Changing Lives: The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Last year, in just 20 minutes, illumination Gala raised $1.2 million for cancer research. “It was thrilling,” says Kristin Marino, special events manager for The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, whose job it was to tally the on-the-spot donations that came in as part of the Fund-a-Cure portion of the gala. In total—through sponsorship, ticket sales, a live auction and Fund-a-Cure—the 2015 gala raised $2.34 million to support the foundation’s Cancer Frontier Fund. Former St. Louisans Amy and Bill Koman created the fund to help researchers at The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Siteman is one of the largest cancer centers in the United States, internationally recognized for advances in the field of cancer research, treatment and prevention. It provides ongoing care to about 40,000 people every year. Director Dr. Tim Eberlein says over the past 12 years there has been a 25 percent decrease in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) budget, which has impacted Siteman as well. Although Congress recently authorized an increase in NCI and NIH budgets, according to Eberlein, Siteman must rely on its community partners to fill the gaps. “The gala and the Cancer Frontier Fund have supported some incredibly exciting research,” he says. “Most of these projects are already in clinical trials.” Projects include the study of immune-based therapies for acute leukemia and understanding the genes responsible for the spread of ovarian cancer. Work also is being done on a noninvasive imaging test of breast cancer cells in order to provide precise, individualized treatment.

Since 2007, the gala—now in its 10th year—has raised more than $12 million, which is designated specifically as ‘seedfunding’ for researchers to begin their work. This year’s gala takes place June 18 at The Ritz-Carlton and is co-chaired by Diane Sullivan, CEO, president and chairman of Caleres, and Benjamin F. (Tad) Edwards IV, chairman, CEO and president of Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.

“Everybody you and I know has been touched by cancer in one way or another,” Edwards says. “I went through this with my father, my uncle and friends. The good news is we are fortunate to have Siteman—one of the best places in the world—right here in our backyard. It is an honor to co-chair the illumination Gala so we can continue the momentum of cancer research going on there.”

Sullivan says co-chairing the gala is a way to express her company’s gratitude for Siteman’s care of cancer survivors at Caleres. “There is lifesaving work happening at Siteman, and we want to show our support,” she says.

During last year’s Fund-a-Cure, Marino recalls one family’s donation of $200,000. “We live in an extraordinary community,” she says of St. Louis. “I get goosebumps. These people are changing lives.”

Pictured: Dr. William Hawkins, Siteman physician-researcher, with his patient Bev Sodemann, a seven-year pancreatic cancer survivor, at the 2015 gala
Photo: Tim Parker Photography

The illumination Gala takes place June 18 at The Ritz-Carlton. The event begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds support The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s Cancer Frontier Fund benefiting Siteman. Pictured on the cover are: Benjamin F. (Tad) Edwards IV, chairman, CEO and president, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.; Diane Sullivan, CEO president and chairman, Caleres; and Dr. Tim Eberlein, director, Siteman Cancer Center.