June 7, 2007“Imagine” Ball Will Benefit Melanoma Program at UConn
Health Center
Gala Will Honor Coach Calhoun, Former Aetna Chairman Dr. Jack Rowe
and the Today Show’s Dr. Judith Reichman
FARMINGTON, CONN. – It will be a festive, glittering evening,
complete with formal attire, masks and a chance to honor three very
special guests. “Imagine … unmasking a world without cancer” is the
theme for this elegant event.
All are invited to attend the inaugural Imagine Ball to
benefit the UConn Health Center’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive
Cancer Center on Saturday, October 20, at the Wadsworth Atheneum in
Hartford.
Along with dinner, dancing and entertainment, the program will also
honor three individuals who have made considerable contributions to
raise awareness about cancer: Jim Calhoun, head coach of the UConn men’s
basketball program and a cancer survivor; John Rowe, M.D., chairman of
the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees and former chairman and
CEO of Aetna, Inc.; and Judith Reichman, M.D., a women’s health expert
and physician correspondent for NBC’s Today show.
“Imagine … unmasking a world without cancer,” will be an annual event
to support various programs within the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This year’s extravaganza will benefit the melanoma program by supporting
the development of a Cutaneous Oncology Center as a regional center of
excellence.
Focusing on Melanoma
“The incidence of melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate. Our hope,
through this year’s Imagine Ball, is to raise funds to recruit
new faculty and bolster research initiatives in the Cutaneous Oncology
Center,” explained Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag
Comprehensive Cancer Center, chair of the National Cancer Advisory Board
and former president of the American Cancer Society.
“We are looking forward to seeing many people join us for this
wonderful event in support of establishing this center,” she added.
Among those in attendance will be Jane M. Grant-Kels, M.D., director
of the Department of Dermatology at the UConn Health Center and one of
the region’s leading skin cancer experts. Dr. Grant-Kels is chair of the
melanoma program at the Health Center and will be the director of the
new Cutaneous Oncology Center.
“All types of skin cancer are on the rise, including the most serious
form, melanoma,” said Dr. Grant-Kels. “And melanoma is particularly
frightening – someone dies every hour in the U.S. from this disease.”
“At the UConn Health Center, we offer unique services to help men and
women detect melanoma in its earliest form as well as comprehensive care
if melanoma is diagnosed. Our goal now is to create a Cutaneous Oncology
Program within the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center focusing on
promising research initiatives as well as enhanced education and
outreach efforts,” Dr. Grant-Kels explained.
“We especially want to reach young people who can prevent skin cancer
by avoiding sun exposure,” she added, noting that while the chances of
developing melanoma increase with age, it is one of the most common
cancers in young adults.
The Evening’s Honorees
Here’s a look at the guests who will be honored during the 2007
Imagine Ball.
Jim Calhoun has been head coach of the UConn Men’s Basketball
program for 21 seasons. His coaching success story includes winning two
NCAA National Championships (1999, 2004) at Connecticut, passing the
elite 700-win plateau, and earning basketball’s highest honor, election
into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the
Class of 2005.
Coach Calhoun has a deep connection with the UConn Health Center. He
and his wife, Pat, have generously supported cardiology research for
many years. In addition, Coach has also been treated at the Neag
Comprehensive Cancer Center and continues to be a role model for cancer
survivors across the nation. In 2007, he started an annual event, the
Big Y Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride to benefit the Neag
Comprehensive Cancer Center and Coaches vs. Cancer.
Download a photo of Coach Calhoun:
http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/
calhoun.jpg.
Jack W. Rowe, M.D., is chairman of the University of
Connecticut Board of Trustees. He served as chairman and CEO of Aetna,
Inc. for many years and was an inspirational leader during a critical
time in the company’s more than 150-year history. Dr. Rowe is a national
leader in health care policy and has helped to promote the mission of
the university. Download a photo of Dr. Rowe:
http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/
rowe.jpg.
Judith Reichman, M.D., is a household name because of the
helpful and life-saving medical advice she regularly shares with viewers
of NBC’s Today show. Along with her busy schedule of television
and speaking appearances, Dr. Reichman maintains an active practice in
Los Angeles, specializing in gynecology, infertility and menopause and
is the author of many health-related books. Download a photo of Dr.
Reichman:
http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/
reichman.jpg.
“All three of these individuals have made enormous contributions to
help raise awareness about cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
We are so pleased they can join us for this event to acknowledge our
thanks and appreciation,” Dr. Runowicz added.
How to Get Involved
Individuals or businesses interested in becoming sponsors, purchasing
tickets, or making a gift to the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center’s
melanoma program can call Christine Capasso at the UConn Health Center
at 860-679-4569.
Photo Caption: Some of the key volunteers and organizers of
the Imagine Ball tried on their masks during a recent kick-off
celebration for the gala. They are, from left to right, Carolyn D.
Runowicz, M.D., of Avon, director of Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center;
Carla Schwartz of Colchester who is the chairman of the Imagine Ball
and Barbara Roth of Bloomfield, volunteer.
http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/
photo_imagine.jpg.
The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a full
spectrum of cancer services, from education and prevention strategies to
early detection services, innovative, state-of-the-art treatments,
reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and support services. Patients at
the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center can participate in a range of
clinical trials and research studies. Services are provided in a
convenient location at the UConn Health Center campus in Farmington. For
more information, visit
http://cancer.uchc.edu.
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