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.
UT Southwestern Medical School alumna Gladys Young, M.D., credits her military service with instilling in her a sense of duty, compassion, and teamwork – all integral to her lifelong career in medicine.
As a medical professional-cum-entrepreneur, Kenneth Johnson heals patients one touch at a time.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
Another record year for transplant medicine, one teen's mystifying health crisis, and more stories of philanthropy's impact across UT Southwestern inside Pathways magazine.
The new Head of Health System Affairs looks to capitalize on the Medical Center’s momentum with a focus on impact.
Congratulations to UT Southwestern's new endowment holders appointed from September 2023 to April 2024.
The Cintron family supports immunotherapy research in the fight against kidney cancer.
Research endowment supports targeted prostate cancer treatment.
Actuary assistant’s legacy provides therapies for cancer patients.
The Cary Council celebrates Early-Stage Research Grant recipients.
North Texas Giving Day rallies regional generosity to support health.
The student-run free clinics at UT Southwestern help eliminate barriers to health equity for Dallas’ most vulnerable patients.
Benjamin Popokh credits the student-run free clinics with adding breadth to his medical education.
Third-year medical student Abby Lewis gives back to the community by volunteering at the student-run free clinics.
Grace Egan’s mystifying symptoms led her family to UT Southwestern.
The generosity of Dallas Mavericks Power Forward Dwight Powell aims to ease families’ cancer burden.
The collaboration between UT Southwestern and UT Dallas is accelerating biomedical engineering for UT System institutions.
The Eugene McDermott Foundation supports a new generation of biomedical innovation.
David M. Crowley Foundation’s decadeslong support extends to new biomedical engineering hub.
A gift from the Jean and Mack Pogue family jump-starts the pediatric campus project.
How a movie night interruption led to better post‑transplant care.
The President’s Advisory Board member channels his care experience to the Patient Services Committee.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
Cardiologist Rick Snyder on his year at the helm of the nation’s largest state medical society.
Weekend festivities to take place April 4 and 5 in Dallas.
President’s Advisory Board member sees creative expression as a balm for UT Southwestern patients and caregivers.
Teena Dotson on caring for her hometown.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
Medical School graduates returned to Dallas for annual Alumni Reunion.
President’s Advisory Board member works to strengthen health care connections for Asian communities across North Texas.
Donor-funded awards celebrate research collaborations between physicians and scientists.
Bruce Faust, M.D., shares why he's helping students with travel-related expenses.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
Von Nguyen, M.D., on enabling health care delivery for the masses at Google.
Bradford Casey, Ph.D., on building momentum for research and a cure at The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
Members of The Cary Council share why advancing research at UT Southwestern is important to their generation.
Once elusive, efforts to decode and disarm Alzheimer’s disease are showing promise.
President's Advisory Board member shares her talent for uniting communities with UT Southwestern.
UT Southwestern alumni remember John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Marine veteran and alumnus Norman Thagard shares his journey from war zone to the cosmos.
President’s Advisory Board member shares why he supports UT Southwestern’s ‘DocStars.’
Karrie Crosby on the rigor of UT Southwestern's physician assistant program and proving her mentors right.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we'll miss.
President's Advisory Board member brings a potent dedication to his service to UT Southwestern.
Contributions celebrate the impact of UT Southwestern Professor Raymond Fowler, M.D.
Chair of Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees shares his vision for the organization’s 80-year partnership with UT Southwestern.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.
President’s Advisory Board member considers it an honor to follow in her parents’ footsteps of community service.
Graduates and former trainees from across the nation travelled to Dallas for Alumni Reunion.
Longtime members of The Cary Council share the success behind the organization’s annual fundraising event.
New gift levels will strengthen long-term support of the institution's mission.
President’s Advisory Board member shares how the Medical Center has made a difference for those she cares about.
With a gift from her estate, a UT Southwestern faculty member looks to pay it forward.
On Valentine’s Day, four alumni share why they swoon for UT Southwestern.
New Chair of the President’s Advisory Board shares the one word that drives her passion to give back.
A look back at 12 of UT Southwestern’s most popular stories from the past year.
Community supporter channels her family’s steadfast support for the Medical Center to improve mental health care in North Texas.
With a gift from his will, Charles R. Cook is looking ahead to future prostate cancer treatments.
Dallas developers help ensure UT Southwestern’s soon-to-open RedBird facility flies high.
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.
Sade Spencer, Ph.D., on the responsibility she feels to "help train the next generation" of scientists.
Gifts will provide scholarships for students and a deanship for UT Southwestern’s newest school.
Friends and colleagues donate to honor physician linked with one of Texas’ most successful emergency medicine programs.
Lifelong friends focused their passion for UT Southwestern on the institution’s signature event for women.
Cece and Ford Lacy build on 30 years supporting research at UT Southwestern with a gift from their will
Celebrating achievements and remembering friends we’ll miss.
Weekend celebration marks the group’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic’s start.
Lara Johnson, M.D., on being there ‘to listen, to honor, and to ease our patients’ pain.’
Oncologist David Gerber’s approach to cancer care inspires patients to give back.
Four alumni share why they love their alma mater.
Longtime Mary Kay executive shares his government relations expertise with UT Southwestern.
Investor leads President’s Advisory Board’s efforts to support innovation across the Medical Center.
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.
Third generation philanthropist continues her family’s legacy of engagement with UT Southwestern.
A look back at 12 of UT Southwestern’s most popular stories from the past year.
Oil and gas titan reflects on two decades of engagement with UT Southwestern.
Navy veteran, James Thornton, trains the next generation of plastic surgeons at his alma mater.
National prize to continue autophagy pioneer's legacy.
Trained doctor and accomplished businessman shares his financial acumen and health care perspective with UT Southwestern.
With a gift from her will, Dorothy Cullum continues to support generations of UT Southwestern students.
Couple’s 30-year effort created a mainstay of UT Southwestern’s community engagement.
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 Smith Distinguished Chair in Medicine will advance research at UT Southwestern.
Art collector focuses her aesthetic eye on UT Southwestern's growing collection.
Donation brings state-of-the-art skin cancer screening to UTSW Dermatology Department.
Top M&A lawyer shares how UT Southwestern impacted his life and why he gives back.
The Cary Council honored promising UT Southwestern researchers with an event designed to bring science from the research lab to the home.
Inaugural day of giving brings together alumni to invest in the institution's future.
Throughout more than two decades of learning, Michael Cotten's greatest academic influence was the mentor he met at UT Southwestern.
A love of art and passion for helping others led Caitlin Peters to study prosthetics and orthotics at UT Southwestern.
After besting an Olympian's high school swimming record, medical student Gray Umbach found his true calling at UT Southwestern.
Foundation’s sustained giving supports research linking the KDM5A gene with autism and defective speech.
The Dallas philanthropic community has rallied around the UT Soutwestern health care workers at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.
Through their giving, Drs. Linda and Lannie Hughes created a matching opportunity to double the impact of Founders Day gifts on medical student scholarship.
Ray Calvert’s generosity to UT Southwestern continues to honor his wife by supporting pancreatic cancer research.
Responding to a historic pandemic, charitable giving to UT Southwestern has risen to the challenge.
Dedicated to patient care, the new third tower of William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital adds facilities for neuroscience and brain-related specialties.
The stunning public art piece "Myriad" demonstrates Barbara Thomas Lemmon's philanthropic impact at UT Southwestern.
"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."
Meet four alumni couples whose love story began while students at UT Southwestern.
“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.
“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’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.
UT Southwestern Office of Development and Alumni Relations participated in #GivingTuesday, raising more than $125,000 in donor gifts and matching funds.
"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."
“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.”
“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."
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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."
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.
"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.
"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.
“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.
“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.
"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.
“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.”
"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.
“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.”
“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.”
"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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I was honored to have been given the opportunity to help others live a healthier life,” said Lee Ann White, 2018 Sweetheart Ball Chair.
“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.’”
"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."
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
"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."
“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.”
“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.
"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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 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.
“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 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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."
"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.
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.
“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.
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.
“David and Carolyn’s advocacy and support are driving positive change across our community,” said Kathleen Gibson, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation.
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.
“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.
“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, 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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
“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 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.