Stories of Impact

Behind every gift to UT Southwestern Medical Center is a story. Stories that inspire us to search for lifesaving treatments, care for our patients, and train the physicians, scientists, and health care professionals who are the future of medicine.

Bradford Casey Preempting Parkinson’s

Bradford Casey, Ph.D., on building momentum for research and a cure at The Michael J. Fox Foundation.


Alumni news and notes Alumni News & Notes: February 2024

Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.


Saryn and Jonathan Dietz Saryn and Jonathan Dietz Continue a Tradition of Giving

Members of The Cary Council share why advancing research at UT Southwestern is important to their generation.


An image of an elderly hand holding a photograph of a baby in a hospital bassinet. Behind the hand, a collection of family photos is strewn across a countertop. Grasping for Memory

Once elusive, efforts to decode and disarm Alzheimer’s disease are showing promise.


Illustration of John F. Kennedy and Parkland Hospital Anga Sanders on Making Change in Dallas

President's Advisory Board member shares her talent for uniting communities with UT Southwestern.


Illustration of John F. Kennedy and Parkland Hospital Witnesses to History

UT Southwestern alumni remember John F. Kennedy’s assassination.


Norman Thagard Starship Trooper

Marine veteran and alumnus Norman Thagard shares his journey from war zone to the cosmos.


Michael Gregory Michael Gregory on Driving Innovation Through Early-Stage Research

President’s Advisory Board member shares why he supports UT Southwestern’s ‘DocStars.’


Karrie Crosby Testing Her Mettle

Karrie Crosby on the rigor of UT Southwestern's physician assistant program and proving her mentors right.


Alumni news and notes Alumni News & Notes: October 2023

Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.


Aasem Khalil Aasem Khalil, Bridging Finance and Medicine in Dallas

President's Advisory Board member brings a potent dedication to his service to UT Southwestern.


Dr. Raymond Fowler holding a certificate stands among a group of five other colleagues at UT Southwestern. Global EMS Leader Honored with Endowed Professorship

Contributions celebrate the impact of UT Southwestern Professor Raymond Fowler, M.D.


Jere Thompson Jr. Jere W. Thompson Jr. on What Makes UT Southwestern the 'Greatest in the Nation'

Chair of Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees shares his vision for the organization’s 80-year partnership with UT Southwestern.


Alumni News & Notes Alumni News & Notes: August 2023

Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.


Connie O'Neill Connie O'Neill on Being a Volunteer for Life

President’s Advisory Board member considers it an honor to follow in her parents’ footsteps of community service.


A blue banner with the words Alumni Reunion stands in front of a high-rise campus building with the UT Southwestern logo across the top of the roof. UT Southwestern Alumni Gather to Reconnect and Remember

Graduates and former trainees from across the nation travelled to Dallas for Alumni Reunion.


Jacob and Barrell Jones and Amber and Grafton Ifill III Grafton Ifill III and Jacob Jones on a Sell-Out Year for ‘DocStars’

Longtime members of The Cary Council share the success behind the organization’s annual fundraising event.


 UT Southwestern to Raise Minimum Endowment Levels on June 1

New gift levels will strengthen long-term support of the institution's mission.


Anita Bahtia with her daughter, Anya Smith Anita Bhatia on Why Her Family’s Foundation Supports Recruiting the ‘Best and Brightest’ to UT Southwestern

President’s Advisory Board member shares how the Medical Center has made a difference for those she cares about.


Patricia Evans For Tomorrow’s Physicians

With a gift from her estate, a UT Southwestern faculty member looks to pay it forward.


Hands making a Heart in front of UT Southwestern Lasting Affection

On Valentine’s Day, four alumni share why they swoon for UT Southwestern.


Portrait of Debra Hunter Johnson Debra Hunter Johnson on What Makes UT Southwestern the ‘Best of the Best’

New Chair of the President’s Advisory Board shares the one word that drives her passion to give back.


Photo collage of images from the top 12 stories of 2022 Most-Read Alumni and Giving Stories of 2022

A look back at 12 of UT Southwestern’s most popular stories from the past year.


Regen Horchow Regen Horchow on Continuing a Family Tradition at UT Southwestern

Community supporter channels her family’s steadfast support for the Medical Center to improve mental health care in North Texas.


Charles R. Cook For the Next Breakthrough

With a gift from his will, Charles R. Cook is looking ahead to future prostate cancer treatments.


Peter Brodsky & Terrence Maiden Peter Brodsky and Terrence Maiden on Their Service to the President's Advisory Board

Dallas developers help ensure UT Southwestern’s soon-to-open RedBird facility flies high.


Alumni News & Notes Alumni News & Notes: June 2022

Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.


Sade Spencer From Grand Prairie to the Great North

Sade Spencer, Ph.D., on the responsibility she feels to "help train the next generation" of scientists.


Campus Aerial Dallas Philanthropist, Acclaimed Epidemiologist Establish First Endowments for O’Donnell School of Public Health

Gifts will provide scholarships for students and a deanship for UT Southwestern’s newest school.


Compton Broders Emergency Medicine Pioneer Compton Broders Honored With Endowed Chair

Friends and colleagues donate to honor physician linked with one of Texas’ most successful emergency medicine programs.


Dawn Aaron and Cathy Glick Dawn Aaron and Cathy Glick on Serving as Co-Chairs of the Women’s Health Symposium

Lifelong friends focused their passion for UT Southwestern on the institution’s signature event for women.


Cece and Ford LacyFuture Focused

Cece and Ford Lacy build on 30 years supporting research at UT Southwestern with a gift from their will


Alumni News & Notes Alumni News & Notes: May 2022

Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.


Lara Johnson, M.D. Rising from Hardship to Care for the Homeless

Lara Johnson, M.D., on being there ‘to listen, to honor, and to ease our patients’ pain.’


Alumni Reunion Class of 1970 UT Southwestern Alumni Reconnect at Alumni Reunion

Weekend celebration marks the group’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic’s start.


Photo of David Gerber, M.D., on a blue backgroundGrateful for a Doctor’s Gift

Oncologist David Gerber’s approach to cancer care inspires patients to give back.


Photo of Clements University Hospital overlaid with a hand-drawn heartA Valentine to UT Southwestern

Four alumni share why they love their alma mater.


PhotoMichael Lunceford on His Role with the President’s Advisory Board

Longtime Mary Kay executive shares his government relations expertise with UT Southwestern.



Jun Il Kwun with his familyJun Il Kwun on Advancing Technology Development at UT Southwestern

Investor leads President’s Advisory Board’s efforts to support innovation across the Medical Center.


Photo of Clements University Hospital overlaid with a hand-drawn heartChanging Lives, Inspiring Hope

Leading UT Southwestern’s successful $500 million Campaign for the Brain, Bob Rowling exemplifies how making a philanthropic impact on the head starts in the heart.


Grace CookGrace Cook on Organizing The Cary Council’s Signature Event During a Pandemic

Third generation philanthropist continues her family’s legacy of engagement with UT Southwestern.


Photo collage of images from the top 12 stories of 2021Most-Read Alumni and Giving Stories of 2021

A look back at 12 of UT Southwestern’s most popular stories from the past year.


Ron HaddockRon Haddock, Longstanding Board of Visitors Chairman and President’s Advisory Board Member

Oil and gas titan reflects on two decades of engagement with UT Southwestern.


James Thornton performing surgeryCalled to Serve and Heal

Navy veteran, James Thornton, trains the next generation of plastic surgeons at his alma mater.


Dawn Aaron and Cathy GlickUT Southwestern Launches Fundraising Effort to Honor Beth Levine, M.D.

National prize to continue autophagy pioneer's legacy.


Kneeland YoungbloodKneeland Youngblood on His Role With the President’s Advisory Board

Trained doctor and accomplished businessman shares his financial acumen and health care perspective with UT Southwestern.


Medical Student receives their hood during commencement exercisesScholarship Endowments Continue Life of Impact

With a gift from her will, Dorothy Cullum continues to support generations of UT Southwestern students.


Cece and Lacy Cook Cece and Ford Lacy, Founders of the President’s Research Council

Couple’s 30-year effort created a mainstay of UT Southwestern’s community engagement.


Florencia Velasco FortnerFlorencia Velasco Fortner on Her Volunteer Service to UT Southwestern

Longtime advocate for health care in Dallas minority communities was instrumental in translation efforts for the institution’s landmark COVID-19 study.


Jane and Bud SmithTribute to Beloved Husband Endows Distinguished Chair in Medicine

Jane and Bud Smith Distinguished Chair in Medicine will advance research at UT Southwestern.


Gay F. SolomonGay F. Solomon on her role leading the Arts and Interiors Committee

Art collector focuses her aesthetic eye on UT Southwestern's growing collection.


FotoFinder Bodystudio Automated Total Body Mapping systemMaking a mountain of impact out of a mole machine

Donation brings state-of-the-art skin cancer screening to UTSW Dermatology Department.


Jeffrey A. ChapmanJeffrey A. Chapman on his role leading the President's Advisory Board

Top M&A lawyer shares how UT Southwestern impacted his life and why he gives back.


An event volunteer delivers science kits on a tray to guests waiting in their car'DocStars' make a house call

The Cary Council honored promising UT Southwestern researchers with an event designed to bring science from the research lab to the home.


Collage of photos of historic and current UT Southwestern faculty and studentsUT Southwestern celebrates first Founders Day

Inaugural day of giving brings together alumni to invest in the institution's future.


Michael CottenMentorship shapes the student experience

Throughout more than two decades of learning, Michael Cotten's greatest academic influence was the mentor he met at UT Southwestern.


Dr. Maria ChahrourRestoring Humanity Through Medicine

A love of art and passion for helping others led Caitlin Peters to study prosthetics and orthotics at UT Southwestern.


Grey UmbachRecord-setting swimmer finds calling at UT Southwestern Medical School

After besting an Olympian's high school swimming record, medical student Gray Umbach found his true calling at UT Southwestern.


Dr. Maria ChahrourWalter and Lillian Cantor Foundation’s generosity drives autism research at UT Soutwestern

Foundation’s sustained giving supports research linking the KDM5A gene with autism and defective speech.


Drs. Lannie and Linda HughesHughes family doubles giving impact with Founders Day challenge

Through their giving, Drs. Linda and Lannie Hughes created a matching opportunity to double the impact of Founders Day gifts on medical student scholarship.


UT Southwestern employees distribute gift cards to frontline workersCaring for the caregivers

The Dallas philanthropic community has rallied around the UT Soutwestern health care workers at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.


Ray Clavert, Dr. Udit Verma, and Paula CalvertA wife’s memory inspires a legacy of giving

Ray Calvert’s generosity to UT Southwestern continues to honor his wife by supporting pancreatic cancer research.


A child's artwork of a heart drawn in crayon decorates the walls of the Emergency Department at Clements University HospitalHeeding the call in a crisis

Responding to a historic pandemic, charitable giving to UT Southwestern has risen to the challenge.


UT Southwestern leaders cut the ribbon opening the third tower of Clements University HospitalClements University Hospital celebrates opening of third tower

Dedicated to patient care, the new third tower of William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital adds facilities for neuroscience and brain-related specialties.


Hundreds of stainless steel spheres that make up the sculpture gleam in the sunlightArtwork gift takes generosity to new heights at Clements University Hospital

The stunning public art piece "Myriad" demonstrates Barbara Thomas Lemmon's philanthropic impact at UT Southwestern.


Making Lemonade - Match Day 2020

"In the midst of this crisis, it is important to find moments of joy to celebrate," said Dr. Mihalic. "Match Day is a perfect time to pause and acknowledge their many years of hard work and honor their commitment to serve the suffering."


Southwestern Sweethearts

Meet four alumni couples whose love story began while students at UT Southwestern. 


UTSW faculty donor gives $100,000 for prostate cancer research

“Dr. Courtney managed to keep John as healthy and active as possible. He explored many treatments, including genetic solutions, as well as chemotherapy and radiation. He is a remarkable and compassionate person who treats all people with respect,” Dr. Reisch said.


Horchow family gift boosts research and care at O’Donnell Brain Institute

“I have several good friends with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s devastating to see them deteriorate before my eyes,” Mr. Horchow said. “It’s extremely important that my family and I do anything we can to help find the causes of these diseases, and hopefully one day a cure."


Deedie Rose’s $5 million gift furthers depression research

“Deedie’s gift brings new hope to untold thousands whose lives are disrupted by depression and other mood disorders,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern.


Community and alumni generosity make UTSW's first-ever #GivingTuesday a success

UT Southwestern Office of Development and Alumni Relations participated in #GivingTuesday, raising more than $125,000 in donor gifts and matching funds. 


Parkinson's patients fight disease through boxing course led by UTSW alumnus

"Our fighters gain a new sense of hope and confidence - they can take positive action and live well," Dr. Braitsch said. “This experience has been so wonderful," Ms. Danielson recounts, "it's about hope and the support we get from UT Southwestern students."


Judge Garry Weber's gifts advance brain, spine, and urologic research

“All of my doctors are at UT Southwestern,” said Judge Weber, “I am grateful for access to health care at an institution that values the personal touch of patient-physician relationships. I hope my gift helps the faculty to better care for more people and develop new treatments through research.”


2019 Sweetheart Ball champions cardiology advancements

“It was an honor to chair this event that directly supports physician-scientists in advancing cardiovascular research that helps patients now and for years to come," Mrs. Troutt said. "Heart disease is devastating for far too many families."


Hoglunds give $300,000 for orthopedic, geriatric programs

The family's gift will build a first-of-it's-kind, comprehensive databse that will serve as a research and education tool for complex hip surgeries.


G.C. Broughton Jr. Foundation gift bolsters innovative Alzheimer’s research

“I’ve been working in this field for 17 years, and this is perhaps the most exciting discovery I have made,” Dr. Marc Diamond said.


1 Million 4 Anna continues support for Ewing sarcoma research

“The 1 Million 4 Anna Foundation deserves a lot of credit for bringing together scientists on campus who work on Ewing sarcoma,” said Dr. David McFadden, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Biochemistry.


Prostate Cancer Foundation funding to help UTSW redefine treatment

A recent award from the Prostate Cancer Foundation will aid the study of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a rare and lethal form of the disease. The research will be led by Dr. Ganesh V. Raj, Professor of Urology and Pharmacology, a national leader in prostate cancer clinical care and research who oversees UT Southwestern’s Prostate Cancer Program.


Turners establish endowed fund for student scholarships

“You never know what’s going to excite a medical student or draw him or her to a certain area of study, and you cannot identify their potential by socioeconomic status,” Dr. Turner said. "To us, it’s important that those who work hard have every opportunity possible to join UTSW Medical School."


Dekelboum Foundation brings power of mass cytometry to UTSW

Mass cytometry is emerging as a critical research and clinical tool. “It takes philanthropic donors with a heart to understand that technology really is the driver for discovery that will take us to the next level,” Dr. David Farrar said.


Sons of the Flag gives $100,000 for burn surgery fellowship

"Our goal at Sons of the Flag is to accelerate the process of testing leading technologies and push them into circulation for immediate use to aid the recovery of burn survivors across the nation. UT Southwestern has a stellar reputation that is unsurpassed, and we are proud to be a partner,” said Mr. Parrott.


Graduate School alumna's passion for neuroscience leads to Ida Green Award

"Dr. Mona is a role model for other graduate students as she generously shares her time and efforts with community service while maintaining robust research accomplishments," said Dr. Jane Johnson, Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology.

 

 

Photos from the 2019 Women's Health SymposiumWomen's Health Symposium offers insights into the brain

“This gathering is an opportunity to hear from both clinicians and basic scientists who are working together to provide the highest level of patient-centered care to our community and to develop new therapies for some of the most challenging neurological diseases,” Co-Chair Betty Regard said.


Moncrief family gift furthers brain tumor research program

“This transformational research will break down a major barrier in the search for effective treatments for glioblastoma by enabling Dr. Maher and her team to study basic mechanisms of tumor growth and to test new treatments through a new model system,” said W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr.


PRC selects Infante, Newton for Distinguished Researcher Awards

"We are grateful to the President’s Research Council for its support of promising laboratory work aimed at benefiting patients that Dr. Infante is pursuing to advance treatment options for cancer patients and the research that Dr. Newton is conducting to better understand and ultimately treat those with pulmonary fibrosis," said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky.


Professorship established to honor Dr. Bruce Carr’s mentorship gift

“Everything has changed, and we grew with the times,” Dr. Carr said. “The wonderful part about this Professorship is that no matter how much the physical campus of UT Southwestern changes, support for this work will exist in perpetuity.”


Translational researcher Busch receives Hartwell biomedical support

"Our approach is to be unique, selective, thorough, and accountable. We provide an opportunity for those we support to make a difference and to realize their hopes and dreams," said Dr. Fred Dombrose, President of The Hartwell Foundation. 


Ellis Skinner and his family business fund multiple myeloma research

“A number of promising new treatments for plasma cell cancers like multiple myeloma are currently in clinical trials,” Dr. Anderson said. “We’ll be starting trials in the near future, and this gift will make a huge impact by allowing us to do this research the way it needs to be done.”


Meiers give $500,000 for cerebral amyloid angiopathy research

“During 17 years in Nigeria, I never conducted an operation without supervising a resident and encouraging them to do the same for others,” Dr. Meier said. “The highlight of my whole life was watching people whom I taught go on to teach others.”

 

 

Alumna establishes scholarship fund for PA students

"Getting to know the experiences and the challenges that students face in order to attend the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions has been eye-opening,” Ms. Judd remarked. 


Simmons Gift Funds Women's Urology Research

“So many women have chronic urologic conditions, and Dr. Zimmern is tired of putting a Band-Aid on these problems," said Dee Simmons. "He wants to find answers, D’Andra and I believe his research stands out and will make a difference.”


Pechar Gift to Furthur Pediatric MS Research

“Maxine and I are the kind of people who think we’re very lucky in life,” Mr. Pechar said. “We know what MS is like, and we know it could be a lot worse. There’s a lot of education and research that can be done. It’s our turn to take care of those who are going to follow us.”


Brain research fueled by $10 million Templeton Foundation gift

“Research is essential to the O’Donnell Brain Institute’s ability to make an impact in the global fight against brain diseases,” said Mr. Templeton. “Mary and I are pleased to help provide the resources that allow UTSW scientists to drive tomorrow’s medicine to groundbreaking discovery.”


2018 Sweetheart Ball raises $2.4 million for UTSW heart research

“I was honored to have been given the opportunity to help others live a healthier life,” said Lee Ann White, 2018 Sweetheart Ball Chair.

 

 

Rita ClementsThe Promise of Gene Therapy

“If successful, children and families afflicted with these terrible diseases will no longer be told, ‘There is nothing I can do for you,’" said Dr. Gray, "Instead doctors will be able to say, ‘SURF1 deficiency? OK, here’s what we’re going to do.’”


Rita Clements: Legacy gifts inspire hope to end brain diseases

"As a civic and philanthropic leader, Rita Clements championed progress and prosperity for the citizens of Texas,” said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern. “Thanks to these generous gifts from her children, Barbara, Bonnie, James, and the Rita Clements Foundation, her work lives on."


Foster commitment boosts technology innovation in brain research

“We believe the brain research going on at UT Southwestern could have an extraordinary global impact. Being able to contribute in a very small way to the success of UT Southwestern and its research is a rewarding experience for Jodi and me,” said Mr. Foster.


Foundation gives $500,000 to study genetics and the circadian clock

“The A.L. Chilton Foundation is thrilled to offer support in the research of drugs and therapies that can regulate the circadian clock to maintain positive brain health and function,” said Patti Bell Brown, a member of the Foundation’s distribution committee.


Aging Mind Foundation awards $700,000 for Alzheimer’s research

“As the population ages, the cost of Alzheimer’s disease will have a negative ripple effect on the elderly population, their families, communities, and our nation as a whole,” said Cara Owens, member of the Aging Mind Foundation Board of Directors.


Grateful families make $250,000 commitment to breast cancer research

“How do you thank someone for saving your daughter’s life? We are thankful to UT Southwestern and for the incredible work of her medical team. We were in such fine hands – such capable, compassionate, brilliant hands. It was with a human touch the entire way," said Dawn Aaron.


Seldin Symposium celebrates internal medicine research

This May, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff were invited to celebrate research conducted by UT Southwestern Internal Medicine trainees and their mentors at the fourth annual Donald W. Seldin Research Symposium.


McGuires create fund for palliative care

“We are honored to have worked with Southwestern Medical Foundation for the past 25 years and for this opportunity to support Dr. Leach. He is a light on the hill for all to see, and we’re thankful for his life of helping others,” Mr. McGuire said.


Grant from The Mary Kay Foundation funds breast cancer research

“We’re honored to present Dr. Cobb with a gift to continue her important work,” said Michael Lunceford, President of The Mary Kay Foundation Board of Directors. "We look forward to closely following Dr. Cobb’s groundbreaking research regarding the WNK1 gene.”


Foundation gives $100,000 to further depression research

"As we began sharing our story with others, we discovered that most of the people we spoke with had a personal story about depression and suicide," said Ellen Harris. "Because of the stigma surrounding suicide, it's a subject that's very seldom discussed."


Hyundai Hope On Wheels donates to pediatric cancer research

“Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care,” said Scott Fink, Board Chair of Hyundai Hope On Wheels. “Our goal is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work.”


Perot Foundation $25 million gift accelerates brain science

“Our family supports UT Southwestern because we strongly believe in its mission to give every person a chance to live a healthy, productive life,” said Margot Perot.


Harry S. MossMoss Heart Trust continues four decades of giving

"We are proud of the advances that have been realized through the Trust’s funding of UT Southwestern and the Harry S. Moss Heart Center,” said Debra Phares, Philanthropic Client Director for U.S. Trust Private Wealth Management, on behalf of the Harry S. Moss Trust, Bank of America NA.


Leukemia Texas awards $100,000 for AML cancer research

“If successful, this research may lead to highly impactful findings that facilitate the development of curative treatments for leukemia. The high-risk/high-impact nature of this research makes it difficult to secure sustainable support from national funders. Thus, the gift from Leukemia Texas is crucial in furthering this work,” said Dr. Xu.


Dr. Ozora "Ozzie" YoungAlumna inspires gift for family medicine

“This gift in Ozzie’s honor is especially meaningful because I know how hard she worked for her patients, for her practice, and for the field of family medicine,” said Irene Moore whose recent gift to UTSW celebrates the life of her dear friend Dr. Ozora Young.


Diana and Todd MaclinMaclins establish Distinguished Chair in Addiction Psychiatry

“I grew up knowing a lot about addiction from experiences in my own family,” said Mr. Maclin. “I believe that by seeking understanding of the root cause and brain science behind addiction, the talent at UT Southwestern will develop an approach to treatment that’s more personalized and has a better success rate.”


Jane Smith and Nick BohacSmiths' support of clinical trial inspires hope for amputees 

“I know this research will never be able to help me during my lifetime, but it will help future generations,” said Jane Smith, who along with her husband Bud, provided funding for the second stage of a clinical trial focused on better understanding how the remaining nerves within an injured limb can be used to improve the function of prosthetic devices.


Gift supports scholarship fund for African American medical students

Established by Dr. John C. Vanatta, the Vanatta Scholarship Fund for African American Medical Students is a tribute to the importance that the Vanatta family placed on education. “He saw it as way to a better life for an individual and a way to lift up the entire community,” said Dr. Paul Vanatta of his father.


UT Southwestern Circle of Friends awards research grants

“The Friends are excited to learn about the latest medical breakthroughs from leading experts in research and patient care,” said John Levy, Friends Co-Chair. “We are thrilled to be exposed to so many different focus areas throughout UTSW and are pleased with the level of engagement opportunities during the year.”


Donors establish professorship in molecular medicine for O’Donnell Brain Institute

“All medicine has a molecular basis, and this allows us to emphasize the potential relationship,” said Dr. Sanders. “UT Southwestern has been particularly successful in using biotechnology as a research tool, and the Nobel Laureates have been remarkably successful using that technology.”


Marjorie and Charles QuarnstromQuarnstrom gift fuels cancer discovery

“She knew many people who suffered from cancer. We were very impressed to learn about the different medical research projects going on at UT Southwestern," said Faye Bagby, Marjorie Quarnstrom’s trusted financial adviser and good friend. "Marjorie joined The Heritage Society and put UT Southwestern in her will, grateful that she had the means to help others and save lives.”


Lupe Murchison Foundation gives to brain research

“Lupe wanted to support research to prevent illnesses or extend lifetimes, and she was passionate about helping others," said Jerry V. Smith, Managing Trustee of the Lupe Murchison Foundation.


Fred and Lisa White create legacy gift for Medical Center

“UT Southwestern is filled with exceptionally talented people,” Mr. White said. “From the world-renowned physicians to the client support staff, they all treat us like family.”


Nishant Cancer Foundation propels research for rare pediatric cancer

“Nishant was a very giving person and wanted to do so much for others,” said his younger brother, Nikit. “Throughout his cancer journey, he never gave up. He would fight through the pain of chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy...I don’t think cancer changed him; it just brought out his strengths and showed what kind of person he was.”


Couple makes $2 million gift for brain-related translational research

“The world of medicine is evolving so fast that this is an ideal time to be able to help and participate as long as you get involved in an institution that you have a great deal of trust in and is really at a first-rate level,” Ms. Pfau said. “We have every bit of that confidence in UT Southwestern and hope that others will too.”


Endowment in memory of former Keller Police Captain furthers pancreatic cancer research

“UT Southwestern was where people supported and cared for Brenda,” Ms. Picus said. “In 2015, genetic testing indicated that she had a rare disorder, Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), which ran in her family and increased her risk of developing several types of cancer.”


Kids Shouldn't Have Cancer, Jacky and JonnyMcLaughlin gift strengthens field of pediatric neurology

Grant began suffering from seizures just two months after birth.  “I describe Grant’s condition as his brain was a television without reception, full of constant static,” said Mrs. McLaughlin, Grant's mother. “He suffered from hundreds of seizures a day.”


RMCKleberg Foundation furthers brain cancer research

Mrs. Helen K. Groves, Past President of the Kleberg Foundation, said, “Having lost my mother, Helen Campbell Kleberg, to ‘incurable’ brain cancer, my father, my children, and our extended family have always hoped to see cancer eradicated during our lifetimes. Efforts toward that are high on our list of priorities for research.”


O'Donnell Brain Institute receives $1 million Besing gift

“UT Southwestern is a world-renowned academic medical center and research facility right here in Dallas, and its leaders do everything to excel at whatever they undertake,” Mr. Besing said. “Dallas has a great history of philanthropy, and we’re happy to play our small role.”


RMCWiessman gift to UTSW expands partnership with Israeli medical center

“I believe that the advantages of this program are only just beginning to be realized,” said Mr. Wiessman. “This project is a tremendous instrument for the benefit of both institutions as well as for patients in their respective countries and around the world.”


Booziotis bequest benefits UT Southwestern patient relations

“My parents were very good at investing time and energy to organize fundraising while also bringing people together to make significant differences in the community,” said Betsy Booziotis Younger of her parents' bequest establishing the Jean and Bill Booziotis Endowment for Patient Relations.


Hart thumbHart $2.5 million gift fuels brain research through clinical trials

“Memory disorders are a major issue that we have to deal with as a nation,” Ms. Hart said. “Our hope is that scientists will develop treatments to delay the onset or slow the progression of these disorders and improve life for millions of Americans."


Gift for exoskeleton technology enables those paralyzed to walk again

"The exoskeleton can help patients move their legs and reach a higher quality of life than previously imagined. This improved technology is quite exciting to us,” said Ms. Brown. 


Kids Shouldn't Have Cancer, Jacky and JonnyKids Shouldn’t Have Cancer Foundation aids pediatric cancer research

In December 2014, 7-year-old Jonny was looking forward to Christmas with his twin brother, Jacky, and his parents, Jon and Kimberly. He began suffering from headaches and in the span of eight days, he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, the most common type of pediatric malignant brain tumor.


Kivowitz Charitable Foundation supports formation of Prostate Cancer Center

“The generosity of people like Don and Stacey will propel the success of the new Prostate Cancer Center and will accelerate progress toward better treatment options and outcomes", said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern.


Kathryn Amsler Priddy estate bolsters scholarships, cancer research

Dr. Eugene Frenkel has played a very important role in the Priddy family's life story. The family hopes their mother’s recent estate gift to support Dr. Frenkel’s research will lead to new discoveries to prevent and treat cancer.


O’Donnell Brain Institute receives $2 million commitment from the Millers

“David and Carolyn’s advocacy and support are driving positive change across our community,” said Kathleen Gibson, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. 


$2.1 million fund for bipolar disorder research inspires hope for families

As a person living with bipolar disorder, Trey Leonard's life was filled with moments of great joy and also extended periods of heartache. A research endowment established in his memory will support  scientists' efforts to understand the cause of the disease.


Ruth AltshulerRuth Altshuler: Changing the world one person at a time

“She will always be a beautiful inspiration and a reminder of the power of good one person can build through diligent work, strength, and conviction,” said Kathleen Gibson, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation.


Dedman gift establishes Distinguished Chair in Neurologic Disease

“At almost 90 years young, my mother continues my parents’ legacy of caring for others,” said Mr. Robert Dedman, Jr. "In essence, our family has lived the American dream. We believe part of the American dream is the responsibility of helping others.”


Dr. Charles Pak and the making of a legacy

Dr. Charles Pak, a world-renowned leader in mineral metabolism research, has made an indelible impact at UT Southwestern Medical Center as a trailblazer in the development of the improved management of kidney stones and osteoporosis.


Alumnus Dr. Jules Hirsch leaves bequest to UT Southwestern

“My uncle always had great compassion for others and was very people-oriented,” said Mr. Silber, Dr. Hirsch’s nephew. “His greatest impact was focusing his medical research on real people with real medical problems, and treating diseases as they affected patients.”


Mosle charitable gift annuity furthers O’Donnell Brain Institute mission

“My parents always believed in supporting the innovation and quality care for which UT Southwestern is so well-known,” said Jon Mosle III, Mrs. Mosle’s son. “Their advocacy for this Institution has been deeply personal, and I know my mother is honored to offer this gift in support of the next great frontier of medicine.”


Ethan TkalecSimmons Sisters Fund supports research benefiting obstetric health care

“Improving the health care of all pregnant women and their newborns is a mission we wholeheartedly support," said Lisa Simmons. The data collected through UTSW’s partnership with Parkland Hospital is extremely valuable and will continue to have a significant impact on a large portion of our population.”


Ethan TkalecTkalec Family’s $35,000 gift supports GAN gene therapy research

When Ethan was nearly 2 ½ years old, the Tkalecs became concerned after noticing an awkwardness to his agility. He’d often trip over small things and fall to the ground, and he crawled up stairs on his hands and knees. He was diagnosed with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that causes nerves to die and muscles to stop working.


triumphoveralzheimers.orgIt’s Their Time awards $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research

“Alzheimer’s disease is going to remain our public health crisis this decade. Alzheimer’s does not discriminate. It strikes all. The disease is becoming more rampant and widespread, affecting and destroying the lives of millions of individuals and their caretakers,” It's Their Time founder Leslie Ann Crozier said.


Crowley Foundation continues support of several research programs

Crowley support helps make it possible for researchers at UT Southwestern to continue to pursue and achieve breakthrough scientific discoveries across a wide range of unmet medical needs that contribute to the development of innovative, lifesaving patient care worldwide.


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