20 this year, that funds both medical research for ovarian cancer and a mentoring program for women with ovarian cancer. Our photo essay in this issue provides flashbacks to that fun event over the years. Occurring the same month is a different type of event, the Clip In 4 the Cure scheduled for Sept. 14. It’s an annual event that supports cancer initiatives at Vanderbilt-Ingram and at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. You can easily register to participate by using the QR code on page 37 of this issue.
We are greatly appreciative of the continuing support from the children of E. Bronson Ingram II and Martha Rivers Ingram. A gift from Orrin Ingram, John Ingram, David Ingram and Robin Ingram Patton has established the Ingram Cancer Innovation Fund. An article in this issue details how it will propel treatment improvements for gastrointestinal oncology and support research into precision oncology for gastrointestinal and urologic cancers.
A person who inspires help by setting an example is Sarah Denger, a cancer survivor who serves on the board of directors for the Young Adults with Cancer Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram. She also works as a trainer for Survivor Fitness, which helps other cancer survivors after treatment. In a personal essay in this issue, she reflects upon the many obstacles she overcame during her cancer journey.
We do more than treat cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram. We care for people, and we couldn’t do that without the people who support our mission and our patients. Thank you for caring.