Gibbs Guardian Magazine - Fall 2014

More than 9 million people in 5 states will have access to cancer clinical trials

CliniCal OnCOlOgy ReseaRCh COn-sORtium-upstate awaRded funding fOR CanCeR ReseaRCh

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded $93 million a year for 5 years to researchers across the country to conduct multi-site cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research studies in their commu-nities. The grants are awarded under the NCI Commu-nity Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a national network of investigators, cancer care providers, aca-demic institutions, and other organizations that pro-vide care to diverse populations in community-based healthcare practices across the United States.

The NCORP involves 53 grants being awarded. The award falls into three categories: 7 research bases, 34 community sites, and 12 minority/underserved com-munity sites. SCOR is one of the 34 community sites. NCORP replaces two previous NCI community-based clinical research programs: the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP).

NCORP will design and conduct clinical trials to improve cancer prevention, cancer control, screening, and post-treatment management. The new program will have an expanded portfolio of clinical trials and other studies, including an emphasis on cancer care delivery research. Cancer care delivery research focuses on numerous factors that affect access to medical care such as social, financial, technological and others. The two institutions within SCOR that will initially be instrumental in establishing cancer care delivery research are Novant Health Forsyth Medi-cal Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute in Spartanburg, S.C. The other 21 member community hospitals/institutions will participate in the cancer care delivery research as the program advances and participation is expanded.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding and work with the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute to not only further their mission, but also to help our patients through new research and trials,” said Dr. Robert Siegel, the hematology

News Alert: Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute to bring hope to patients through cutting-

edge clinical drug trials

GIbbSGuardianFall 2014

Gibbs Health Institute and Guardian Research Network:

learn about Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute’s nationwide initiatives

in personalized medicine

Medicine that Hits the Mark: Meet

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute’s

radiation oncologist team

Together: Read about two people

afflicted with cancer at the same time and

their quest for survival

Inside this issue:

>>>

Gibbs is designated as OUTSTaNDING by the Commission on Cancer.

Gibbs is a CeRTIFIeD MeMbeR of the MD Anderson

Cancer Network™.

US News & World Report ranks

Spartanburg Medical Center #1 in the state of South Carolina.

The American College of

Radiology describes the Bearden-

Josey Center for Breast Health as a

CeNTeR OF eXCelleNCe.

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute

was selected as ONe OF THe FIRST

10 sites in the world for breakthrough

clinical trial to conduct Lung-MAP testing.

More people CHOOSe GIbbS for

their cancer care in Spartanburg,

Cherokee and Union counties than

any other healthcare provider in the

Upstate. Why would you choose

anyone other than Gibbs?

Gibbs Medical Oncology is the

ONly UPSTaTe PROvIDeR

certified by the American Society

of Clinical Oncology through

the Quality Oncology Practice

Initiative (QOPI®).

In Upstate South Carolina, only Gibbs Radiation

Oncology holds CeRTIFICaTION by the

American College of Radiology.

Clinical navigation services are available

to eveRy PaTIeNT at Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute.

Gibbs was ReCOGNIzeD for award-

winning Survivorship Care by the

Association of Community Cancer

Centers in 2012.

The Association of Community Cancer

Centers aWaRDeD Gibbs for its

Palliative Care Program—Supportive

Care Clinic in 2013.

The dedicated team of cancer specialists

at Gibbs was recognized by the

MD Anderson Cancer Network™ for

eXCelleNT Multidisciplinary Planning.

Our 10 diseased-focused Multidisciplinary

Planning Conferences guarantee all patients

PeRSONalIzeD TReaTMeNT options

provided by our team of experts.BL_051414

At Gibbs, our medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists hold the DISTINCTION

of being MD Anderson Physician Network-Credentialed Physicians.

What they’re sayingGIbbS GuardianMailed to patients, physicians and

friends, GibbsGuardian is published

semi-annually by the Department

of Marketing, Public Relations and

Physician Development; Spartanburg

Regional Healthcare System; 101 east

Wood Street; Spartanburg, SC 29303.

On the COveR

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research

Institute leadership Team,

left to right, back:

James Bearden, iii, M.D., F.a.C.P.

Jack pledger, Ph.D.

timothy yeatman, M.D., F.a.C.S.

Seated, front: Julian Josey, M.D.

editORial BOaRd

James Bearden iii, M.D., F.a.C.P.

david Church, D.H.a.

sharon Jackson,

Communications Manager,

Marketing and Public Relations

Julian Josey, M.D.

Jack pledger, Ph.D.

maria williamson,

vice President, Marketing and

Public Relations


wRiteRs

James Bearden, III, M.D., F.a.C.P.

david Church, D.H.a.

sarah howell, M.S.

Julian Josey, M.D.

Jeff sams, Contributing Writer


gRaphiC designeR

Brandy lindsey, The Graphics House, Inc.

phOtOgRapheRs

Jason ayers, ayers Production

steve fincher, Fincher Photography

steven pipes

For more information, return the envelope

included with the publication, or visit

us online at gibbscancercenter.org.

find us

giBBs CanCeR CenteR & ReseaRCh instituteoncology program director at bon Secours St. Francis. “being awarded this funding goes to show that the research happening at St. Francis, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute at Spartanburg Regional and anMed Health is not going unnoticed by the medical community.”

Upstate participating sites are: anMed Health, bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Carolina blood and Cancer Care, Roper St Francis Healthcare, Spartan-burg Medical Center, Mcleod Health.

“The achievement of this grant is important to the mission of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute ensuring our ability to bring National Cancer Institute trials to our patients,” said James D. bearden III, M.D., vice President of Clinical Research for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

paRtiCipating sites aRe:1. spartanburg medical Center (gibbs Cancer

Center & Research institute) in spartanburg, s.C.

2. anMed Health in anderson, S.C.

3. Mission Health, Inc. in asheville, N.C.

4. Waverly Hematology Oncology in Cary, N.C.

5. Roper St Francis Healthcare in Charleston, S.C.

6. Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

7. Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, va.

8. Mcleod Health in Florence, S.C.

9. CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, N.C.

10. Southeastern Oncology Medical Center in Goldsboro, N.C.

11. Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, N.C. (sites in asheboro and burlington)

12. bon Secours St Francis Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

13. Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville, N.C.

14. Park Ridge Health in Hendersonville, N.C.

15. High Point Regional Health in High Point, N.C.

16. Wellmont Health Systems in Kingsport, TN.

17. Memorial Hospital of Martinsville in Martinsville, va.

18. bon Secours St Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, va.

19. FirstHealth of the Carolinas – Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C.

20. Carolina blood and Cancer Care in Rock Hill, S.C.

21. Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga.

22. Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C.

23. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

For more information on NCORP, please visit http://ncorp.cancer.gov/news/ncorp-qa.pdf.

fOR mORe infORmatiOn:1-855-DNa-GIbbSgibbscancercenter.org

Contents

Together10

Q&A: Gibbs Health Institute and Guardian Research Network

8

Something Greater5

Welcome 4

Navigating A Path14

Awards and News Briefs22

Foundation Message27

Events and Happenings25

Medicine That Hits the Mark18

gibbscancercenter.org

4 | GibbsGuardian Fall 2014

The Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute (GCCRI) is an

incredible resource for Spartanburg and the Upstate—as well

as portions of North Carolina and Georgia. Over the past de-

cade, Gibbs has grown significantly in the care provided, and

in research, which offers the promise for a cure. The momen-

tum is now palpable.

It is time to spread the word about Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute, one of the country’s highest quality cancer

centers, recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an

NCI Community Cancer Center Program (NCCCP), and by MD

Anderson Cancer™ Network as an affiliate member.

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute is a division of

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, with our medical

center ranked as the number one hospital in the state of South

Carolina according to US News & World Report! Some of you

may have noticed the addition of “& Research Institute” to the

Gibbs Cancer Center name. This upgrade reflects the inclusion

of substantial, cutting-edge clinical and translational research,

and the construction of a state-of-the-art research laboratory

with NCI-funded investigators.

With the substantial growth and maturation of Gibbs Cancer

Center, the existing senior leadership decided it was time to recruit a director to take on the challenge of leading the center to the next

level. As a surgical oncologist specializing in colorectal cancer and liver surgery, I was recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tam-

pa, Fla. Where, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping develop a world-renowned cancer center. Our goal is to apply many of the lessons

learned in surgery, science and personalized medicine along the way, to elevate GCCRI to the next level.

Gibbs Cancer Center represented a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to come to a place that was “family” oriented, well

established and yet still wanted to reach for the stars. It has a proud history and a long track record of accomplishments. Gibbs is an

action-oriented institution where patients come first. The doctors, nurses, and entire staff are all engaged in making the patients experi-

ence the very best it can be, while at the same time striving to offer the best possible cancer care that would otherwise require traveling

great distances to attain. The entire culture of Gibbs is just right for an entrepreneurial, next generation solution to cancer care, allowing

Gibbs to mature into a world-class, leading-edge cancer center.

Our vision is to develop a cancer center with an international reputation in half the time it took in Tampa. I call this a “nextgen” cancer

center that will seek to personalize cancer care for each patient, in order to maximize outcomes and results. This will take investment in

people and technology. It will require expanding a thriving cancer center towards the epicenter of growth in the Upstate. In the future,

you will hear more about our exciting plans for the campus at Pelham Medical Center—a stone’s throw away from Greenville-Spartan-

burg International Airport, with easy access via I-85.

So, how do we define “The Gibbs Promise?” It’s the promise of hope. We offer the best clinical expertise to patients throughout the region,

fostering healing, recovery and encouragement. It’s the promise of personalized cancer care. We understand that nothing is more intimate than

one person’s unique fight against cancer, so we tailor our approach for each individual. And it’s our continuing promise to seek out cutting-edge

treatments and medications. Our endless passion for research will allow us to engage every cancer case with focused determination.

With this inaugural issue—and with subsequent semi-annual issues—GibbsGuardian will present updates to the community about recent

advances in research and new therapies offered by the GCCRI.

Timothy Yeatman, M.D., F.A.C.S.Director, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research InstitutePresident, Gibbs Research Institute

THe Gibbs pROMise

Welcome

Greater

Appointment 24/7 1-855-dNa-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org | 5

spartanburg’s devotion to delivering excellent cancer

care isn’t new. it didn’t start with the opening of Gibbs

Cancer Center in 1999, or with the very generous lead

donation from Jimmy and Marsha Gibbs towards the

development of a stand-alone cancer center. Not when

the community, led by employees at spartanburg

Regional Healthcare system, came together and raised

$4 million for the new center. The culture of excellence

at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research institute cannot

be attributed to one person, place or thing. it is an

intangible phenomenon generated when people with

the same passion and dedication come together to

build something greater than themselves. whether

through a legacy of generous giving like Jimmy and

Marsha Gibbs, an innovative idea, a vision for the future,

or plain old hard work, the history of Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research institute is the history of many. >>>

Something

by JaMes beaRDeN, iii, M.D., F.a.C.p. and JUliaN JOsey, M.D.

IN 1934, Dr. John Fleming, an OB/GYN with a special

interest in cancer, established the first local state aid cancer clinic

in South Carolina at Spartanburg General Hospital – a clinic he was

so passionate about that he personally traveled to Columbia year after

year to secure its continued funding. This clinic was the seed from which

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute would grow.

In 1964, Dr. D.C. Hull, the first fellowship-trained surgical oncologist in the state,

joined the team. He was the impetus, along with Dr. Charles Webb and Dr. John

McCollough, in creating the first tumor board, which led to the introduction of the

multidisciplinary committee. A multidisciplinary committee is a venue for physicians to

discuss the needs of cancer patients and combine surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

to plan the best course of treatment after reviewing studies with pathology and radiology.

Today, as a direct result of their actions, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute has 10

disease-specific multidisciplinary committees: breast, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, neuro-

logic, gynecologic, head and neck, cutaneous (skin) and sarcoma, endocrine, lung, hematologic,

and genomic. These teams of experienced experts review the details, discuss options and recom-

mend the very best course of treatment for each patient.

Early on, we recognized the fundamental need for research and clinical trials, a roadmap if you will, to

move cancer care and treatment forward. Research has been a sacred trust and a cause we pursued to

serve our community since 1976, when we first brought cancer research and clinical trials to Spartanburg

through a partnership with Wake Forest Medical University.

Spartanburg Regional became one of the first sites recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a

Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) in 1983 as a result of a 70-page grant written at home on the

Bearden kitchen table. We continued this legacy when Gibbs was selected to participate, as one of only ten origi-

nal sites, in the National Institutes of Health’s NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP). Today, we are one

of the 8 longest-standing participants in the NCl’s Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), which benefits

our patients by providing ongoing access to ever-expanding cancer research.

As a result of this historic commitment to research, we’re one of the largest can-

cer research centers in South Carolina, with more than 70 trials underway at any

time. Clinical research has given more to patients than any other facet of cancer

care. Our patients have early access to next-generation treatments and promising

therapies once thought only available at major metropolitan medical centers.

As the vanguard of technology in cancer care, we have always used technology to

support patients and provide them with the safest, most effective and least invasive

care possible. Nowhere is this more evident than our commitment to the latest advanc-

es in radiation oncology, which seeks to destroy abnormal cancer cells, while sparing

the normal, surrounding tissue. From the creation of the Emory B. Brock Radiation

Oncology Treatment Center in 1982 to the installation of TomoTherapy in 2007 and of

the CyberKnife, a linear accelerator on a robotic arm, at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research

Institute – Pelham this winter, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute has been committed

to the ever advancing state of

technology allowing us with

ever more accuracy to target

cancer cells while sparing the

surrounding tissue.

Our patient-focused culture

also drives us to seek out

D.C. Hull, M.D. John Fleming, M.D.

The culture of excellence at GCCRI is an intangible phenomenon generated when people with the same passion and dedication come together to build something greater than themselves.


affiliations, partnerships and opportunities that elevate the level of care provided

at Gibbs. We are one of only ten centers in the nation affiliated with the presti-

gious MD Anderson Cancer Network™, and have been since 2005. This affiliation

provides access to evidence-based guidelines, expert opinions and advanced

treatments developed by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center™

in Houston, one of the world’s most respected cancer centers. Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute is so committed to our role as a community cancer

center that we’ve opened multiple sites, one in Gaffney in 2011 and another

Greer in 2013, to ensure our patients are able to receive the best care possible

in the communities where they live. Other

site locations include Union and Laurens.

The success of Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute cannot be attributed to

one person, or even a handful. Gibbs has a

long history of exemplary physicians, nurses,

administrators and staff. And, as we plan for

the future, this is the inheritance we honor.

The leadership of Spartanburg Region-

al Healthcare System and Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute searched long

and hard for leaders who understand and

value our culture and philosophy, and yet are

ready to move us forward. We invited Drs.

Timothy Yeatman, Jack Pledger and Mark Watson to join our team

because they share our passion and dedication, and have the skills

we need to truly become a next generation cancer center… not only

treating cancer, but striving to discover a cure as well. Under their

leadership, Gibbs Cancer Center became Gibbs Cancer Cen-

ter & Research Institute in April 2013 with the installation of a

7,500-square-foot-research facility dedicated to finding ways to

both prevent and cure cancer.

Planning for the future, while honoring our past and

thriving in the present, we at Gibbs Cancer Center & Re-

search Institute have dedicated our lives to the care of

others in their most difficult time. Our commitment

and passion for the care of our patients has made

Gibbs what it is today, and will take us to places

we haven’t yet imagined. We look forward to

continuing this journey together.

Opposite: Top, Reche Ballenger, Data Control Clerk, Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health; Gina Ehlich, Licensed Massage Therapist, Center for Health and Healing

Middle, Liza Owens-West, MBA, Clinical Business Manager, Medical Group of the Carolinas – Hematology / Oncology; Diane Skinner, CTR, Manager, Cancer Data Management

Bottom, David Myers, CMD, Manager of Radiation Oncology – Pelham; Kristen Robinson, MAT, BSN, RN, Clinical Research


“Imagine for a moment you’ve

been diagnosed with cancer.

Now, visualize a place where

the specific genetics of your

cancer could be analyzed and

paired with the latest clinical

trial, giving you top-tier access

to the most cutting-edge care

available. Picture for a moment

that it’s available right here

in your community. Imagine

what it would mean if it were

available not only to your

community, but communities

across the nation. This is the

goal of Gibbs Health Institute.”

SPARTANBURG

Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) is

an integrated healthcare delivery system

in Upstate South Carolina that consists

of Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartan-

burg Hospital for Restorative Care and

Pelham Medical Center. Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute (GCCRI) is

located at Spartanburg Medical Center.

The GCCRI is a National Cancer Institute

designated Community Cancer Center

(NCCCP) and is currently an MD Ander-

son Cancer Network. The GCCRI has

recently embarked on a novel, one-of-a-

kind, initiative in personalized medicine

that will enhance the reputation of all

participants.

WHAT IS GIBBS health INStItUte (GhI) aNd the GUardIaN reSearCh NetWOrk (GrN)?

The GCCRI has created a new na-

tional initiative. The Gibbs Health

Institute (GHI) will manage a network

of community hospitals called the

Guardian Research Network (GRN)

and revolutionize the way clinical

trials are done and how personal-

ized medicine is delivered in the

community setting. This new model

combines clinical trials and genetic

testing to revolutionize cancer care

nationwide, and will be a national

network of cancer centers, communi-

ty hospitals and hospital systems.

WHO IS INvOlved IN thIS NatIONal CaNCer INItIatIve?

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Insti-

tute President, Timothy Yeatman, M.D.,

has been working diligently to make

this idea a reality since his arrival in

2012. As development progressed on

this project, Mark Watson, M.D., Ph.D.

joined the Gibbs Health Institute’s

executive team in 2013. Dr. Watson,

GHI Chief Operating Officer, has ex-

perience in developing personalized

medicine and integrating genetic

information into clinical trials. His

experience in leading cutting-edge

clinical research will provide tremen-

dous value as he helps execute this

national initiative.

HOW WIll thIS NatIONal health INItIatIve BeNeFIt PatIeNtS?

This national health initiative will

perform trials in a smarter, better

and faster way that has never been

attempted before. The best clinical

trials will soon be made available

to the local communities where

more than 80 percent of patients

are actually treated. Thus, trials

will be brought to patients, instead

of the current practice of sending

patients to trials (out-of-town).

This will be of great benefit for

traditionally underserved groups,

including minority, impoverished

and rural populations that can’t af-

ford to travel outside of their local

community.

WHAT are ClINICal trIalS?

Clinical trials are the best way for

patients to gain access to the most

cutting-edge drug therapies avail-

able today—therapies that provide

hope for a cure to a deadly disease.

Unfortunately, only three percent of

patients are actually able to access

clinical trials. The best clinical trials are

generally offered at tertiary care cen-

gibbs health institute Q&a

Mark Watson, M.D., Ph.D.

ters and require patients to travel great

distances. The GRN seeks to democra-

tize the clinical trial process by lever-

aging the power of a large nationwide

network to bring the best clinical trials

to the local community centers.

HOW WIll GrN revOlUtIONIze the drUG develOPMeNt PrOCeSS?

The drug development process is cur-

rently very difficult. While there are

more than 1,000 drugs waiting to be

tested, the costs of clinical trials are

skyrocketing due to the time it takes

to manually find patients for trials.

These costs reduce the number of

drugs that get tested in trials and ulti-

mately get approved by the FDA. The

GRN seeks to change this paradigm

by dramatically reducing the time it

takes to complete a clinical trial. We

seek to reduce trial times from up to

two years to less than six months by

simply finding the right patients for

the right trials at the right time. We

hope to bring trials to the large body

of community based patients who

currently have no access.

HOW WIll the GrN aFFeCt the qUalItY OF PatIeNt Care?

The GRN, due to its size and

geographic reach, will be uniquely

positioned to lead the path to

personalized cancer care during the

next decade. For example, the GRN

will be able to set new community

standards for genetic testing in cancer

patients, and with adoption, these

standards will rapidly become the

new standard of care nationwide. The

GRN will educate network physicians

and set quality standards and metrics

regarding clinical trial activities

and genetic testing. The GRN will

provide the forum for sharing of best

practices and training of physicians

in personalized medicine. The GRN

will also reduce the time it takes for a

patient to find a clinical trial.

Currently, there is no easy way for a

patient to navigate the complex task

of finding a suitable drug trial. This

often takes far too much time with the

end result being that most patients

miss the golden window of oppor-

tunity to participate in a potentially

life-saving trial. The GRN will change

this by rapidly identifying trials for pa-

tients in a matter of weeks rather than

months to a year. Finally participation

in clinical trials requires a level of rigor

and meticulous care that raises the bar

for all who participate. We believe that

participating centers will experience a

collective enhancement in the quality

of care delivered.

HOW IS PatIeNt INFOrMatION GOING tO Be Shared aNd COMMUNICated WIth PartNer hOSPItalS?

Using sophisticated data warehous-

ing approaches, GHI will review

real-time electronic medical record

(EMR) data from hundreds of GRN

hospitals, eligible patients will be

rapidly identified as trial candidates.

Through these and other activities,

this initiative will enhance the repu-

tations of its members and ultimately

reduce the need for patients to leave

the community for the best continu-

um of cancer care.

WHEN WIll GrN ServICeS Be avaIlaBle tO CaNCer PatIeNtS?

GRN services are expected to be

available to our cancer patients once

8-10 partners have signed on with this

national health initiative and the data

warehouse is complete.

HOW MUCh WIll thIS INItIatIve COSt?

This national health initiative’s success

requires the commitment of com-

munity-based hospitals around the

country to invest funds expected to

exceed $25 million dollars. This level

of investment is necessary to lay the

groundwork for this extensive project

and allow us to achieve critical mass

and scale necessary in this collabo-

ration. The scope and breadth of this

project is beyond any other undertak-

en by Spartanburg Regional Health-

care System to date, and will require

commitments from multiple health

systems to launch this project.

HOW WIll thIS INItIatIve BeNeFIt the SPartaNBUrG COMMUNItY?

It is anticipated that this initiative will

create more than 100 high-paying

jobs and bring substantial regional

and national investments in the

community.

Appointment 24/7 1-855-dNa-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org | 9 Appointment 24/7 1-855-dNa-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org | 9 Appointment 24/7 1-855-dNa-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org | 9


Togetherby saRaH HOwell, M.s.

>>>

Summer 2012: i had just started graduate school, the boys were three and six and my hus-

band had just changed careers. we’d finished dinner and the kids were in the bath when i got

the call. “Hi Mom, what’s up?” My Mom never called at night unless something was wrong.

“Just wanted to let you know,” she said, “i’m going in for a hysterectomy next week.” Ok, i

thought, as news goes this, was manageable. and, not unexpected, given Mom was 62. “Oh,

who’s doing it?” i asked. “Dr. Hunter,” Mom said. “wait a minute, there’s no Ob/GyN named

Hunter in spartanburg,” i thought. There were only two Dr. Hunters i knew of: Dr. Karen Hunt-

er, at internal Medicine – Greer and… “Mom, why is Dr. James Hunter doing your hysterecto-

my?” i asked. she answered with the words no one wants to hear: “i have cancer.”

MY parents met in the fourth grade at Gledhill

Grammar School in Sepulveda, Calif.. Fiercely private

and independent, they faced 45 years of marriage,

life and family with only each other. They moved from

California to Pennsylvania to North Carolina before

finally finding their home in Spartanburg, they raised

three daughters and four Labradors. Dad was work-

ing in Tennessee and coming home on the weekends

because Mom wouldn’t leave her five grandbabies, and

now… Mom had cancer.

After the requisite panic subsided, I gathered my wits,

did my research and prepared for the journey ahead. I

knew we could beat this. I knew Mom had one of the

very best GYN/Oncologists in the state, Dr. James

Hunter, watching out for her. And, I knew the care


that kept him going back to the ENT all spring and

swollen lymph nodes. “Oh, ok” I said suspiciously; Dad

was never sick. Ten minutes later, during a lull in the

conversation, Dad said to Mom, “So, when do you think

the test will be back?” I looked up from my phone:

“Huh, test, what test?” A silent conversation ensued;

you know, the kind parents have when their kids are

little and they’re trying to decide how to answer a

tough question. Mom finally looked over at me: “Dad

had a biopsy.” my heart stopped “We weren’t going to

tell you or your sisters till we knew for sure.” She didn’t

say the word but she didn’t have to. If Dad had a biop-

sy on a swollen lymph node with no symptoms, well

we were waiting for the answer to just one question:

was it lymphoma and, if so, what kind?

As I made Dad give me the whole story, I slowly

realized that he was planning, if it was cancer, to seek

treatment in Tennessee where he lived and worked

during the week. No reason to come home, no reason

he would be out of work, no need to have anyone

there to help. Fiercely private and independent. Did

I mention stubborn? Dad lives in Franklin, Tenn., just

20 miles from Vanderbilt, but I knew he needed to be

home. I also knew that being home wouldn’t compro-

mise his care. He would receive quality, personalized

care in Spartanburg at the Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute…just like Mom.

Luckily, it didn’t take long to bring Dad around. After

we officially got the news a week later, I flew up to

Nashville to go with him to his first appointment. At

the oncologists’ office, we were kept waiting for over

an hour while the staff had a party in the back. No kid-

ding, the staff member who finally took us back after

I, politely, expressed my displeasure, was still carrying

her plate. We met with a physician who, while perfectly

nice, didn’t have all the information from the biopsy

and hadn’t yet reviewed Dad’s chart. When we left, we

didn’t have any more information than we’d started

with. I saw an opportunity. I began to expound on

the difference in our experience so far with Mom and

the treatment we’d just received. How Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute is part of an integrated

healthcare system and what that means. How care is

coordinated across specialties and physicians work

together, sharing information so they have what they

need to focus on the patient. “Let me call and see if we

can get an appointment,” I said. That was Wednesday

provided at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute,

right here in Spartanburg, rivaled that of any cancer

center in the country. What I didn’t know was that in

only a few short weeks, I would be having a similar

conversation with my Dad.

Dad and I were sitting with Mom in pre-op, waiting

for her to go back for surgery. I’d been with her to the

last appointment with Dr. Hunter and met his nurse

practitioner, Lynnette Kemp, who, with the patience of

a saint and kindness of a mother hen, would shepherd

my Mom over every bump and celebrate every mile-

stone. I’d learned that Mom had gone to her OB/GYN,

Dr. Bobby Pereyo, at the Woman’s Clinic at the very

first indication that something was wrong and he’d

wasted no time in ordering the necessary tests and

referring her to Dr. Hunter. Mom had stage IA, grade 3,

serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, cancer of

the lining of the uterus not uncommon in women her

age. This was good news, the cancer was contained

entirely within the uterus itself; a hysterectomy and

four short sessions of chemotherapy over the course

of four months and she would be done. We could not

have hoped for a better diagnosis.

As we sat there I noticed Dad had a large lump on his

neck with a Band-Aid over it. Now, you have to know

Dad; over the years he’s been a football player, surfer,

hunter, fisherman, motorcycle racer, runner, cross coun-

try skier and road and mountain bike racer, so injuries

weren’t at all uncommon or unexpected. He’d once

impaled his arm on a branch mountain biking and, in

his youth, had to spend six months in traction from a

football injury. “What’d you do to your neck Dad?” I

asked. He mumbled something about a sinus infection

1-855-DNA-GIBBS | 13

afternoon; within the hour we had an appointment for

the following Monday.

When we met Dr. Asim Pati on Monday, he had the

paperwork I’d arranged to have transferred from the

office in Tennessee, including slides from the biopsy

which he’d already sent to the pathologist for review. He

took Dad’s history and performed a physical exam, then

told us that Dad’s case would go to a disease-specific

multidisciplinary planning conference, a team of physi-

cians and staff who would review his case and develop

an individualized treatment plan just for him. The staff

was kind and efficient, we didn’t have to wait, and no

one was carrying around plates of food. The experience

couldn’t have been more different.

Mom and Dad especially bonded with Dr. Pati’s nurse,

Lori Ann, and his nurse practitioner, Crystal. To this

day Dad still talks about Crystal, soft spoken and kind,

infinitely skilled and usually unflappable. Dad managed

to unsettle her when, during his bone marrow aspi-

ration and biopsy, she bent not one but two needles

before managing to get a sample. He still revels in the

fact that he truly is a “tough old bird.”

Dad was finally diagnosed with stage 1A, grade three,

follicular B cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; he would

undergo three, 3-week cycles of R-CHOP, a cocktail of

chemotherapy and other drugs that would have him in

the chair for six hours each session. And, once the che-

mo was done, he would endure radiation therapy every

day for four weeks. Mom’s treatment wasn’t as severe;

she was scheduled for an hour once a month for four

months and no radiation. Mom and Dad went to all their

sessions together, and one infusion nurse took care of

them both. When their schedules lined up, the infusion

nurse, Vickie, made sure they were scheduled for treat-

ment at the same time and sat them side-by-side.

Chemotherapy would take its toll on both of them.

Dad would lose his hair; Mom didn’t. She was pretty

pleased about that, but the overwhelming fatigue and

weakness was the greatest challenge for both of them.

Even after their treatment was over it would take them

almost a year to feel like themselves again.

Summer 2014: Mom and Dad have been cancer free

for over a year, thanks to the exceptional care they

received at the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research

Institute. Dad’s discovered a new hobby, flying model

airplanes. Mom is chasing after her grandbabies again,

and I have nothing but gratitude for the physicians and

staff at Gibbs. Thank you…

navigating a Path

by DaviD CHURCH, D.H.a and TiMOTHy yeaTMaN, M.D., F.a.C.s.

>>>

Imagine you are diagnosed with cancer. Think of

the fear, isolation, confusion and uncertainty you

would feel in that moment.

Now, picture a room full of surgeons, oncologists,

hematologists, radiologists, researchers, genetic

counselors and advanced nurse practitioners.

These clinicians have spent their life’s work

studying a specific type of cancer and they are all

currently focused on one thing—you.

Navigators work closely with patients, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed.

Back, Kim Johnson, Jerral Kimmel, Sharon Bartelt; Front, Sonya Lovett, Noel Kinard, Chad Dingman, Jon Austin (Not pictured, Kirsten Beeker)


GIBBS Cancer Center & Research Institute

has 10 disease-focused teams just like this, com-

posed of physicians and clinicians with special-

ized training and experience in different types of

cancer. Because cancer care is so complex and

individualized, requiring specific technology and

infrastructure, the physicians at Gibbs decided

that pooling their knowledge was an excellent way

to ensure crucial information was not overlooked

when deciding on a course of treatment for their

patients.

Richard Orr, M.D., Chair of the Cutaneous and

Sarcoma Cancer Program, explains that by working

together, physicians can provide better outcomes.

“Our goal is to provide excellent patient care; to do

that, we’ve set-up an environment where we can

share the most information and get multiple opin-

ions, allowing us to give the best possible care to

our patients,” Orr said.

The disease-focused teams at Gibbs Cancer Center

& Research Institute include: Breast, Genitourinary,

Gastrointestinal, Neurologic, Gynecologic, Head and

Neck, Cutaneous (Skin) and Sarcoma, Endocrine,

Lung and Hematologic. Every week, these teams

meet in multidisciplinary planning committees to

discuss individual cases.

Pathologists and radiol-

ogist share images and

slides providing the most

up-to-date information,

and a physician leader fa-

cilitates the discussion as

each expert weighs in on

the development of a per-

sonalized treatment plan

for every patient. Having

all the players in the room

at the same time, review-

ing the same information,

gives the team the ability

to fully explore every

possible option including

clinical trials and research

studies. At Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute, the best providers are

working together in one location with one thing in

mind: you.

But how? Most of them have never met you and

never will. How does a dynamic group like this

know enough about you to focus on you and your

treatment, rather than just your disease? For that,

you can thank the team of clinical navigators at

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute.

The Clinical Navigation Team at Gibbs Cancer Cen-

ter & Research Institute is comprised of licensed

medical social workers and oncology-certified reg-

istered nurses. Their job is to know everything there

is to know about you and your disease.

Chad Dingman, Manager of Oncology Support Ser-

vices at Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute,

and a navigator himself, describes the role as the

glue connecting the patient to the team through

the multidisciplinary planning committee.

“It’s one of those roles that is so crucial to the team,

yet so behind the scenes,” Dingman said.

“Each of the 10 disease-focused teams has a clinical

navigator working with them to pull the pieces to-

gether and make the process seamless for the phy-

sicians and the patients,” Patti Hegedus explained,

Director of Oncology Clinical Performance at Gibbs.

Navigators identify newly-diagnosed patients and

bring their cases before the multidisciplinary plan-

ning committee. Once a plan is in place, they follow

the patient from diagnosis to treatment, helping

them traverse the unfamiliar healthcare landscape

and ensuring they have the resources necessary to

succeed.

“Patients often won’t come out and tell you what

they need, often they don’t know themselves,”

Dingman said. “But by being truly present and lis-

tening, you can help them accomplish their goals.”

Kim Johnson, RN, OCN, exemplifies this type

of commitment. A breast cancer survivor, Kim

knows what it’s like to be a patient; she also

knows the importance of having someone there

Richard Orr, M.D.


every step of the journey. As the clinical navigator

for the Genitourinary Cancer Program, one day

Kim noticed one of her patients kept missing his

radiation therapy appointments. After “listening”

between the lines and asking the right questions,

Kim learned her patient had two adopted teenage

special-needs boys at home. The kids were out of

school for summer, and he had no one to watch

them when he came for treatment every weekday

for four weeks. Exemplifying the “whatever-it-

takes” dedication so crucial to her role, Kim rallied

the team and approached her manager with a

plan. For the next four weeks, every Monday –

Friday, Tim and Travis would come bounding down

the hall ready to hang out in the conference room,

play games, draw pictures and talk about their

obsession with The Peddler Steakhouse while their

dad received his treatment downstairs. Today their

dad is cancer-free, due in no small part to Kim’s

ability to understand her patients’ needs and the

Clinical Navigation Team’s commitment to doing

“whatever it takes.”

The disease-focused teams at Gibbs Cancer Center

& Research Institute are changing the way can-

cer care is delivered. This is precision medicine,

focused on the patient—not the disease. In 2013

alone, 1,730 individual patient cases were present-

ed before one of the 10 multidisciplinary planning

committees. That’s 1,730 cancer patients who had

the complete attention of a room full of experts

focused solely on their recovery. 1,730 patients who

were no longer alone, afraid or uncertain… because

now, they had a plan.

Kim Johnson, Cancer Survivor and RN, OCN Clinical Navigator with GCCRI, understands the importance of having someone there every step of the journey. Tim and Travis are all smiles because of GCCRI’s commitment to doing “whatever it takes.”

Medicine That Hits the Mark

after many patients receive a cancer diagnosis, their treatment passes into the hands

of a radiation oncologist. This is a physician who specializes in treating many types of

cancer through radiation therapy, working in conjunction with chemotherapy, following

a surgery or biopsy. Most types of cancers are treated with radiation therapy, including

breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and brain tumors. The radiation

oncologist chooses the most effective radiation treatment for each particular patient, to

destroy abnormal cancer cells, while sparing the normal, surrounding tissue. accurately

hitting the mark is vital for proper treatment. >>>

by JeFF saMs


THE Radiation Oncology department at

Spartanburg Medical Center is a highly talented

physician group practicing at the Gibbs Cancer &

Research Institute. Whether administering radiation

with the intent to cure, or as an effective palliative

treatment to relieve symptoms caused by cancer, this

team of professionals is passionate about its daily

mission. Here’s a closer look at the board-certified

physicians of radiation oncology:

> daniel B. Fried, M.d., is a Chicago native who

grew up in Chapel Hill, N.C. He holds a doctorate

in epidemiology, and served as assistant

professor of radiation oncology at Wake Forest

University School of Medicine. He is nationally

and internationally recognized in the fields of

prostate, lung and breast cancers, as well as

precisely targeted stereotactic body radiotherapy.

He has extensive experience with the Cyberknife®

Radiosurgery system, a non-invasive alternative

to tumor surgery. Dr. Fried lectures and publishes

extensively, and serves on review boards of several

respected medical journals. He has won numerous

research service awards and fellowships, and is a

principal investigator for clinical research trials.

> heather Newlin allen, M.d., FaCS, is an Alabama

native who attended college and medical school at the

University of Florida. After a residency at the Shands

Cancer Center in Gainesville, she joined the radiation

oncology staff at Roper Hospital in Charleston, S.C.

Following an assignment in Phoebe Putney Hospital

in Albany, GA., she joined the staff at Medical Group

of the Carolinas. “I am committed to integrating so-

phisticated technology into successful treatment for

cancer patients,” said Dr. Allen. “I strongly value the

multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and seek to

enroll patients on clinical trials whenever feasible. Our

participation in clinical trials has required our practice

to maintain high standards in order to comply with the

latest protocol, thus providing the highest quality care.”

> Patricia Griffin, M.d., is a Spartanburg native who

received her undergraduate degree at the University

of South Carolina, and her doctorate at the Medical

University of South Carolina. After an internship at

Patricia Griffin, M.D.Heather Allen, M.D.Daniel Fried, M.D.Drew Monitto, M.D.Amy Curtis, M.D.


Spartanburg Medical Center, she served her residen-

cy and fellowship at the University of Maryland in

Baltimore. Dr. Griffin has published and presented

extensively, and is widely recognized for her re-

search in high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR), pelvic

tumors, and the role of hypoxia (low oxygen) on

cancer cells.

“We’re testing therapies that not only improve pa-

tients’ rates of survival, but can also increase their

comfort levels—both short and long term,” said Dr.

Griffin. “A focus on preserving quality of life gives

the kind of hope and encouragement that helps to

lengthen life.” She regularly gives community talks

on women’s health issues and cancer care.

> drew C. Monitto, M.d., was born in New York City,

and grew up in Asheville, N.C. He attended Princeton

before earning his undergraduate degree at UNC

Asheville and his doctorate at UNC Medical School in

Chapel Hill. An internship and residency at the Uni-

versity of Vermont College of Medicine came next,

followed by a residency in oncology research at the

University of Virginia. He is a tireless advocate for

cancer patients, both in and out of the office. In ad-

dition to patient care, he conducts clinical research

on prostate and head and neck cancers, and he

has a particular focus on prostate cancer, prostate

brachytherapy and lymphoma.

“Today’s technology makes it possible to see

and target tumors more accurately,” said Dr.

Monitto. “We’re able to treat healthy tissue

less—and the cancerous tissue more—in a

way that’s much more custom-tailored

to each patient.”

> amy e. Curtis, M.d., originally

from Winston-Salem, N.C.,

attended John Cabot

University in Rome, Italy

and Emory University in

Atlanta before earning

her doctorate at the

University of North

Carolina School of

Medicine. During

her internship and

residency at Baylor University, she was named

Naresh Prashad Scholar, the highest award for

academic achievement in the department of

radiology. In addition to hands-on patient care,

Dr. Curtis’ clinical research focuses on intensity-

modulated radiation therapy, pediatric tumors,

pancreatic cancer and renal cell cancer. She has

extensively published and presented her work on the

influence of comorbidities on cancer treatments and

documentation of survivorship care.

More than 50 percent of all cancer patients receive some

form of radiation therapy during their illness. It is the

strongest partner to surgery and chemotherapy in de-

feating a wide variety of cancers, and the Medical Group

of the Carolinas has a team with true depth of experience

in both research and treatment. The goal of this dedi-

cated physician team is to precisely target cancer with

“medicine that hits the mark,” and their aim is meticulous.

Working in concert with radiation therapists, certified

physicists, nurse practitioners, pathologists and nurse

navigators, the radiation oncology team stands ready to

ensure that every patient receives the

highest quality care from a

team of world-class

specialists.

UNIqUelY qUalIFIed

the radiation Oncology physicians at Gibbs

Cancer Center & research Institute stand apart from

other local doctors in the field for several reasons:

> each radiation oncologist is credentialed by M. D. anderson

physicians Network®, a subsidiary of the University of Texas M. D.

anderson Cancer Center, a world-class facility that reflects the highest

level of cancer treatment available. Gibbs is the only cancer center in the

Carolinas—and only one of nine in the nation—affiliated with M. D. anderson.

> all of the radiation oncology physicians at Gibbs are active members of several

disease-focused program teams – groups of specialists from different medical disci-

plines who assemble to analyze and treat specific medical cases from multiple angles.

> The radiation oncology team at Gibbs conducts ongoing research on a variety of

cancers, which gives their patients access to the newest clinical expertise, medications

and next-generation treatments.

> since 1983, Gibbs has been the only Community Clinical Oncology program in south

Carolina with membership in the alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, a national clinical

trials network sponsored by National Cancer institute. The alliance encourages clinical trials

with promising new cancer therapies.


PalMettO GOld NUrSING aWard

Kim Johnson, RN, OCN is a winner of the 2014 Palmetto Gold Award, which recognizes

the state’s best 100 registered nurses as ranked by the South Carolina Nurses Founda-

tion. Established by the South Carolina

Nurses Foundation in 2002, the Palmetto

Gold Award program recognizes 100 RNs

per year who exemplify exceptional caring

and commitment to patients, families

and colleagues while also demonstrating

leadership skills that promote the nursing

profession. Awards were presented April 12

during the Palmetto Gold Gala in Columbia,

S.C. Johnson is a nurse for Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute.

Johnson, a graduate of Spartanburg

Technical College and the University

of South Carolina - Upstate, joined the

Spartanburg Regional nursing team

in 1999. Johnson developed the first

prostate navigation program in South

Carolina, and has become a role model

for National

Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program

network, sharing best practices and tools for prostate

navigation. She is an active member of the South Carolina

Cancer Alliance work group for prostate cancer, promoting

awareness of the importance of informed decision-making

for prostate cancer screening and treatment.


aWards & neWs briefs

JOhN darGaN JOINS SPartaNBUrG reGIONal FOUNdatION

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System named John Dargan as the new senior director of philanthropy for the Spartanburg Region-

al Foundation. He is tasked with growing a donor base dedicated to the delivery of world-class cancer care at the community level

for Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. Dargan – who served 17 years as president/CEO of the Spartanburg County Foundation –

brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. Assets more than tripled during his tenure with the county foundation, and he expand-

ed the number of that organization’s managed

funds from 320 to nearly 900. This tremendous

growth exemplifies Dargan’s proven ability in re-

lationship building and fundraising, both skills nec-

essary to foster Gibbs Cancer Center’s excellence

in care, research and community involvement.

“John is an excellent addition to the Foundation,”

said Marsha Gibbs, executive committee mem-

ber of Spartanburg Regional Foundation. “He

will build upon our existing talented staff to raise

awareness and secure support for cancer needs in

this community.”

A native of Spartanburg and a graduate of Pres-

byterian College, Dargan spent 25 years in the

banking industry before joining the Spartanburg

County Foundation in 1997. Dargan’s tenure with

Spartanburg Regional Foundation began April 14.

“One of the state’s best 100 registered nurses”

COMMISSION ON CaNCer aPPrOval aNd OUtStaNdING aChIeveMeNt aWard

Spartanburg Regional Hospital Sys-

tem’s Oncology program has received

approval with commendation from the

Commission on Cancer of the Amer-

ican College of Surgeons, placing it

among an elite group of programs pro-

viding cancer care across the nation.

Only 25 percent of all hospitals are

Commission on Cancer approved. Of

those 25 percent, less than half receive

the additional honor of being approved

with commenda-

tion. The Com-

mission

on Cancer

previously

named

Spar-

tanburg

Regional

Healthcare

System as

a recipient

of its 2012

Outstanding Achievement Award.

“Gibbs Health Institute, a new national initiative that will revolutionize the way

clinical trials are done.”

BeardeN & JOSeY: CItIzeNS OF the Year

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute oncologists James Bearden, III, M.D. and Julian

Josey, M.D. were both named 2013 Citizens of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Spartan-

burg. Founding physicians of the Gibbs Regional Cancer Center, opened in 1999, they

are the namesakes of the nationally-accredited Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health. “Cancer patients in Spartanburg may now draw upon resources throughout the world

of oncology care to receive the most advanced and personalized service available,”

said Lee Close, of the Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg. “Whoever dreamed that a town like

Spartanburg, South Carolina would be the home of an array of healthcare services such

as this? Jay Bearden and Julian Josey dreamed it, and they’ve dedicated their lives to

making this dream a reality.”

CaNCer PartNerShIP

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare

System’s Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute has joined forces

with Bon Secours St. Francis Health

System to expand world-class oncolo-

gy services and clinical research in the

Upstate. The alignment of cancer core

resources and treatment between the

two systems initiated a relationship

that will advance clinical integration

and bolster quality for both hospital

healthcare organizations. The part-

nership will extend new research and

treatment opportunities for patients

and providers. “This is a collaboration

to fight cancer,” Bruce Holstien, Presi-

dent and CEO of Spartanburg Regional

Healthcare System said. “Opening new

doors in the fight against this dreadful

disease means many things: improved

access, personalized cancer care and

the best new treatments. Joining forces

with St. Francis is about the best of the

best working hard to get even better at

combatting cancer.”

“There is much more to come,” said

Julian Josey, M.D., Chairman of Radia-

tion Oncology at Gibbs. “These goals

represent doors that are opening, and

we’re excited about the advancements

we can engineer by working together.

Gibbs and St. Francis are dedicated to

the advancement of a cure and saving

lives.”

MarSha & JIMMY GIBBS dONatION

Marsha and Jimmy Gibbs, Spartanburg business leaders, name-

sake and long-time supporters of the Gibbs Cancer Center &

Research Institute, announced a gift of $250,000 towards cancer

research April 30.

The gift from the Gibbs will go towards the Gibbs Health Institute

(GHI) to support a new national initiative that will revolutionize

the way clinical trials are done and how personalized medicine

is delivered in the community setting. This new model combines clinical trials and genetic testing to revolutionize cancer care nation-

wide and will be a network of cancer centers, community hospitals and hospital systems.

“We are humbled and inspired by the extraordinary generosity of Jimmy and Marsha Gibbs,” said Bruce Holstien, Chief Executive

Officer for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “They continuously work to ensure that our patients have access to the latest

treatments in cancer care.” The Gibbs Health Institute will provide a forum for sharing best practices and training physicians in person-

alized medicine, and will seek to reduce the time it takes for a patient to find a clinical trial.



Dr. Josey, Palmetto GarDen DeDication During a fall 2013 ceremony to dedicate the outdoor garden at the Gibbs Cancer

Center & Research Institute to Julian Josey, M.D., the co-founder of the center

was surprised to receive South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. SC House Repre-

sentative Rita Allison presented the Order of the Palmetto to Dr. Josey, on behalf

of Governor Nikki Haley. The honor is awarded to persons who make contribu-

tions of statewide significance.

Josey, a Spartanburg native, has been a leader in the treatment of cancer for

more than 40 years. He joined Spartanburg Radiation Oncology at Spartan-

burg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) in 1970. In 1976, Josey and his colleague and friend,

James Bearden, III, M.D., proposed the formation of a cancer center at SRHS that would be

dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This eventually led to the establishment

of Gibbs Cancer Center in 1999, known today as Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute.

PhYSICIaN aNd leader OF the Year reCOGNIzed

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Physician of the Year is Brian Bell, M.D., a palliative care physician at Spartanburg Medical Center. Dr. Bell is board-certified in family medicine,

hospice and palliative care, and has been with SRHS since 2010. He also contributes to the Supportive Care Clinic, the Impact program, Spartanburg

Regional Hospice and Magnolia Place of Spartanburg.

In collaboration with Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, Dr. Bell helped develop the Supportive Care Clinic, which offers palliative care within the oncology practice. In March, he became the medical director for Magnolia Place, an 88-bed skilled nursing facility. He serves on a number of committees at SRHS, and his peers consider him to be a consummate team builder.

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Leader of the Year is Lynn Foster, director of Medical Group of the Carolinas – Hematology Oncology. Foster began her career more

than 35 years ago with South Carolina’s first board-certified oncologist, James D. Bearden III, M.D.

Foster joined SRHS in 2008 as practice manager of Spartanburg Hematology Oncology which became Medical Group of the Carolinas – Palmetto Hematology/Oncology in the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. Foster’s compassion for oncology patients is first and foremost. And, her genuine respect for the staff is unparalleled.

James Bearden, III, M.D. was presented the Order of the Palmetto back in 2012.


events & haPPenings

GIBBS SYMPOSIUM exPaNdS hOrIzONS OF reSearCh

Space, Cancer & Personalized Medicine: Expanding

the Horizons of Research took place May 15-16 on the

Spartanburg campus of Edward Via College of Osteopathic

Medicine (VCOM). Hosted by Gibbs Cancer Center & Research

Institute, the conference connected clinicians, scientists, researchers and other healthcare

professionals through a unique exchange of ideas from the ever-evolving fields of cancer

research and space biology.

The event showcased the cutting-edge research and ongoing advances in clinical care

taking place right here in the Upstate while also providing a venue for guest speakers

from national organizations, including NASA, UCLA-Caltech and Baylor College of Med-

icine, among others. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to share knowledge gleaned from

collaboration amongst colleagues across various disciplines,” said Kristin Lacey, Director

of Gibbs Research Institute.

GIBBS CaNCer CeNter & reSearCh INStItUte: ONe OF FIrSt IN the WOrld tO CON-dUCt lUNG-MaP teStINGGibbs Cancer Center & Research Insti-tute (GCCRI) has been selected as one of the first 10 test sites in the world for a breakthrough clinical cancer drug trial.

A unique public-private collaboration among the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, SWOG Cancer Research, Friends of Cancer Research, the Foun-dation for the National Institutes of Health, five pharmaceutical companies (Amgen, Genentech, Pfizer, AstraZene-ca, and AstraZeneca’s global biologics R&D arm, MedImmune), and Founda-tion Medicine announced the initiation of the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) trial.

“This diverse, collaborative approach, with support from leading lung cancer advocacy organizations, helps to ensure that the needs of patients, clinicians, developers, and regulators are all con-sidered in the design and operation of the trial,” said Ellen Sigal, Ph.D., Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research.

One benefit of the trial is enrollment ef-ficiency, since it offers a single test that looks at more than 200 cancer-related genes, rather than requiring a separate screening process for each trial. A single “master protocol” can be modified as different drugs enter and exit the trial. If a drug meets predetermined effica-cy and safety criteria, the drug and its accompanying diagnostic biomarker will be eligible for FDA approval. This new process will bring safe and effec-tive drugs to patients sooner than they might otherwise be available.

That means shared information and in-frastructure, better access for patients to promising drugs, better access for researchers to relevant enrollees based on their genomic profiles, and less time and money are needed before new drugs can be tested. This is one of two significant NCI initiatives with GCCRI this year. A five-state, multi-year research consortium grant was recently awarded to GCCRI. For more information on this trial, please visit www.lung-map.org.

SPartaNBUrG MedICal CeNter raNked #1 IN SOUth CarOlINa

Spartanburg Medical Center has been ranked the number one hospital in South Caro-

lina by U.S. News & World Report in the 2014-15 U.S. News Best

Hospitals rankings.

The magazine just released the 25th edition of its annual Best

Hospitals and Best Regional Hospitals lists, providing key in-

formation on some 5,000 medical centers across the country,

ranking them in 16 specialties on national, state and regional

tiers. The report is designed to identify the most favorable op-

tions for the most complex patients—those whose illnesses pose

unusual challenges because of underlying conditions, procedure

difficulty or other medical issues that add risk.

“This #1 ranking for Spartanburg Medical Center is further validation of the dedication

and commitment of our physicians, nurses and tremendous support team in care excel-

lence—we are honored to be recognized by such a prestigious publication,” said Bruce

Holstien, CEO of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “Spartanburg Medical Center

remains committed to the diagnosis and treatment of the most challenging and compli-

cated medical cases, offering the highest level of expertise right here at home.”

The rankings are based on a well-established methodology that includes original sur-

vey data and secondary analyses of data. Determined by factors such as risk-adjusted

survival rates, patient safety and hospital reputation, the rankings reflect the interrela-

tionship among three key aspects of care—structure, process and outcomes.


daY OF daNCe

During American Heart Month in Feb-

ruary, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare

System (SRHS) and Gibbs Cancer Center

and Research Institute partnered with

the Spirit of Women® to present a dance

party for better health in the Upstate.

The event was held at Westgate Mall, and

offered the public an opportunity to get

free health screenings, listen to music or dance as a group. “Dancing is a wonderful and fun

way to get up, get moving, burn calories, tone muscle and have fun with family and friends,”

said Colleen Gilmore, RN, Program Coordinator for Women’s Services at SRHS. “Another

popular part of the event was ‘Walk with a Doc,’ that included an SRHS physician leading

groups during a walk around the mall and sharing healthy tips.”

Greer FaMIlY FeSt

Pelham Medical Center (PMC) was proud to continue its annual support of the Greer

Family Fest as a title sponsor for the seventh year in a row. The May 2-3 event featured

a Kids Zone, food court and more than 150 vendors throughout the festival. Pelham

Medical Center provided free health screenings, healthy food tastings and giveaways for

the entire family. Skin cancer screenings were conducted in the mobile mammography

unit stationed at the festival. The continuing sponsorship shows that PMC understands

the importance of a healthy community. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity for

Pelham Medical Center to interact directly with the community—providing education on

health issues, answering questions and encouraging people to be active participants in

their own health,” said Toni Conner, community

education coordinator at PMC. “The Greer Family

Fest is one of the best ways for Pelham Medical

Center to care for our community.”

INNOvatOr aWard

The Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute was presented with an Innovator Award by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) for its integration of specialized palliative care in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. ACCC is a nonprofit organization that assists oncology professionals to adapt to the changes of delivering quality cancer care while responding to regulatory and legislative changes. Palliative care focuses on providing patients with relief from symptoms, pain and stresses of a serious illness – regardless of the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. “The evidence is clear; patients who receive supportive care have an overall better experience during their illness, better symptom control and less pain. One of the main differences we’ve seen is that some patients actually live longer and with a better quality of life,” said Brian Bell, M.D., Medical Director of the Palliative Care and Supportive Care Clinic at Gibbs.

BettY aNN MOOre COlOreCtal SCreeNING PrOGraM

The Betty Ann Moore Colorectal

(BAM-CRC) Screening Program

provides colonoscopy services to

the underserved and uninsured

in Spartanburg and surrounding

counties in Upstate South Carolina.

Colorectal cancer screening often

prevents cancer from developing by

removing high-risk or precancerous

polyps. The screening program is

funded through the Spartanburg

Regional Foundation BAM-CRC

Screening Program fund. Private

donations to the fund support

these screening efforts. Since

the program began in 2007,

it has provided 93 screening

colonoscopies and 81 diagnostic

colonoscopies. Of the 114 polyps

removed in those procedures, 53

percent were high risk for CRC, and

three patients were diagnosed with

CRC. Tax-exempt donations to the

Betty Ann More CRC Screening

program can be made by visiting

RegionalFounation.com.

SkIN CaNCer SCreeNINGS

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System offered two free skin cancer screenings to the

public during May. Screenings conducted by the Pelham Medical Center at Greer Family

Fest May 3 revealed that 28 percent of all tests produced “suspicious” results, indicating

a need for further skin cancer testing. Of the 97 people checked in another free screen-

ing at Spartanburg Medical Center on May 6, testing revealed that 16 percent produced

suspicious results. Dermatologists on site at each screening provided referrals for any-

one with suspicious screening results. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer

in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are

diagnosed annually and about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated

with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

http://www.regionalfounation.com


foundation message

MOBIle MaMMOGraPhY SaveS lIveS The benefits of Mobile MammographySpartanburg Regional Health-care System is proud to be a leader among mobile mam-mography programs nation-wide. Our mobile unit provided

breast cancer screenings to more than 3,700 women last year. Studies confirm that mobile mammography effectively reaches women who would not otherwise have access to breast cancer screening, even if they are identified as high risk for breast cancer. Mobile mammography pro-vides access to care, facilitates earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, and allows for quicker entry into treatment—thus, improving breast cancer out-comes. In short, mobile mammography saves lives.

a $100,000 INveStMeNt IN BreaSt CaNCer SCreeNINGLast year, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation secured two new gifts for the mobile mammography program that will expand its scope for the next two years. Our first grant of $30,000 was awarded by the Fullerton Foundation to support patient naviga-tion for the mobile mammography program. Patient navigation is critical to ensuring that high-risk, underserved populations have access to the mobile unit. Our second gift of $70,000 was made by local philanthropists Lindsay and Billy Webster. The Websters are tireless advocates for breast cancer screening, and their generous leadership launched the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health in 2006. Together, these two gifts will provide a $100,000 investment in patient navigation for breast cancer patients. Increased navigation will boost access to the mobile mammography unit by underserved women—and will save lives.

Thank You!

We extend our warmest gratitude to Lindsay and Billy Webster, and to the Fullerton Foundation, for their support of our breast cancer screening pro-gram. Your gifts make a difference!

Kristy CaradoriExecutive DirectorSpartanburg Regional Foundation

Kristy Caradori

Lindsay Webster, local philanthropist

This year in October, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation will continue the tradition

of promoting breast cancer awareness, screening, and support by hosting “An Uplifting Event: Coming Together to Stop Breast Cancer” on Monday, October

20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Spartanburg Marriott.

We are pleased to announce Marsha Gibbs and Lindsay Webster as honorary co-chairs

of this year’s event. The luncheon will include a program of local leaders with meaningful messages of courage, hope, and dignity in the midst of the ongoing fight against this

prevalent disease. We are expecting a sold-out event of 600 women united for this cause.

For more information or to participate, please contact the Spartanburg Regional Foundation at 560-6727.

COMiNG TOGeTHeR TO sTOp bReasT CaNCeR

1-855-DNA-GIBBS • gibbscancercenter.org

spartanburg Regional Health services District, inc.

101 east wood streetspartanburg, sC 29303

Make aN aPPOINtMeNt 24/7

lOCaTiONs & seRviCes

SPartaNBUrG Gibbs Cancer Center & research Institute380 serpentine Drive spartanburg, sC 29303• Medical Oncology• Radiation Oncology • Surgical Oncology • Gynecologic Oncology • Infusion Center • Research Institute Laboratory

Bearden-Josey Center for Breast health • Screening & Diagnostic Breast Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Bone Density• MRI• Breast Biopsy Guidance by MRI, Ultrasound and Stereotactic

laUreNS aNd UNION22725 Highway 76 east Outpatient Center, Third FloorClinton, sC 29325

407 west south streetUnion, sC 29397• Medical Oncology• Infusion Services (Chemotherapy)

PelhaM Gibbs Cancer Center & research Institute2759 south Highway 14 Greer, sC 29651• Medical Oncology• Radiation Oncology • Surgical Oncology • Gynecologic Oncology • Infusion Center

Bearden-Josey Center for Breast health• Screening & Diagnostic Breast Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Bone Density

GaFFNeY 724 Hyatt streetGaffney, sC 29341• Radiation Oncology • Medical Oncology • Infusion Center

SUPPOrt ServICeS• Cancer Learning Center• Cancer Research Trials• Cancer Survivorship Program• Educational Events & Screenings• Exercise Classes• Genetic Counseling• Massage Therapy• Nutritional Services• Oncology Social Work Services• Oncology Rehabilitation Program• Pastoral Care• Patient Navigation Services• Research Institute Laboratory• Support Groups• Supportive Care Clinic• That Special Look™ Boutique• To Your Health Café• Tobacco Cessation Program

Support services are on-site in Spartanburg and are available by referral at other Gibbs locations.

lOCatION MaP

1) Spartanburg2) Greer3) Gaffney4) Union5) Clinton

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 204Spartanburg, SC

Gibbs Guardian Magazine - Fall 2014

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Transcript of Gibbs Guardian Magazine - Fall 2014