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Around the Institute

PINK Events Support WVU Cancer Institute and Breast Cancer Awareness 

WVU Cancer Institute staff accepting game ball at halftime.First, during the WVU women’s basketball game versus Oklahoma, Dr. Bethani Hahn and Dr. Kim Bailey, two of our breast cancer providers, played a special role by throwing out the game ball, emphasizing their support for breast cancer awareness. Additionally, the “Beauty and the Beast” event on Sunday showcased the strength and skill of WVU women’s gymnastics alongside the excitement of WVU wrestling. Pink t-shirts, designed to support the WVU Cancer Institute and breast cancer awareness were sold at both events, contributing to the fundraising efforts for the Cancer Institute. These initiatives not only celebrated athleticism but also highlighted the community’s dedication to a crucial cause.

WVU Cancer Institute Opens Surgical Oncology Clinic at Wheeling Hospital

The WVU Cancer Institute at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital has opened a surgical oncology clinic. 
 
Wheeling Hospital will now feature a surgical oncology service line with a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) clinic to treat patients diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile duct.
 
The clinic is the Institute’s first regional surgical oncology clinic. Carl Schmidt, MD, and Wallis Marsh, MD, will rotate seeing patients once a month.
 
While surgical procedures for HPB-related cancers will still take place at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, this is a great step forward in bringing coordinated cancer care close to home for patients in the Wheeling area.
 
Group of four doctors standing in front of the WVU Cancer Institute at Wheeling Hospital sign on the wall.Pictured here, from left, are Bhavana "Tina" Bhatnagar, DO; Carl Schmidt, MD; Giridhar Santebennur, MD; and Chandana Kamireddy, MD.

Save the Date - WVU Cancer Institute to Host Breast Cancer Conference


Building the Best for the WVU Cancer Institute

The 2024 Spring Gala will highlight the WVU Cancer Institute’s collaborative efforts and celebrate its successes with a weekend of festivities April 26-27 at The Greenbrier – America’s Resort. Co-chairs Laurie Erickson and Sharon Rowe, along with honorary chair Nikki Izzo-Brown, invite you to join us for a benefit not to be missed.z
This year’s events include:
•    A Mexican fiesta and culinary demonstration presented by award-winning celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez
•    Coffee with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark
•    A fireside chat with former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
•    Forums featuring WVU Cancer Institute Director Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, MD, FACS, newly appointed WVU Health Sciences Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Education Ming Lei, PhD, and other WVU collaborators
•    A live auction and black-tie dinner dance featuring Benny Benack and his orchestra, joined by Broadway and New York performers
Tickets and sponsorships are now available at wvucancergala.com. The deadline to register is April 5. A block of rooms is reserved at The Greenbrier for Spring Gala attendees. Make your reservation by calling 1-855-453-4858 and mentioning the WVU Cancer Institute Spring Gala. Rooms must be reserved by March 25.
For Gala registration inquiries, please contact WVU Cancer via Erin Gregory at EGregory@wvuf.org or 304-293-1874.

Regional sites can join at this link

Upcoming Events

Feb. 27
Project ECHO - 12 p.m.

Dannell Boatman, Ed.D, M.S.
Screening for Childhood Trauma in Adulthood: Perspectives of Appalachian Primary Care Providers
Please register to receive the link

Feb. 28
Cancer Cell Biology - 12 p.m.

Studying the Importance of RAINY, a long non-coding RNA Involved in Radiation Sensitivity in Lung Cancers
Ivan Martinez, Ph.D., West Virginia University Cancer Institute
Hostler Auditorium, G17

March 1 

Dress in Blue Day Photo to Support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day - 12:15 p.m.

Hoylman Auditorium - WVU Cancer Institute


March 6
Cancer Cell Biology - 12 p.m.

Skeletal muscle adaptations to cancer and its treatment
Michael Toth, PhD, University of Vermont
Hostler Auditorium, G17

March 20
Cancer Cell Biology - 12 p.m.

AI foundation models and prompt-based learning in biology and medicine
Dong Xu, PhD, University of Missouri
Hostler Auditorium, G17

March 20

Tumor Microenvironment Center of Biomedical Research Excellence  12 p.m.

“Mitochondrial SNP and non-coding RNA: Impacts cancer metastasis, immune polarization, and the microbiota” 
Danny R. Welch, professor in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
WVU Health Sciences Center North, room 3067


March 20
Annual Day of Giving

During this 24-hour giving event, you can donate to any of your favorite WVU causes and help them win additional funding through challenges throughout the event.

Apr. 18
West Virginia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable - 9 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Contact Susan Eason with questions.
Please register to receive the link
Summersville Arena and Conference Center

April 26-27
Save the Date - Annual Cancer Institute Spring Gala

Contact Stephanie McCandless at SMcCandless@wvuf.org or Erin Gregory at EGregory@wvuf.org for details.

Explore More

Living Beyond Cancer Podcast - new episodes

In this episode, we will delve into the important topic of fertility preservation. Joining us in this podcast are two esteemed guests: Dr. Ryan Heitmann, an expert in reproductive medicine and Director for the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Brittany Jarrett, an Advanced Practice Professional also from the WVU Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine. Together, they will unravel the complexities of fertility preservation, shedding light on the latest advancements, options, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of infertility or seeking insights into fertility preservation during oncologic therapy, this conversation promises to be both informative and empowering. Tune in as we explore the frontiers of fertility preservation with our insightful guests.

Listen to Podcast Episodes

Spotlight

Mammography Department at Potomac Valley Hospital Earns Accreditation

Congratulations are in order for employees in the Mammography Department at WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital.
The department recently received a three-year accreditation from the American College of Radiology, making them a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence.
In addition, the Nuclear Medicine Department at Potomac Valley Hospital passed inspections conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Congratulations to all the staff in these departments on their accomplishments!

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