Joanie Hatcher understood risk. As an actuary assistant for a major consulting firm, she often calculated uncertainty. Looking at a life filled with friends and family, a passion for running, and healthy nutrition, no one could have predicted her breast cancer diagnosis at 49, least of all her husband, Jim.

“She did everything right, I mean everything,” Mr. Hatcher said. “On top of never smoking, drinking or eating things she shouldn’t, she was an avid long-distance runner, even during her cancer treatments.”

After undergoing surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant to wipe out her cancer, the strong-willed Mrs. Hatcher summoned the energy to run a marathon in London. Throughout treatment, she continued to work full-time and volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, serving as the first Survivor Chair for the 1994 Dallas race.

Although she died two years later, she never lost hope or her desire to help other cancer patients. Her strength of purpose inspired her husband to establish the Jim and Joanie Hatcher Charitable Trust. He continues to honor Mrs. Hatcher's wishes by helping breast cancer survivors through his support of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

“After all these years, she’s still telling me what to do,” Mr. Hatcher said.

The Hatchers' generosity enabled the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center to hire certified therapists in the Integrative Therapies Program, which provides vital services for hundreds of cancer patients each year. The Program offers oncology-focused therapies that integrate yoga, art, and music. Studies suggest such therapies complement medical treatment by alleviating stress and improving outcomes.

“One of the reasons I’ve been involved with UT Southwestern is that they’ve kept her memory alive through state-of-the-art treatments and by offering care that is far and away the best. No one can touch them,” said Mr. Hatcher. “Joanie was the most beautiful person I’ve ever known. She never had a negative thought about anybody, and it pleases me to think that her desire to help other cancer patients continues in the programs there.”