Houston Methodist 2015 Foundation Magazine

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT20

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2 Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation

HOUSTON M ET HODIST ’S STORY ALWAYS START S WIT H O UR PATIENTS.

Legendary heart surgeon and medical pioneer Dr. Michael E. DeBakey

said Houston Methodist Hospital was “a hospital with a soul,” and for

good reason. Our medical professionals practice the science of medicine

with the art of the patient relationship. Our expertise has a human touch,

balancing innovation and technology with compassion and caring.

THE CULT URE WE BUILT TOGET HER and nurtured for nearly a century is

guided by vision and faith and fueled by philanthropy. Our generous

benefactors continue to provide the resources that make medical

miracles possible. Last year, our physicians’ remarkable ability to

solve problems and collaborate led to the world’s first scalp and

skull transplant. In another first, a 20-year-old man with a lesion in

his brain stem underwent subcortical neurosurgery that followed

the natural pathways of his brain fibers and connections, allowing

surgeons to remove the lesion with no damage to the healthy brain.

Today he continues his life with no symptoms.

A GRADUATE OF THE

WHARTON MBA PROGRAM AND

BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE,

DR. MARC BOOM IS THE FIRST

PHYSICIAN IN HOUSTON METHODIST’S

NEARLY 100-YEAR HISTORY

TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO.


M ARC L. BOOM , M D

P R E S I D E N T

C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R

H O U STO N M E T H O D I ST

OUR PHYSICIAN S , FAC U LTY A N D STA FF S HOW AN UNQUENCHABLE

DESIRE TO PERFO RM AT TH E H IG H E ST L E VEL, with unsurpassed

quality and an unshakable belief that we can and will do better for

our patients. The depth of Houston Methodist’s medical specialties,

incorporation of translational research and focus on the whole

person set us apart. As we continue to leverage and build upon the

strengths of our centers of excellence, we will find ways to cure the

incurable and generate medical breakthroughs that change the world.

We have the technology, the entrepreneurial spirit and the brainpower

to change the future of medicine right here at Houston Methodist.

EVERY EXAMPL E demonstrates why Houston Methodist is leading

medicine and is distinctive from other hospitals and academic medical

centers. Thanks to the empowering support of our dedicated philan-

thropic family, Houston Methodist is primed to make transformational

improvements in the way we treat disease. We look forward to

continuing our valuable partnership as Houston Methodist heads

toward its second century of service.


“I can hear my grandfather’s voice. ‘Put your mother first, boy.’”

Eva Lynn and Steve Dunn sit in a conference room in Dunn Tower, the Houston Methodist building named in

honor of Steve’s father, John S. Dunn. Today, though, he is not here to talk about his father. Instead, he leans back

again over the table, taking one more look at the portrait of his mother. In the portrait she is young and beautiful.

“Unbelievable,” he says, and there’s a tremor in his voice that comes from somewhere back in time.

This year, Eva Lynn and Steve made a philanthropic commitment to establish the Dagmar Dow Dunn

Innovator Award, a bold collab-

orative translational research

program between Houston

Methodist and Rice University.

The program honors Steve’s

mother and grandfather – Dagmar

Dow Dunn and Charles Milby Dow.

Steve remembers his

mother, Dagmar Dow Dunn, as

a generous and grateful woman.

She was an active member of

Christ Church Cathedral and a

longtime volunteer at the Texas

Medical Center. She passed

away in December 2005.

His grandfather, Charles

Milby Dow, was a prominent

Houstonian known for his

charitable deeds, including

the bequest of several parks

to the City of Houston.

“They were both so generous,”

says Eva Lynn, “and they were both

grateful to be a part of Houston.”

DAGMAR DOW DUNN


“For me, I felt like we’d

done so much to honor my dad,”

Steve says. “And we hadn’t had

an opportunity until now to honor

my mother and grandfather.”

There is no question that

the Dunn family, and the John

S. Dunn Foundation, have

been leading contributors to

the growth and development

of world-class medicine in

Houston and the Texas Medical

Center. Such uncommon gen-

erosity is born from a deeply

ingrained spirit of giving, instilled

in Steve by his family.

“We were so privileged,”

Steve says. “We were so fortunate.

But in addition to that great good

fortune, we were told in no

uncertain terms that to really

appreciate our good fortune,

and to truly be grateful, it didn’t

stop with just saying thank you.

You had to pass it on.” At Houston Methodist, in addition to the naming of Dunn Tower, the Dunn Foundation

established six endowed chairs in disciplines ranging from glioblastoma to reconstructive surgery and more.

At Rice University, they have most recently funded the John S. Dunn Foundation Collaborative Research Award

Program for the BioSciences Research Collaborative. For Eva Lynn and Steve, however, the Dagmar Dow Dunn

Innovator Award is a personal, planned giving contribution. “We’ve had such blessed lives due to our families,”

says Eva Lynn. “This way we can express that gratitude.” Through a bequest, Eva Lynn and Steve’s contribution

will establish an endowment which will fund the Dagmar Dow Dunn Innovator Award in perpetuity.

THE INSPIRING LIVES BEHIND THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN

INNOVATOR AWARD

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation6

The award is modeled in part after prominent international award programs such as the Nobel Prize, the Japan

Prize and the Howard Hughes Investigators. Each year, it will provide research support to a medical investigator

at Houston Methodist or Rice University working at the cutting edge of science. Innovators will be selected

based on their success in applying discoveries generated during research in the laboratory to the development

of medical clinical trials and studies in humans. The award is shared between Houston Methodist and Rice

University because of each institution’s unique focus on translational research and strong fiscal accountability.

“Hopefully, this award can spur on help to the bedside,” says Steve. “The current time chasm between

coming up with something

really great and getting it

approved for use is too long.

Many people don’t live long

enough to benefit. Hopefully

we can speed up that process

and really help people.”

Additionally, awardees

can work in collaboration

with institutions associated

with the Gulf Coast Con-

sortia, which is comprised of

seven prominent Houston-

Galveston area institutions,

including: Baylor College of

Medicine, Rice University,

University of Houston, The

University of Texas Health

Science Center at Houston,

The University of Texas

Medical Branch at Galveston,

The University of Texas MD

Anderson Cancer Center and

the Institute of Biosciences

CHARLES MILBY DOW


& Technology at Texas A&M

Health Science Center.

The collaborative aspect of

the program was an important

factor in the creation of the award.

“Mixing the best with the best

should create a synergy in getting

all of this to the bedside – to the

patient, as quickly as possible,”

says Eva Lynn.

“In my opinion, some of our

better decisions have involved

not only Houston Methodist but

also the Gulf Coast Consortia,” says

Steve. “It’s been our experience

that they have really taken

advantage of the opportunity.”

These are the words of a

family that has garnered valuable

experience in philanthropy and

that makes philanthropic decisions

with due consideration. Eva Lynn

and Steve both agree that money

is a tool, and its impact on the

world – for good or ill – is determined by the way it is used. “I’ll never forget,” Steve says, telling the

story of when his dad established the John S. Dunn Foundation. “My father came to me, and he said,

‘Look, I’m not going to give you any more money. I’m going to give you something that’s even greater.

I’m going to give you a gift. And the gift is the opportunity to do a lot of good with a lot of money.’”

This lesson stuck with Steve, and guides his philosophy on giving today. “To me, philanthropy is the gasoline in the car,”

says Steve. “If you are in the business of writing checks for the good of the community, it really helps if you’re motivated to

try to make the world a better place – without trying to drive a particular political position or offer a business opinion.

THE INSPIRING LIVES BEHIND THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN

INNOVATOR AWARD


True philanthropy is trying to make the best decision possible to help the community. It really is altruistic.”

Eva Lynn and Steve’s connection to Houston Methodist is personal. Both have received what

they refer to as lifesaving treatment at the hospital. And both are effusive in their praise for and

trust in Houston Methodist as an institution. “We feel as though it’s an honor to be associated with

Houston Methodist,” says Steve. “We’re very keen on following the money we give, and it’s really

free of worry that the money is going to be mishandled. And that’s huge. After all, what’s wrong with

doing business with an institution that is so successful, so well-recognized? It’s an honor for us.”

Steve knows where his

sense of philanthropy and his

dedication to helping others

originates. He gives credit to

his father, who he remembers

as a powerful yet generous

man. But he returns again

to the portrait of his mother,

and then to the matching

portrait of his grandfather.

He can’t look away.

“When I see the people

that we’re able to help, it’s

made me realize even more

how truly blessed my life has

been,” says Steve. “And it’s

great to have an opportunity

to make a difference for others.

I feel a sense of urgency to make

a difference in the community.

“It’s been a gift. The gift

of giving.”

UNCOMMON GENEROSITY

IS BORN FROM


THE DAGMAR DOW DUNN

INNOVATOR AWARD

UNIQUELY FOCUSES

ON COLLABORATIVE

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

AT HOUSTON METHODIST

AND RICE UNIVERSITY.

IN PARTICULAR, THE DAGMAR

DOW DUNN INNOVATORS

WILL BE SELECTED BASED

ON THEIR SUCCESS IN

APPLYING DISCOVERIES

GENERATED DURING

RESEARCH IN THE LABORATORY

TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF

MEDICAL CLINICAL TRIALS

AND STUDIES IN HUMANS.

THIS PROCESS OF BRINGING

DISCOVERIES FROM THE

LABORATORY INTO HUMAN

APPLICATION HAS THE

POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP NEW

CURES AND TREATMENTS IN

YEARS RATHER THAN DECADES.

AN INGRAINED

SPIRIT OF GIVING,

INSTILLED BY FAMILY

SC

HO

LAR

S


ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES faced

by a major academic training hospital is

funding its education mission. Only a por-

tion of post-graduate medical education

programs are supported by government

sources, and the number of residencies and

fellowships available have not kept pace

with the number of medical student graduates.

This shortage is especially acute in Texas,

where an estimated 45 percent of all

medical school graduates end up in out-of-

state residencies – and ultimately spend

their careers in other states.

Through the generosity of forward-

thinking benefactors, Houston Methodist

trains the next generation of physician-

scientists. These scholars programs allow

physician-mentors to educate fellows

and residents daily, providing on-the-spot

training and learning opportunities to

address the health conditions of a diverse

population. The program was originally

established through the generosity of

The Cullen Foundation and has expanded

through the support of Occidental

Petroleum Corporation, Anne and Charles

Duncan and Becky and Ralph O’Connor.

OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATIONOccidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)

was founded in1920 and has evolved into a

leading international oil and gas exploration

and production company. In 2014 its head-

quarters moved from Los Angeles to Houston,

where the company sought out opportuni-

ties to support the Houston community.

“Part of our corporate obligation means

we engage in the community and give back,”

says Stephen I. Chazen, former president

and CEO of OXY. “We always get involved

in the countries and the communities where

we drill. For example, we provide education

and health care in countries such as

Colombia, Oman and others.”

In Houston, OXY leveraged its

support by coupling physician training

with the treatment of people who do not

have access to health care. The Houston

Methodist Community Scholars Program

was a great fit, partnering veteran specialist

physicians with residents and fellows

to care for uninsured and underserved

patients in community clinics throughout

the Houston area. The company’s $4 million

commitment will help sustain the program

for many years to come. “We hope this

program will encourage more people to

support Houston Methodist,” says Stephen.

“We also hope that people will get care

they might not otherwise receive.”

OXYSCHOLARS

COMBINES

SUPPORT FOR

PHYSICIANS’

TRAINING WITH

GENEROSITY

THAT HELPS

TREAT PATIENTS

WHO MIGHT

NOT OTHERWISE

RECEIVE CARE

HOUSTON METHODIST TRAINS 267 MEDICAL RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS. Philanthropy helps support some of these positions which become named scholars

in honor of their supporting benefactors. Some residents also participate in

Houston Methodist’s Community Scholars Program, a unique training opportunity

that takes specialty care to clinics in underserved Houston communities.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation12

Establishing Houston Methodist’s inter-

nal medicine scholars program was a

natural fit for Anne and Charles Duncan.

Charles is a Life Member of the Houston

Methodist board, in recognition of nearly

25 years of service, a member of the

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation

board, and the Duncans are longstanding

supporters of health care and higher

education on many fronts.

In fact, the Duncans were among

the first to fund education at Houston

Methodist, endowing the Charles and

Anne Duncan Presidential Distinguished

Chair in Medicine. Dr. Richard J. Robbins,

who holds that position, oversees the

scholars program and encouraged the

Duncans to participate.

Designed to prepare physician-

scientists to become the next leaders in

internal medicine, the scholars program

trains new physicians in specialty and

sub-specialty areas. Since its inception

in 2011, 14 medical residents have

been honored with the coveted title of

Duncan Scholar.

“We support the scholars program

as a function of Dr. Robbins’ work,”

says Charles.

“It’s an extension of our interest

in education in general, and medical

education, specifically,” adds Anne.

“We are excited about the future of

this program.”

The couple meets annually with the im-

pressive Duncan Scholar awardees. “They

come from all over the world,” says Charles.

“They are the cream of the crop, the bright-

est and best, and they are all passionate

and enthusiastic about their work.”

ANNE AND CHARLES DUNCAN: SUPPORTING THE CREAM OF THE CROP

DUNCAN SCHOLARS

THE DUNCANS

ARE INTERESTED

IN SUPPORTING

EDUCATION,

ESPECIALLY

MEDICAL

EDUCATION

BECKY AND RALPH O’CONNOR: SUPPORTING EXCELLENT TRAINING

In 2011, a minor accident landed Ralph

O’Connor at Houston Methodist under the

care of orthopedic surgeon Dr. William

“Bill” Bryan. While Ralph recovered,

Dr. Bryan introduced him to Dr. Marc Boom,

who at that time had not yet taken on the

CEO role at Houston Methodist. Later,

Ralph inquired about giving opportunities

in appreciation of the wonderful care

he received.

On learning of Dr. Boom’s impending

promotion, Ralph hatched plans for a

memorable philanthropic contribution.

On Dr. Boom’s first day as CEO, there

was a personal letter and a signed

check from the O’Connors on his desk.

“The hospital staff could not have done

a better job in taking care of us,” says

Ralph. “It’s natural to want to help some-

one who has helped you.” In subsequent

conversations, the O’Connors learned the

Houston Methodist Community Scholars

Program was a top priority for Dr. Boom.

“We are delighted to help doctors get

excellent training right here in Houston,”

says Ralph. “We know these current

scholars will teach the next generation.

So we’re not just helping one person; we

will help a lot of people.” The O’Connor’s

support will help expand the program

into areas beyond nephrology, neurology

and endocrinology.

O’CONNORSCHOLARS

THEIR HELP

FOR MEDICAL

SCHOLARS

WILL END UP

HELPING

A LOT OF

PEOPLE


Infectious diseases are

good travelers. They’re

silent, invisible and resilient.

And they can spread un-

checked in no time. Throw

in a co-infection, antibiotic-

resistant bacteria and the

right environment, and it’s

a recipe for an epidemic.

Rapid testing and

accurate diagnosis are

critical in stopping the

spread of disease, but the

right tools are not always

available. Tuberculosis, or

TB, is a good example of

a disease that has been

preventable and curable

for decades. Yet more

than 1.5 million people –

including at least 75,000

children – still die from

this disease every year.

Many forms of TB are

tough to diagnose, their

severity impossible to

gauge. Diagnosing early

stage and latent TB is

difficult, as is pinpointing

TB in children and TB

with HIV (human immu-

nodeficiency virus) co-

infection. The gold stan-

dard TB diagnostic test

takes four to eight weeks

to complete, during

which time the patient

can spread the disease

to many more people.

All of these are reasons why TB, often considered a third-world disease, remains a global epidemic and is still present in the United States. In fact, TB screening is a job

requirement for many workers,

including 20,000 Houston

Methodist employees and

thousands more throughout

the Texas Medical Center.

Today, Houston Methodist’s

Dr. Tony Y. Hu is research-

ing whether the fast and

simple TB blood test


Houston Methodist is deeply grateful to the John S. Dunn Foundation and the Founding Members of the Translational Research Initiative (TRI) for their generous con-tributions in support of Dr. Hu’s research.His TB blood test is among

the first recipients of TRI

funding to quickly advance

medical discoveries to

clinical trials and ultimately

the medical marketplace.

See pages 30-33.

developed in his lab will

work on a large number

of blood samples, and

whether his testing plat-

form can find, measure

and monitor TB/HIV co-in-

fection on a global scale.

The two-year project in-

cludes testing 3,200 blood

samples from TB-infected

children and adults.

Success would mean

the first widely available

and accurate TB testing,

diagnosis and monitoring

tool in the world, one

which could help decrease

TB’s transmission and

improve therapies for pa-

tients everywhere. In short,

Dr. Hu’s TB blood testing

platform has the potential

to revolutionize the way the

world deals with TB.

Utilizing microwave irradiation to produce quicker results, his test reduces the current four- to eight-week wait timedown to four hours.

For centuries, TB

was called ‘consumption’

because it appeared to

consume its victims until

they were little more

than skin and bones.

Caused by the airborne

pathogen Mycobacterium

tuberculosis (Mtb), the

disease generally starts

in the lungs, causing

a severe cough, often

with sputum and blood,

along with chest pain,

weakness, weight loss,

fever and night sweats.

Curing TB involves a

tedious drug regimen that

takes several months to

be effective.

“If our blood analysis

testing platform is effec-

tive for TB, we believe it

also can be used to identify

and quantify other bac-

terial and viral infections

carried by blood and body

fluids,” Dr. Hu says.

Once perfected, this diagnostic tool could be used to rapidly test for Ebola and other infec-tious diseases as well as timely evaluation of anti-HIV treatments.

CELEBRATING THEFORWARD-THINKING

CAREER OFNEUROLOGISTSTANLEY APPEL


LEADERSHIP I For nearly four decades, Dr. Stanley H. Appel has dedicated his life to

understanding neurological diseases and their devastating effects. Now the Houston

Methodist Department of Neurology that he has chaired so many years will bear his

name and become the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology – thanks to an

unprecedented and remarkable gift from the woman who has worked by his side for

18 years – his wife Joan. “His passion for his work and for his patients is incredible,”

Joan says. “I thought it would be a wonderful thing to name the department after him.

He is really loved.” Her gift was a sudden epiphany, providing a pathway to ensure that

her husband’s remarkable legacy will forever be associated with the nationally renowned

department he has built at Houston Methodist. It also honors their mutual workplace,

giving the hospital abundant resources to inspire excellence and innovation in perpetuity.

INSIGHT I Dr. Appel has served as chief of the neurology division and James B. Duke Professor

of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He held a joint appointment as chair of the Depart-

ment of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the neurology service at The Methodist

Hospital from 1977 to 2004. He then became the first chair of the newly established Department

of Neurology at Houston Methodist. In this role he also directs the Houston Methodist Neuro-

logical Institute and is professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This gift is extraordinary

in so many ways,” says Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO. “First, it’s from an individual who is, herself,

a professional whose work instills the utmost respect and admiration. It’s also a transformational

gift that blends current and future endowed funding that will continue to grow and support

the organization forever. Finally, it’s from a wife honoring her husband in a very unique way, and

both the benefactor and the honoree have dedicated their lives’ work to Houston Methodist.”

KNOWLEDGE I Stanley Hersh Appel was born in 1933 to Russian immigrant

parents in Boston. As a young student at Boston Latin School, he was expected to

study up to six hours a night. He completed his undergraduate work at Harvard, then

attended Harvard Business School. But an epiphany at age 22 changed his course,

and he decided to enroll in medical school to study and understand the workings of

the human brain. He started at Tufts and earned his medical degree from Columbia

College of Physicians and Surgeons, returning to Harvard for a medical internship.


PASSION I The Appels share a passion for neurology and a deep commitment

to their patients. She is a physician assistant and conducted HIV and AIDS

research before joining the Houston Methodist Department of Neurology in 1998.

They both recall one patient’s reaction to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

diagnosis. Dr. Appel had just delivered the news when the patient said, ‘It must be

so hard for you to go from room to room and tell people that they have ALS.’ “I just

told you that you have ALS and all you can think of is us? That’s why we’re here,”

Dr. Appel recalls. “If anything is motivating, that is motivating. It keeps you going.”

VISION I Quality and duration of life have improved for ALS patients over the years. Just 15 years

ago, ALS patients lived an average of three years. Today, they live five to six years, some longer.

Physicians are now able to better control the main clinical problems of ALS patients – breathing

difficulties and falling. Dr. Appel has teamed up with Massachusetts General Hospital to study

whether altering the immune system can help ALS patients. “We’ve spent many years documenting

that the immune system plays a significant role in neurological diseases,” Dr. Appel says. His research

team recently took blood from an ALS patient and altered its properties before injecting it back

into the patient after a few weeks. “In a mouse model, this dramatically extended its life,” he says.

RESPECT I Dr. Appel’s passion for his patients and his vision for the future of ALS research come

alive in the ALS Clinic he founded 34 years ago. The MDA/ALS Research and Clinical Center

was the first multidisciplinary care center for ALS patients in the country. One Friday a month,

patients and their caregivers arrive early – it’s first-come, first-served – and physicians, social workers,

dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, volunteer lawyers and accountants come to them.

They’re called Team Hope, and they give people as much time as they need, with no direct cost

to patients. The Appels are at their best on clinic days, and they wouldn’t miss one. The love

and respect they share with these patients is present in their touch, their words and their smiles.

Ronald Bess (at right) is a regular patient who comes three to four times annually and has for a

decade. The 65-year-old retired refinery worker drives himself 55 miles to be the first one in line.

“This gentleman shows that the more positive you are, the more you fight ALS and get on with your

living, the better you do,” Dr. Appel says. When the Appels hear that he arrives 45 minutes before

the doors open at 6:30 a.m., they promise to put a chair by the elevator before the next clinic.

FAMILY I Throughout his life, Dr. Appel has maintained strong ties to family and speaks

with pride of his sons Evan and Jon, his daughter Tanya, and six grandchildren. It was

Dr. Appel’s mother, though, who always played a special role right up until the day she died

at age 101. He had called her every Sunday night since moving into the dorm at Harvard.

Dr. Appel remembers their final conversation in February 2010. “She said, ‘You know, Stan,

I’m tired. I think I’m going to say goodbye.’” The next day, he received a call that she died

peacefully in her sleep. “She was in perfect cognitive health – she never lost a synapse.”

THE APPELS ARE

PARTNERSIN LIFE AND INMEDICINE

21houstonmethodist.org/foundation

PARTNERSHIP I From the top floor of their Houston high-rise, the Appels have created

a refuge above the city and the Texas Medical Center. They live with three cats and a

nearly 360-degree view of the country’s fourth-largest city. Every evening, they sit side

by side and dine by candlelight. “There aren’t many people who can work together 24-7,

and we do,” Dr. Appel says. “Neither of us likes to fight – we’re non-confrontational people.

We work very well together.” And they make each other laugh. “She’s smart as hell and

always so funny,” he says. “What you see is what you get,” Joan Appel says of their

relationship. “We have lunch together every day, and we always will. I keep threatening

to retire, but I’ll work until I drop dead. I know we’re going to carry him out in a pine box.”

LEGACY I Dr. Appel’s list of accolades is long. He has written 15 books and

more than 400 articles, won numerous awards and trained more than 200

neurologists, many of them now heading their own departments. “Stan Appel is

among the most preeminent neurologists in the world,” says Houston Methodist

Board Member Gary Edwards, whose late mother Sonja was treated by

Dr. Appel and whose generous gifts – from Gary, his wife Peggy and their family –

endowed the ALS chair that Dr. Appel holds, named the ALS laboratory in his

mother’s memory and established the envisioned Center for Neurodegenerative

Diseases. “We’re so grateful for the exceptional care he provided to my mother,

and my family has been honored to support his work.” Perhaps Dr. Appel’s

greatest, most lasting legacy will be his connection with patients and his

ongoing quest to improve their lives through research, care and compassion.

GRATITUDE I When Joan Appel decided on this gift to name the department

in her husband’s honor, Dr. Appel had no idea it was coming. “I’m grateful,” he

says, “but whether Stan Appel’s name is on the department is not a key issue.

What is most important is that we have a community of dedicated, highly

motivated people who want to improve the quality of life for their patients.”

Joan’s gift will do just that, by helping to ensure outstanding care and

improved treatments in perpetuity through a sustained investment in research,

innovation and discovery and by the continued recruitment and retention

of leading clinician-scientists in the Appel Department of Neurology.

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Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital partner to develop a community defense system.

In January 2016, news reports began to

publicize the outbreak of the Zika virus

in South America. By February, the CDC

estimated that there were approximately

90 cases of Zika in the United States.

That same month, Houston Methodist and

Texas Children’s Hospital announced they

had developed the first hospital-based rapid

tests for the Zika virus. Working together, they

developed the test in a matter of weeks.

The threat of highly contagious “super-

viruses” such as Zika or Ebola can paralyze

a community. But the answer to containing

an outbreak may lie in the networks that

bind our community together.

Virginia and L.E. Simmons are philan-

thropists with a strategy. “If you look at

how people communicate today,” says L.E.,

“it’s global and it’s seamless. And I think in

five, 10 years, people not used to thinking

that way are going to be sitting on their

own little island.”


This bedrock belief in the value of sharing

resources brought together two of Houston’s most

venerable medical institutions: Houston Methodist

and Texas Children’s Hospital.

“I feel like we have so much strength in the

Texas Medical Center,” says Virginia. “And uniting

two primary hospitals and all that strength is going

to go in a very positive direction.”

She was right. Virginia and L.E. made a significant

commitment establishing a collaboration between

Dr. James Musser of Houston Methodist and Dr. James

Versalovic of Texas Children’s Hospital. The program

allows the two institutions to protect our community

from infectious diseases by detecting, isolating,

identifying and treating the illness while simultaneously

rapidly communicating updates on the virus. The collab-

oration has already produced successful results – the

nation’s first hospital-based rapid test for the Zika virus.

“We certainly collaborate,” says Dr. Versalovic,

“but not the institutional collaboration that we’re

doing now. This is at a scale that frankly has not

been matched in the Texas Medical Center.”

“Thanks to the Simmons’ support, we will be

able to tell the world exactly what’s going on from

a viral arena in our city,” says Dr. Musser. “And that

capability is truly unique.”

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ALAN AND SHERRIE CONOVER TRAVEL THE COUNTRY IN THEIR RESTORED TRAIN CAR.

WHEN ALAN NEEDED A LIFESAVING LIVER TRANSPLANT, THEY TRAVELED

TO HOUSTON METHODIST.


From the time he was 4 years old, Alan Conover was fascinated by trains. Every Sunday he and

his father visited the railroad yard to watch, to listen

and eventually, to ride.

Decades later, as Alan continues his recovery

and rehabilitation from a liver transplant, his heart is

set on returning to his journeys aboard a historic rail

car that he and his wife Sherrie restored.

In the months following his May 23, 2013, liver

transplant – performed by Drs. R. Mark Ghobrial

and Howard Monsour in the J.C. Walter Jr. Trans-

plant Center at Houston Methodist – Alan had two

goals: get well enough to climb the rail car stairs

and ride his train again; and give a generous bequest

to Houston Methodist to help create the largest

and best liver center in the nation.

Within two years of receiving his new lifesaving liver, he accomplished both goals. In April 2015, Alan and Sherrie – along with

Dr. Ghobrial and his wife Kathy, Dr. Marc Boom and

his wife Dr. Julie Boom, and Alan’s nephew Ed Jones,

chief operating officer of the Houston Methodist

Research Institute – took the J. Pinckney Hender-

son on a Houston-to-San Antonio train tour. Named

after Texas’ first governor and called The Texas

Special for its original route from St. Louis to San

Antonio, the historic train attracted railroad enthusi-

asts all along the route. Made of stainless steel and

the only rail car that was part of Amtrak’s experimental

luxury service, this was The Texas Special’s first

return trip since the original route ended in 1959.

Although still weak and 150 pounds lighter than

THE CONOVERS’ GIFT WILL FUND MEDICAL DISCOVERIES TO HELP MORE PATIENTS.

PICTURED BESIDE THE

CONOVERS’ RESTORED TRAIN CAR:

MARC BOOM, MD,

SHERRIE “GAIL” CONOVER,

ALAN CONOVER AND

MARK GHOBRIAL, MD, PHD

before his liver began failing, Alan was back on track,

his wife of 32 years by his side as they visited with

guests and cherished the ride.

The following June, they returned to Houston

Methodist for a formal dedication of the Sherrie and

Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease & Trans-

plantation. The couple decided to give what they

have – not just what they could. Their transforma-

tional $6.5 million commitment – a blended gift of

current use and a bequest, and the first named center

at Houston Methodist from generous benefactors

from a state other than Texas – will provide resources

for groundbreaking research to help more liver patients

get the lifesaving treatments they need.

Alan and Sherrie have lived in Florida since retiring in the 1980s. He worked as a fireman in

New York’s Hudson Valley for 20 years, and Sherrie

was a reading specialist in the Newburgh, NY,

school district. Their lives in retirement were packed

with full-time adventure. Alan pursued his passion

for trains with gusto, and the couple restored two

historic train cars. They hosted their friends on rail

trips all over the country, including a memorable rail

trip to the Kentucky Derby. Life was full and good.

About four years ago, Alan’s lungs started collecting fluid. He couldn’t catch his breath and

within a very short time, this generally healthy,

active man became critically ill. His Florida doctors

blamed the fluid buildup on a failing liver.

And since Alan was over 70, doctors there told him

he was too old for surgery and there was nothing

they could do but drain the fluid periodically.

The Conovers weren’t willing to settle for a compromised life if there was hope. “I called Ed

and asked, ‘What are we going to do about your

Uncle Alan?’” Sherrie recalls. Jones immediately

reached out to Dr. Monsour.

“When I got the call from Ed, it was no dif-

ferent than other calls we get, because there’s a

philosophy within the liver program that we take

all comers,” says Dr. Monsour, chief of hepatolo-

gy. “Alan came with a particular problem and we

were able to figure it out. It was a team effort.

I can tell you with all sincerity that Alan being

alive today – Sherrie’s just as much a part of that

as every physician and worker at the hospital.”

Sherrie usually knew Alan’s ‘labs’ before his

doctors did. She had an eagle eye for red flags

and bad numbers. When Drs. Monsour and Ghobrial

first met Alan, he was very ill. Within three

months, his liver disease was at a critical stage.

Yet Dr. Ghobrial says he never considered not

seeking a transplant. “I think a good center is one that’s able to treat sick patients and older patients with good outcomes,” Dr. Ghobrial says. “We’ve had

excellent outcomes over time.”

Houston Methodist’s collaborative environment

was critical to Alan’s post-transplant recovery.

He suffered complications with his heart, requiring

two aortic valve surgeries. Dr. Michael Reardon, a

cardiothoracic surgeon with the Houston Methodist

DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and a valve expert,

“ABOUT A YEAR AFTER THE TRANSPLANT,WE SAID, ‘YOU KNOW, LET’S TAKE THE

MAJORITY OF OUR STOCK,AND GIVE IT TO HOUSTON METHODIST

FOR THE LIVER CENTER.

WE WEREN’T LOOKING TO FIND ANAME FOR OURSELVES, OR A NAME FOR A UNIT.

WE WANTED TO PUT IT WHERE IT WOULDDO SOME GOOD AND HELP THE MOST PEOPLE.”

- SHERRIE AND ALAN CONOVER

performed the surgeries. The Conovers credit all

three doctors and their teams with saving Alan’s life.

“I don’t think there are any better people anywhere,” Alan says. In the months following his

transplant, the couple started talking about how

they could show their gratitude and appreciation to

their doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist. “We

don’t have any children,” Alan explains. “And this will

do more good for more people.”

Despite his illness, Alan keeps his sense of

mischief about him and notices weekly improvement

in his health. He proudly shows a photo of a much

heavier Alan Conover patting a sleeping cheetah on

a refuge in Africa. “That was me before I went on

the Ghobrial diet. I don’t recommend it,” he says.

Even when asked about the incredible and unexpected bequest, Alan responds that since

they have no children, he didn’t really want to

leave the money to his pets’ veterinarian when he

passes. He has great one-liners and likes to make

people laugh. But he and Sherrie also show a

deep joy for the moment – a sincere appreciation

for life that many people seem to overlook.

“Each day as it comes,” Sherrie is fond of saying.

They truly enjoy a delicious meal together, and

they laugh a lot. They revel in the company of good

friends and family, laughter and shared memories.

Most of all, they love to board the J. Pinckney Henderson for their next journey together, letting

their lives roll with the rhythm of the rails.


Medical breakthroughs typically take decades and

billions of dollars to make it to market. Thousands

of these projects languish in the process, along with

many patients they could have helped.

Houston Methodist’s Translational Research Initiative

(TRI), a first-of-its-kind program focused on speeding

potentially lifesaving treatments from the laboratory to

patients’ bedsides, is poised to change this forever. The

TRI combines the passion of philanthropy with an expe-

dited research model, launching one of the most innova-

tive research strategies ever undertaken.

Nearly 50 bold entrepreneurs are on board as Founding

Members of the TRI and already have established an invest-

ment pool of more than $8 million toward a $10 million goal.

Fueled by a generous matching challenge, each Founding

Member’s investment is double its face value in a unique

blending of science, industry, business and entrepreneurism.

Founding Members are risk takers looking to make

medical breakthroughs a reality.

“Translational research is based on the single

most important goal: efficiently and effectively find-

ing real treatments, medical devices and cures that

improve and save lives, and getting them to patients

as quickly and safely as possible,” says Mark Houser,

chair of the Houston Methodist Research Institute

Board of Directors. “Our TRI is a game changer.”

DISCOVERY from


Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone

of medical advances and gives stability to medical

research, Houser explains, adding that the Houston

Methodist TRI model builds a bridge between the

separate worlds of discovery and translation. The

TRI focuses on advancing research to human clinical

trials in a few years rather than the typical decades.

Thirteen projects were submitted for the first round

of TRI Awards, and four were selected for funding.

Houston Methodist’s TRI awardees are pioneers in their

fields, and all are conducting translational research with

global implications, working to develop the following:

• A test that predicts which patients will have the

best outcomes after liver transplant

• A portable magnetic stimulation helmet that can

reactivate brain function in stroke patients

• A simple blood test that accurately and quickly

diagnoses TB and other infectious diseases

• An imaging probe that detects recurrence of Hodgkin

lymphoma in patients without symptoms

“There’s something different about Houston

Methodist – there’s a real culture of innovation here,”

says Rod Canion, co-founder and former CEO of

Compaq Computer Corp., head of the TRI external

advisory group that screens projects and a member

of the Houston Methodist Research Institute board.

RECOVERYto


CON

GRA

TULA

TIO

NS

RECI

PIEN

TS

to our 1. Xian Li, PhD, and R. Mark Ghobrial, MD, PhD, are developing a test that predicts which patients will have the best outcomes after liver transplant.

2. Tony Hu, PhD, is developing a simpleblood test that accurately and quickly diagnoses

TB and other infectious diseases.

3. Meixiang Yu, PhD, is developing animaging probe that reports recurrence of Hodgkin

lymphoma without patient symptoms.

4. Santosh Helekar, MD, PhD, and David Chiu, MD, are testing aportable magnetic stimulation helmet that can reactivate brain function in stroke patients.

The head of Freeport LNG, a generous industry contrib-

utor to TRI, views his company’s participation as a valued

partnership. “Freeport LNG is proud to be part of this

farsighted translational research strategy, and we look

forward to the leverage these initial projects can build

for more groundbreaking developments to come,” says

Michael S. Smith, chairman and CEO of Freeport LNG. TRI’s first projects are underway:

1. Principal investigators Drs. R. Mark Ghobrial and

Xian Li, and biostatistician Dr. Beverly Shirkey, have devel-

oped a DNA-based test that can predict which patients

are at risk for sepsis to prevent futile liver transplants. A

patent is pending for their testing platform.

2. Working with co-investigators Drs. Edward Graviss

and Xuewu Liu, Dr. Tony Hu has developed a simple,

accurate TB blood test that works in four hours rather

than four to eight weeks. He is testing the platform on

TB/HIV co-infected blood samples. (See page 14.)

3. Dr. Meixiang Yu has invented a positron emission

tomography (PET) imaging probe that can detect Hodgkin

lymphoma relapse before symptoms appear. Developed

with co-investigators Drs. Youli Zu and Swaminathan Iyer,

the imaging tool can also monitor therapeutic response

for treatment.

4. Drs. Santosh Helekar and David Chiu are testing

a portable, wireless magnetic stimulation helmet –

invented by Dr. Helekar and Weill Cornell Medicine –

that shows promise in restoring some motor function in

stroke patients. TRI funding will advance their project

to a 30-person pilot clinical trial, and a patent on the

device is pending. (See page 42.)

THANK YOU TO THETRANSLATIONALRESEARCH INITIATIVEFOUNDING MEMBERS

Edward R. Allen III and Chinhui JuhnCarolyn J. and Robert J. Allison Jr. Family FoundationShahla and Hushang AnsarySteven D. ArnoldEverett E. and Randee K. BernalLeslie and Jack S. Blanton Jr.John F. III and Ann H. BookoutDrs. Julie and Marc BoomCathy and Giorgio BorlenghiMaria and Neil BushCabot Oil & Gas CorporationCam and Rod CanionAlice and Roderick CiaccioThe Cockrell Foundation Estela and David A. Cockrell Janet and Ernest H. Cockrell Stephanie and Ernest D. Cockrell Carol Cockrell Curran and Richard B. Curran Christy and J. Webb Jennings Laura Jennings Turner and John A. TurnerRoberto and Claudia ContrerasDr. Veronica Selinko-Curran and Michael F. CurranMartha and Andrew DeBuskNancy and Jack DinersteinJuliet Ellis and West GriffinLesha and Tom ElsenbrookClayton and Shel EriksonPatti and Richard EverettClara and Mauricio FabrePaola and Mauro Ferrari Freeport LNG Development, L.P.Kathy and Greg GeibE. J. and Wilda GrivettiJes and John HagaleTerence and Henrietta HallRobert A. HayMr. and Mrs. Mark A. HouserKimberly and Kyle HranickyInvescoCathy and Mel JodeitRosemarie Johnson and Matthew L. Johnson Fadila and Paal Kibsgaard Colleen and John KottsThe Mehta Family Foundation Dharmesh Mehta Jainesh Mehta Nisha Mehta Rahul MehtaMidway Foundation Claudia and Brad FreelsWendy and Ben MorelandLibbie and Greg NelsonScurlock FoundationLynne and Jim VanderhiderLisa and John WalkerWalter Oil & Gas Corporation through the generosity of Paula and Rusty Walter and Carole and Jim LookeKay and Ewing Werlein Jr.Patti and Paul YetterKelley and Donald Young

Founding Members as of February 20, 2016. For more information on howto become a Founding Member, pleasevisit houstonmethodist.org/tri or call 832.667.6194.

ALHEIM E ‘S

Z

R

MAKING LIFE BRIGHTERFOR PATIENTS WITH

Debbie and Jack Moore and Wendy and Bill Chiles

have known each other for years, primarily

through Jack’s and Bill’s connection in the

energy business. However, when both families

were touched by Alzheimer’s and dementia-

related disorders, they joined forces in support

of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at

Houston Methodist.

The Chiles’ connection with the Nantz Center

began when they heard Dr. Gustavo Román speak.

When Wendy started having concerns about her

mother, she brought her to Houston Methodist

where her diagnosis was confirmed, and innovative,

compassionate treatment began. “My mother is

remarkably better under Dr. Román’s care,” explains

Wendy. “It’s personal for us now. Supporting the

Nantz Center is our passion.”

Their passion was further sparked when the

Moores and Chiles learned of the Alzheimer’s imaging

and drug repositioning research taking place at Houston

Methodist. Working in collaboration, Dr. Joseph Masdeu

is using neuroimaging to study the role of beta amy-

loid and tau in the progression of the disease while

Dr. Stephen Wong is applying intensive drug repo-

sitioning analysis to test existing drugs for efficacy

in the treatment of the disease at various stages.

“We deeply appreciate the help Houston Methodist

has given to patients and families already affected

by Alzheimer’s,” says Bill. “Of course, our hope is

that the work of Drs. Masdeu and Wong will produce

a cure within our lifetimes that will benefit our

friends, families and others who face Alzheimer’s.”

In October 2015, the couples hosted a special

luncheon featuring CBS Sports commentator and

co-founder of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center,

Jim Nantz, and developments in the field. During the

event both the Chiles and Moores announced signif-

icant matching commitments. “We are so blessed to

have the Nantz Center here in Houston,” says Jack.

“This work is exciting and encouraging. These discoveries

have the potential to transform Alzheimer’s care.”

Following their gift announcement, the couples

challenged their friends, colleagues and community

leaders to lend their support as well. “My family has

been personally touched by this disease. We hope

getting more people involved will create momentum to

advance treatments, further prevention and ultimately

develop a cure,” says Debbie.

Visit nantzfriends.org to support the Nantz National

Alzheimer Center and join Nantz Friends.

Pictured left to right:

Jack and Debbie Moore,

Wendy and Bill Chiles

BLACK

TIEWHITE

COAT

The Society for Leading Medicine is an exceptional group of leaderswho meet for special events – from formal occasions to sports gatherings.

The funds they raise help keep Houston Methodist on the leading edge of medicine.

P I C T U R E D L E F T TO R I G H T: E D DY A N D K E L L I B L A N T O N , C A B R I N A A N D ST E V E N O W S L E Y

N E X T PA G E : D R . J U L I U S B A LO G H A N D D R . STA CY S M I T H

The Society for Leading Medicine memberships start at $1,000 annually and include invitations to unique events as well as facilitated access to health care. To join, visit houstonmethodist.org/thesociety or contact Amanda Harris at 832.667.5813.


The Society for Leading Medicine, Houston Methodist’s

annual giving program, raised $2.1 million in 2015

and grew to include 488 members, making it a

powerful philanthropic force for the hospital’s

education, research and clinical care programs.

“The Society is unique in that it brings together

groups of people from all ages and backgrounds with

one common denominator: garnering recognition that

Houston Methodist is leading medicine in all disciplines,”

says Kelli Blanton, co-chair of The Society, who works

together with her husband Eddy, and friends Cabrina

and Steven Owsley, to spearhead the group.

An annual giving program comprised of an excep-

tional group of community leaders with enthusiasm

and dedication to Houston Methodist, The Society

engages members through fun and educational

events such as the Houston Texans Family Fun Day

and member appreciation parties.

Since its inception just three years ago, The Society

has raised $5.78 million to support priority

programs at Houston Methodist. In 2015,

The Society supported the Houston Methodist

Community Scholars, Department of Spiritual

Care and Education chaplaincy program

and an endowed scholarship program

that allows residents and fellows

to explore innovative, leading-edge health care

projects. “The Society Scholars program helps mold

the next generation of physicians who will care for our

families and our community, which is a truly priceless

gift,” says Cabrina Owsley.

Two of this year’s Society Scholars, Dr. Stacy Smith,

a fellow in neuro-ophthalmology, and Dr. Julius Balogh,

a resident in general surgery and elected chief resident

of patient care and quality improvement, are participating

in two significant health care initiatives.

As a Society Scholar, Dr. Smith is collaborat-

ing with hospital administrators to improve transi-

tions in patient care, while Dr. Balogh is working

with program engineers to design and implement

EPIC, a technologically advanced electronic medical

record program. As the chief resident for EPIC

design, Dr. Balogh is working with programmers to

improve physician communication and continuity of

care by tracking inpatient transitions.

“This is an excellent time to be involved with Houston

Methodist,” Dr. Smith says. “The scholars program is

young and fluid, but it grants us the opportunity to

develop projects under the leader-

ship of prestigious physicians

who have a tremendous amount

of experience.”


Renewed Life. Cancer clinical trial puts Evelyn Daves in remission and savoring life with her grandchildren.

Evelyn and Ralph Daves with their grandkids:

Ethan, Laine and Caleb Meriwether

January 2015 was a month of dark days for

Evelyn Daves and her husband Ralph. They

spent more time in Houston Methodist Hospital

than they did in their Kingwood home. Her diag-

nosis with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL,

had left her blood levels dangerously low. She

fought blood infections, required

numerous transfusions and

couldn’t visit her young grand-

children because the disease left

her susceptible to infections of

every kind. There were times her

family thought they might lose her.

A year later, Evelyn is disease-

free, her blood levels are normal,

her chromosome abnormalities

gone. For Dr. Swaminathan Iyer,

the Cockrell Center for Advanced

Therapeutics (CCAT) medical di-

rector, Evelyn’s case is a landmark

example of realizing the promise

of medicine.

“She’s one of the defining

moments for me,” Dr. Iyer says.

“The medicines are only part of

the story. It’s the attitude, the

convictions, and it comes from

getting your mind, body and spirit

together. This is a testimony to

the Daves’ faith.”

Each year since 2009, Houston

Methodist has received a generous

gift from The Cockrell Foundation

toward an endowment that sup-

ports CCAT. The program fosters

innovation, research and advanced

improvements in patient care – with

the ultimate goal of using science

and medicine to benefit humanity.

CCAT started its Phase I clinical trials unit in

2015; its first patient was Evelyn Daves.

When Dr. Iyer first suggested that Evelyn could

be a good candidate for an international multicenter

clinical trial of GDC-0199 and Obinutuzumab, the

Daves put it in God’s hands. If the clinical trial was

approved for CCAT and she was accepted, they’d

give it 100 percent. It was a difficult and intense

clinical trial, requiring drug ramp-up, constant blood

draws and monitoring – it virtually takes over a patient’s

life. The CCAT Phase I unit became their home.

“I had a pretty rough go of it,” Evelyn says.

But the commitment was worth the effort. Ralph

meticulously logs the numbers and tracks Evelyn’s

progress, and they are prompt for every follow-up

appointment. She has renewed energy, and the

couple can enjoy their grandchildren again and

look forward to life and a future.

“There’s never a guarantee,” Evelyn says. “No one

can be given a clean bill of health from cancer.

But I’m so thankful that I feel good enough to play

with my grandchildren, and I just hope and pray

that I continue to be cancer-free.”

Of the five patients in the GDC-0199 clinical trial, three are

in remission and the drug combination has shown no side

effects. Visit houstonmethodist.org/research/clinical-trials

for more information about CCAT and clinical trials

which are now available at Houston Methodist Hospital,

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Houston

Methodist West Hospital and Houston Methodist

Primary Care Group – Pearland.


As the Rev. Mark Klein waited at Houston

Methodist Hospital for a heart transplant, he often

made his way slowly to the Dunn Tower lobby,

wheeling his heart balloon pump. There in the hospital’s

main public gathering spot lives a piece of artwork that

inspires hope and tranquility, a 7-foot-tall bronze

FAITHIN ACTION

and his wife Jacqueline took stock of the multitude

of miracles along his pathway to restored health and

wanted to give something back to their Lord and

Savior and to Houston Methodist. They remembered

the power of the sculpture and it dawned on them –

just as ‘Jesus – The Great Physician’ spoke to him, “I

know the statue speaks to others,” he says. The Kleins

gave a generous gift for the fabrication of a replica

statue at Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital,

one of Houston Methodist’s newest community

hospitals. It was blessed in its new home in March

2015. Three months later, the Kleins pledged another

sculpture for Houston Methodist The Woodlands

Hospital, which will open in 2017.

“They are reminders to everybody where the

healing comes from,” Rev. Klein says. “We are so

honored and thankful – I’m here today because of

faith and medicine.”

The Klein’s generous gifts honor a Houston Methodist

tradition of faith that goes back to the hospital’s

inception and was brought to life when the original

statue was created by sculptor Wei Li “Willy” Wang.

It was erected as a memorial to longtime board

member W.R. “Randy” Smith, who had dreamed

of having such an enduring reminder of Christ’s

healing ministry displayed in the main lobby of the

hospital. Smith’s friends, led by current Board Chair

Ewing Werlein Jr., gave generously for the original

gift in Smith’s memory.

The two sculptures made possible by the Kleins

bring the total number to eight. Besides the original

artwork in Houston Methodist’s flagship hospital,

reproductions of ‘Jesus – The Great Physician’

are featured in the lobbies of Houston Methodist

San Jacinto, St. John, Sugar Land, Willowbrook

and West hospitals.

For Rev. Klein – a patient who flat-lined and saw

angels wing-to-wing around his hospital bed – the

statues represent the daily miracles that sprout from

faith-based medicine.

sculpture called ‘Jesus – The Great Physician.’ The

compelling figure shows Jesus healing a sick woman

who kneels before him. Rev. Klein visited the sculpture

whenever he had the strength. “It really spoke to me,”

he recalls. “It reminded me that the Lord wants to heal us.”

After receiving a new heart in July 2013, Rev. Klein


Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III was at

the peak of his life in December

2013. He’d just finished a hunting

trip in West Texas and enjoyed a

5-mile run before his flight home

to Houston. At 56, he was in top

physical shape and, just two months

before, received a stellar annual

health report.

As he boarded his plane, the pilot –

a longtime friend – stopped him.

Rusty didn’t look right. They went to

a nearby emergency room, where a

brain scan confirmed life-alter-

ing news: Rusty had suffered a

massive stroke. Physicians admin-

istered tPA (tissue plasminogen

activator), the only FDA-approved

treatment for an acute stroke.

A helicopter sped him home to

Houston Methodist Hospital and

Dr. David Chiu, director of the

Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center.

“It was a surreal time,” Rusty recalls.

The probable cause of the cardio-

embolic stroke was traced to atrial

fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat,

and a combination of bad circum-

stances – high altitude, dehydration

and thickening blood that formed a

clot in the brain’s right hemisphere.

“It could have easily killed me,”

Rusty says. “I’m lucky to be alive.”

“It’s literally like a lightning strike,”

Dr. Chiu says. “The term ‘stroke’

connotes that sudden attack of

neurological impairment. A stroke

can affect every function of the

brain, striking at the heart of what it

means to be a human being. It can

affect anybody – nobody is exempt.”

The stroke severely weakened

Rusty’s entire left side and his walking.

He has spent the last two years

working to restore movements that

once came easily. An independent,

motivated man, Rusty depends on

caregivers to help him with basic

tasks. He works at rehabilitation

up to 30 hours a week, focusing

on dexterity, like picking up corks

for a half hour at a time. Improve-

ments come in small increments,

but each one counts.

As a third-generation Houston

oilman and president and CEO

of Walter Oil & Gas Corp., Rusty’s

life before the stroke was intense,

productive and generous. He and

his wife Paula devoted much of

their time to giving back to Houston

institutions through board service,

volunteer work and philanthropy.

At Houston Methodist, Rusty

was board chair for the Houston

Methodist Research Institute,

where the couple had just committed

a challenge gift that launched the

RUSTY WALTER EXPERIENCED A DEVASTATING STROKE --

AND RESPONDED WITH GREAT COURAGE AND GENEROSITY.

GIVINGBACK


$10 million Translational Research

Initiative (TRI) to help speed

medical discoveries from the research

laboratory to patients’ bedsides.

Today, his life remains as productive

and generous as before, but his

intensity is even greater as he and

Paula dedicate themselves to finding

better treatments for what has

become a global health epidemic

and one of the leading causes of

serious disability among adults.

Rusty already has participated in

two promising clinical trials under

the watchful eye of Dr. Chiu. The

day of his stroke, he became one

of 129 patients nationwide in a

multicenter adult stem cell trial.

He also participated in a clinical

trial for transcranial magnetic

stimulation, a non-invasive treat-

ment that uses a magnetic field

to stimulate the brain and correct

imbalance caused by the stroke.

Dr. Chiu calls Rusty his hero.

“He’s had just the right amount

of not only motivation, but

an appreciation of the science.

He’s a remarkable man.”

Rusty and Paula also gave a

generous gift to launch the

Coordinated Stroke Initiative

(CSI) and Stroke Stem Cell

Research Program. Their chal-

lenge grant was immediately

matched by Lynn and Oscar Wyatt,

a longtime Texas oilman who

suffered a stroke in 2008.

“It’s an incredible show of support,”

Dr. Chiu says. “They recognize

a crying need for improved treat-

ments, improved prevention,

improved modalities of recovery

and stroke rehabilitation. I’m

extremely grateful that Mr. Walter

and Mr. Wyatt and their families

contributed to this effort.”

The CSI will allow Houston

Methodist, which treats more

than 1,000 stroke patients

annually, to offer endovascular

mechanical clot retrieval therapy

to stroke patients who meet

the criteria and can get to the

hospital quickly. The Walter/

Wyatt gift will also allow the

development of a state-of-the-art

stroke registry, which is expected to

generate a wave of stroke research.

The Walters believe that Rusty

is alive today because he “was in

the hands of great people making

great decisions.” His bonds with

Houston Methodist go back to

his boyhood when his father

Joseph C. Walter Jr. served 21

years on the board. His father

also received a lifesaving heart

transplant at Houston Methodist

Hospital, which was renamed the

J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center

in his honor following a generous

2010 gift from Rusty and his

sister, Carole Walter Looke.

The couple take life one day at

a time, relying on the prayers and

sensitive care of family and friends,

which is their sustaining force and

a priceless gift, Paula says. Rusty

considers himself a better person

today. “You realize what really counts,”

he says. “It’s not about self. It’s

about others. I want to live longer

for my family.” When Rusty returned

home after one and a half months

of hospitalization following his

stroke, a big sign paraphrasing

Winston Churchill greeted him:

“Never, never, never give up.”

It remains his daily motto.

RUSTY’S MEDICAL TEAM COLLABORATES ON HIS CARE,

MAKING A HEROIC FIGHT FOR HIS RECOVERY.

GIVING BACK

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: SANTOSH HELEKAR, MD • DAVID CHIU, MD

DAVID McCANE • STANLEY H. APPEL, MD


Event chairs Peter and Elizabeth Wareing and Cam and Rod Canion

Honoree Sanford I. Weill, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom,Jed and Milessa Lowrie and Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr.

REN

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SGENEROUSLY PRESENTEDBY THE HONORABLE AND MRS.HUSHANG ANSARY ANDCORPORATE PRESENTING SPONSOR WEATHERFORD, RENDEZVOUS WITH HOUSTON METHODIST WAS HELD ONNOVEMBER 12, 2015, AT THEHILTON AMERICAS – HOUSTON.

Through the leadership of exceptional chairs and pioneering honorees, Houston Methodist’s biennial fundraising gala was a remarkable success, raising $2,587,401 for research, education and patient care in the system’s seven hospitals. Chairs Cam and Rod Canion and Elizabeth and Peter Wareing guided Rendezvous with Houston Methodist to its record-setting achievement, which was announced to the 1,300-plus crowd by Houston Methodist President and CEO Dr. Marc L. Boom. The gala was highlighted by recognition of four honorees who have made an indelible mark on Houston Methodist and the history of health care in our community — Emily A. Crosswell, the John S. Dunn Foundation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Sanford I. Weill. They were celebrated by their friends, family and closest colleagues in a video presentation introduced by master of ceremonies, FOX 26 morning anchor Melissa Wilson. The evening also featured a special interview with former Houston Astro Jed Lowrie.


Lisa Stone, honoree Emily Crosswell and David Stone

Representing honoree Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Patricia and Steve Chazen, Vicki Hollub and Glenn Vige

Presenting sponsor Hushang Ansary,honoree Sanford I. Weill and Ewing Werlein Jr.

Honoree John S. Dunn Foundation represented by Eva Lynn and Steve Dunn

Visionary level sponsors Donald and Kelley Young

Representing corporate presenting sponsor Weatherford, Monica and Brent Emerson


PEAK PERFORMANCES | JULY 16, 2015 Cam and Rod Canion, Nancy and Jack Dinerstein and Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook hosted Peak Performances – a three-part event featuring a golf tournament, Food for Thought cooking class and special evening reception. The Grand Rounds Golf Open presented by Bayou City Capital, L.P. was championed by “caddies” Clayton Erikson, Denise Monteleone and Dr. Veronica Selinko-Curran. Pictured: Tom and Lesha Elsenbrook, Jack and Nancy Dinerstein, Rod and Cam Canion, Drs. Marc and Julie BoomSP

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THE SOCIETY FOR LEADING MEDICINE APPRECIATION EVENT | FEBRUARY 11, 2015 The Society for Leading Medicine’s members gathered at inaugural chairs Estela and David A. Cockrell’s beautiful home to applaud another year of generous support. The evening celebrated 2014 membership gifts which raised $2,098,348 for Houston Methodist. Pictured: David A. and Estela Cockrell, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom

THE CALLING TO PEBBLE BEACH | JUNE 12 – 14, 2015 Courtney and Jim Nantz hosted The Calling to Pebble Beach, a three-day star-studded event featuringa food and wine golf outing and special dinner honoring Arnold Palmer. All proceeds benefited the Nantz National Alzheimer Center atHouston Methodist. Pictured: Jim and Courtney Nantz, Arnold Palmer,Clint Eastwood and Christina Sandera, and Dr. Stanley Appel


PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING | OCTOBER 21, 2015 Dr. Marc Boom and chair Greg Nelson hosted the second annual President’s Leadership Council meeting. The evening included the State of the System address by Dr. Boom, a special presentation by Dr. Michael Reardon on the latest advances in heart disease treatment and dinner with Houston Methodist physicians and scientists.Pictured: Christine Underwood, David Underwood – President’s Leadership Council Patient Experience Committee Chair, and Sarah Underwood

WOMEN’S EVENT | JANUARY 21, 2015 Hosted by Elaine Finger, Joyce Haufrect, Cissie Kaplan, Judy O. Margolis, Jane Parker and Rosalie Ravkind, the 2015 Women’s Event honored Drs. Eric Haufrect, Alan Kaplan and Keith Reeves. The event raised $90,000 for the Alan L. Kaplan, MD Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology which was completed through the generosity of 171 contributors in June 2015. More than 250 guests enjoyed a keynote address by Lisa Ling, executive producer and host of “This is Life” on CNN, followed by breakout sessions featuring a variety of health topics and lunch with Houston Methodist physicians.Pictured: Jane Parker, Joyce Haufrect, Rolaine Abramson, Cissie Kaplan, Dr. Alan L. Kaplan, Rosalie Ravkind and Judy O. Margolis

NIGHT AT THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE | OCTOBER 27, 2015 The Society for Leading Medicine members enjoyed a hands-on evening featuring nanotechnology, science, engineering and medicine. Pictured: Elliott David, son of honorary executive committee members Isabel and Danny David, conducting an electroplating experiment with graduate research fellows Thomas Geninatti and Laura Pandolfi

JACK S. BLANTON SR. EYE INSTITUTE DEDICATION | APRIL 16, 2015 In 2015, the Houston Methodist Department of Ophthalmology became the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Eye Institute, named in his memory to encourage trailblazing research, education and clinical care programs.Pictured: Jack S. Blanton Jr., Ginger Blanton, Elizabeth Wareing and Eddy Blanton Sr.


THE SOCIETYGREW TO

488MEMBERS

UP FROM 352

48TRI FOUNDING

MEMBERS

YEAR IN REVIEW2015

9.15 % INCREASE

IN FUNDRAISINGOVER 2014

TOTAL COMMITTED

$44,449,952

MANY THANKS

69% INDIVIDUALS

13% FOUNDATIONS

2% ORGANIZATIONS

16% CORPORATIONS & BUSINESSES

INCO

ME

SOU

RCES

2,366TOTAL UNIQUE DONORS

2,944 GIFTS


LEA

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HIP

Houston Methodist Board of DirectorsEwing Werlein Jr., ChairJohn F. Bookout, Senior ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEOCarlton E. Baucum, Vice ChairGregory V. Nelson, Vice ChairElizabeth Blanton Wareing, SecretaryJoseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, TreasurerRobert K. Moses Jr., Asst. SecretaryMary A. Daffin, Asst. TreasurerEmily A. CrosswellMartha DeBuskGary W. EdwardsJuliet S. EllisRon A. Gentry, MDMark A. HouserBishop Janice Riggle HuieRev. Kenneth R. LevingstonVidal G. MartinezW. Benjamin MorelandThomas J. Pace III, DMinJoe Bob PerkinsC. Richard Stasney, MD, President of the Medical StaffSpencer A. TillmanDavid M. Underwood Jr.Stephen Wende, DMinAdvisoryTodd W. Trask, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff Rev. B.T. WilliamsonLife MembersErnest H. CockrellJames C. DishmanCharles W. Duncan Jr.Connie M. DyerIsaac H. Kempner IIISandra Gayle Wright, EdD, RN

Houston MethodistResearch InstituteBoard of DirectorsMark A. Houser, ChairJohn F. Bookout, Senior ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEO, Houston MethodistMauro Ferrari, PhD, President and CEO, Houston Methodist Research InstituteElizabeth Blanton Wareing, Vice ChairErnest D. Cockrell II, SecretarySteven D. ArnoldJohn F. Bookout IIITimothy B. Boone, MD, PhDGiorgio BorlenghiJoseph R. “Rod” CanionAlbert Y. ChaoJohn P. Cooke, MD, PhDDan O. DingesJoe B. FosterLaurie H. Glimcher, MDAntonio M. Gotto Jr., MD, DPhil Catherine S. JodeitEvan H. KatzRev. Kenneth R. LevingstonVidal G. MartinezGregory V. NelsonStuart W. StedmanAndrew C. von Eschenbach, MDMartha S. WaltonEwing Werlein Jr.

Houston MethodistHospital FoundationBoard of DirectorsJohn W. Johnson, ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEOJoseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, Vice ChairEmily A. Crosswell, SecretaryMorrie K. AbramsonJohn F. BookoutMichael M. ConeCharles W. Duncan Jr.John S. Dunn Jr.Marvy A. FingerRaleigh W. Johnson Jr.Vidal G. MartinezRobert K. Moses Jr.David M. Underwood Jr.James V. WalzelElizabeth Blanton WareingEwing Werlein Jr.

President’s Leadership CouncilSenior CabinetGregory V. Nelson, ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEORobert J. Allison Jr.Eva C. BissoKelli L. BlantonStephen I. ChazenDavid A. CockrellClayton EriksonDaniel M. GilbaneEric J. Haufrect, MDJohn W. JohnsonDavid KinderJohn P. KottsWilliam Gentry Lee Jr.Michael C. LinnRahul B. MehtaCynthia Pickett-StevensonVeronica Selinko-Curran, MDSteven D. StephensDouglas E. Swanson Jr.David M. Underwood Jr.Franco ValobraKelley C. YoungMembersDorothy M. AblesGina B. AndrewsArch “Beaver” Aplin IIIJudson E. BaileyMatthew K. BairdJonathan BakshtE. William BarnettSeth M. BarrettJanice H. BarrowJames R. BathVicki L. BaucumBruce R. BilgerEddy S. BlantonGinger BlantonKenneth E. BreauxGeorge M. Britton Jr.John R. Butler Jr.P. Embry CanterburyCarl M. Carter IIIGerardo A. ChapaMuffin M. ClarkM. Scott ConeClaudia ContrerasPaula D. CrielJames W. CrownoverIsabel G. DavidRay C. DavisScott A. DavisDenis A. DeBakeyLavonne C. DeBakey, PharmD, RPh Joann P. DiGennaroNancy S. DinersteinFrancoise A. DjerejianDavid R. DominyWilliam J. Doré Jr.Celia J. DupréGina Eandi, RNJenny ElkinsW. Lawrence ElliottDanielle Ellis

Thomas L. ElsenbrookAnn H. ElvinJerry E. Finger*Jeffrey H. FoutchElizabeth GhristKate H. GibsonLinda C. GillWilliam E. GipsonMarc P. GordonBilly HarrisonLaura Laux HigginsVicki A. HollubLou HouserMary F. JohnstonJo Ruth KaplanSteven J. KeanWilliam E. KingThomas C. KnudsonGeorge J. KostasLinda G. LykosJeffrey E. MargolisJudy E. MargolisDale L. MartinGeorge M. MastersonJohn M. McCormackAndrew McCullough Jr.Mary Ann McKeithanDenise D. MonteleoneJoel L. MooreRick L. MooreW. Benjamin MorelandLoretta B. MosesMason L. MoteEugene A. O’DonnellCabrina F. OwsleyJane L. ParkerFrank D. PerezRick J. PerezNicholas A. PhillipsMichael J. PlankDouglas R. QuinnMelanie RothwellScott E. SchwingerWard SheffieldL. E. SimmonsGlenn R. SmithSue H. SmithBetty A. SommerCullen R. SpitzerAlan L. SteinHenry J.N. “Kitch” Taub IIMarcy E. TaubTadd TellepsenDuncan K. UnderwoodTony ValloneRichard E. Wainerdi, PhD, PEKaren D. WalkerDancie Perugini WareW. Temple Webber IIIScott WegmannRobert A. Yekovich, DMAPaul YetterFaculty AdvisorsBobby R. Alford, MDEric H. Bernicker, MDNeal G. Copeland, PhDRobert E. Jackson, MDChristof Karmonik, PhDDaniel E. Lehane, MDAlexandria T. Phan, MDKeith O. Reeves, MDValentina Ugolini, MD


Houston Methodist Neurological Institute National CouncilGary W. Edwards, ChairKate H. Gibson, Co-ChairMorrie K. AbramsonJames R. BathEverett E. BernalRandee K. BernalEddy S. BlantonGinger BlantonJohn F. BookoutJ. David CabelloWilliam E. ChilesRobert H. GrahamBilly HarrisonMary F. JohnstonElise JosephThomas C. KnudsonGregory A. KozmetskyJames W. OdenCabrina F. OwsleyLeon M. PayneArthur A. Seeligson IIIDonna S. StahlhutRoxane R. StricklingHenry J.N. “Kitch” Taub IIAnne G. ThobaeAndrew C. von Eschenbach, MDDancie Perugini WareElizabeth Blanton WareingW. Temple Webber III

Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center CouncilConnie M. Dyer, ChairCynthia Pickett-Stevenson, Co-ChairMarc L. Boom, MD, President and CEORobert J. Allison Jr.Seth M. BarrettJ. Denny BartellKenneth E. BreauxJohn R. Butler Jr.P. Embry CanterburyCarl M. Carter IIIGerardo A. ChapaMary A. DaffinRay DavisDenis A. DeBakeyLois DeBakey, PhDJoann P. DiGennaroWilliam J. Doré Jr.William J. Doré Sr.Danielle EllisEva K. FarhaWilliam E. GipsonMarc P. GordonMiguel A. HernandezJo Ruth KaplanWilliam E. KingCynthia G. KostasGeorge J. KostasCarole E. LookeJohn M. McCormackMason L. MoteFrank D. PerezDouglas R. QuinnValentina Ugolini, MDTony ValloneElizabeth Walter

Center for Performing Arts Medicine Advisory BoardRobert E. Jackson, MD, FACP, ChairC. Richard Stasney, MD, FounderBobby R. Alford, MDE. William BarnettJanice H. BarrowGinger BlantonAnthony K. Brandt, PhDAlbert Y. ChaoEvan D. Collins, MDJames W. CrownoverLavonne C. DeBakey, PharmD, RPhFrancoise A. DjerejianDeborah K. DuncanGina Eandi, RNVictor Fainstein, MDJerry E. Finger*Jeremy Finkelstein, MDJ. Todd FrazierRobert Freeman, PhDElizabeth GhristSusanne M. GlasscockCarole J. HackettRichard L. Harper, MDEric J. Haufrect, MDPatricia P. HubbardChristof Karmonik, PhDTom Krouskop, PhD, PEMichael W. Lieberman, MD, PhDSharon Ley LietzowJudy E. MargolisVidal G. MartinezHoyt T. “Toby” MattoxEdwards U. McReynolds, MDRev. Charles R. Millikan, DMinJames M. Musser, MD, PhDNicholas A. PhillipsPatricia RauchKeith O. Reeves, MDL.E. SimmonsJerome B. SimonLois F. StarkRon Tintner, MDLaura Jennings TurnerKevin E. Varner, MDRichard E. Wainerdi, PhD, PEMargaret Alkek WilliamsAline WilsonEd WulfeRobert A. Yekovich, DMA

Houston Methodist Concussion Center Task ForceJ. D. Bucky AllshouseChris CanettiJennifer DavenportHoward S. Derman, MDJace DukeTheron EnnsHeather FirestoneTerry Lohrenz, PhDKen Podell, PhDMargaret D. ReppertJamey C. RootesBarry D. Warner

Houston Methodist Cancer Center Task ForceDorothy M. Ables Jud BaileyCarin M. BarthVicki L. BaucumDaphne BernickerScott A. DavisAnn H. ElvinLou HouserAlan Kaplan, MDCissie Rauch-KaplanChristine LukensDale MartinPeggy D. MartinMaryanne W. McCormackRick MooreLoretta B. MosesJane L. ParkerGlenn R. SmithBetty A. SommerFaculty AdvisorsEric H. Bernicker, MDE. Brian Butler, MDJenny Chang, MDNeal G. Copeland, PhDNancy A. Jenkins, PhDDaniel E. Lehane, MDAlexandria T. Phan, MDBin S. Teh, MDStephen Wong, PhD, PE

Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders Task ForceJim Braniff Pedro L. Duran-GomezCarol F. FondrenRobert E. FondrenJay H. GoldingDuncan K. UnderwoodBrock L. WagnerKaren Wagner

Houston Methodist Liver Center Task ForcePaula D. CrielBurt H. KeenanLawrence W. KellnerLinda G. LykosEugene A. O’Donnell

* In loving memory

I N M E M O R I A M

Nathaniel “Nat” S. Rogers1919-2016

Houston Methodist losta life member of its Board on

February 22, 2016.

Former President of First City National Bank of Houston,

Nathaniel “Nat” S. Rogers was a board member for 25 years

from 1971 to 1996, at which time he was elected as a

Life Member of the board.Nat provided strong financial leadership that helped shape

this institution’s stability, growthand reputation for quality.His business acumen was

integral to his service on the executive, investment, real estate

and employee pensionand trust committees.

Nat passed away in Mississippi

and is survived by his wife of 73 years - Helen, a daughter, two sons, eight grandchildren

and five great-grandsons.The Houston Methodist family is grateful for Nat’s many years

of dedication and leadership. His wisdom and experience made Houston Methodist

stronger through his presence.


I N M E M O R I A M

David M. Underwood1937–2015

ON AUGUST 30, 2015, Houston Methodist lost its longest-

serving board member and one of its most trusted guiding

lights when David M. Underwood passed away surrounded

by family in his Houston home.

A WISE AND VISIONARY LEADER, David ably carried on

the legacy of his grandparents, Walter W. and Ella F. Fondren,

steering Houston Methodist on a track of keen

financial stewardship as it evolved into one of the

nation’s leading academic medical centers. He

served on the Board for 52 years, chairing the

Finance Committee and Houston Methodist’s

first fundraising campaign, which raised

$212 million for patient care, education and

research. His remarkable record of service

led to the 2013 naming of the David M.

Underwood Board Room in Dunn Tower.

Furthermore he instilled a great appreciation of

Houston Methodist in his children: David M.

Underwood Jr. carries on his father’s

legacy as a member of the Houston

Methodist Board of Directors, while

son and daughter-in-law, Duncan and

Sarah Underwood, are members of The

Society for Leading Medicine Honorary

Executive Committee. In addition, David

promoted and enhanced the quality of health

care throughout the Texas Medical Center, where

he served as TMC Board of Directors chairman for 23 years.

During that time, the world’s largest medical complex

expanded from 24 to 56 member institutions.

DAVID GRADUATED FROM YALE UNIVERSITY and was

a broker/adviser for many years, including several at Under-

wood Neuhaus & Co., Inc., and most recently in his profes-

sional role as managing director of Wells Fargo Advisors.

He served in leadership positions with the National Association

of Securities Dealers, the Securities Industry Association

and the Texas Stock and Bond Dealers Association. He also

served as president, director and CEO of his family company,

Feliciana Corporation. He was a captain in the U.S. Army

Reserve, earning the Army Commendation Medal for distinctive

service while at Fort Polk during the Berlin Crisis.

HE DEFINED PHILANTHROPY AT ITS BEST, faithfully supporting Houston Methodist

and many other Houston institutions with his

time and resources. His, his grandparents’

and his extended family’s generosity –

both personally and through the Fondren

Foundation – established a long list of

Houston Methodist hallmarks, including the

Fondren Tower; Sue Trammell Pavilion, also

known as Fondren 12; the Fondren Presidential

Distinguished Chair at the Houston Methodist

Research Institute; the Walter

W. Fondren III Distinguished Chair

at the Houston Methodist DeBakey

Heart & Vascular Center; The Fondren

Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Program; and the Lynda K. and David M. Under-

wood Center for Digestive Disorders.

INTEGRITY AND PROFOUND KINDNESS permeated

David’s character. He also was known for his wonderful sense

of humor, his tender-heartedness, his faith and his love for his

family, including Lynda, his wife of five decades, and his

three children and nine grandchildren. Houston Methodist

has lost a treasured member of the family and one of the

brightest lights in the institution’s nearly 100-year history.

Friends and colleagues remembered David Underwood with generous gifts to Houston Methodist in his memory. As the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Magazine went to press, more than 150 gifts have been made in support of the David M. Underwood Lung Transplant Lecture Fund.


L E T T E R F R O M O U R C H A I R M A NEach year we provide this report to those who contributed

to Houston Methodist’s success in leading medicine.

Our focus is to feature the best of what philanthropy is –

from highlighting the motivations of those who have made

gifts to the opportunities for new discoveries which will

provide life-changing treatments for patients.

In 2015, Houston Methodist lost a cherished leader

and dear friend with the passing of David M. Underwood.

(See at left.) His chairmanship of our first modern-day fundraising campaign was paramount to its success,

raising $212 million. We will forever be grateful for his devoted leadership and benevolent support.

Since the Leading Medicine, Giving Hope campaign conclusion in 2012, Houston Methodist has

received more than $100 million in philanthropic support. This tremendous growth is a testament to how

much the patients we serve, their families and our community appreciate what Houston Methodist does.

This year I was honored to become chairman of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation

Board of Directors, following John F. Bookout’s 23 years of service in that capacity. Mr. Bookout’s

inspiring leadership and philanthropic spirit have transformed the future of academic medicine for

Houston. On behalf of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Board, I express our deepest

gratitude for his commitment, vision and generosity.

Thank you also to the individuals, families, foundations and corporations who have given

generously to enable us to reach new heights. In addition, I extend my appreciation to the dedicated

boards, councils and task forces who give of their time, energy and support to Houston Methodist.

Your commitment enhances our ability to continue leading medicine.

JOHN W. JOHNSON, CHAIR

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation

Board of Directors


A new 366-bed inpatient tower

is under construction on the

Houston Methodist Hospital

campus in the Texas Medical

Center. The tower will include

102 ICU beds, expanded OR suites,

hybrid suites and a dedicated

cardiology floor with 14 inter-

ventional catheterization labs.

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Executive Director: Susan Coulter, JDManaging Editor: Katelyn FurmanEditors: Katie Lipnick, Denny Angelle, Nathan Cernosek, Patti Muck, Mallory Rogers, Amir Safi Writers: Patti Muck, Nathan Cernosek, Mallory Rogers, Robin PhillipsArt Director & Designer: Karen Holland , Richards/CarlbergPhotographers: Terry Vine, Robert Seale, Jeff Fantich, Richard Carson, Jenny AntillIllustrators: Jim Salvati, Matt Cook, Bruce Morser

If you wish to have your name removed from Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation correspondence, please call 832.667.5619,

email [email protected] or write to Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210-4384.

CR

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ITS

Houston Methodist

1707 Sunset Boulevard

Houston, Texas 77005

832.667.5816

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P A I D

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Permit No. 2034

Documents

Houston Methodist 2015 Foundation Magazine