REMEMBERING KIMMEL CANCER CENTER HEROES
In recent months, the Kimmel Cancer Center has lost several champions in our fight against cancer. Some served on the front lines, while others worked behind the scenes, but, each, in his or her own way, helped improve cancer care and made a real difference in the lives of patients with cancer. Their memories will live on through the caregivers, researchers, students, patients and programs their work and generosity have inspired and supported. VICTORIA MOCK, PH.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.
Victoria Mock, or Vicki as she was known to colleagues, students and patients, died of cancer on November 15, with her family by her side. She was 65. A pioneer in nursing research, Mock was internationally known for her studies of symptom management for patients undergoing cancer therapy. She was a principal investigator on numerous National Institutes of Health-funded MOCK cancer research projects. She was chair of Johns Hopkins’ new Department of Health Systems and Outcomes and director of nursing research at the Kimmel Cancer Center. Throughout her long career, Mock earned accolades and national acclaim for her work in oncology nursing. She chaired the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Cancer-Related Fatigue Guidelines Panel, received a Distinguished Researcher Award from the Oncology Nursing Society, and was honored with an American Cancer Society (ACS) Professorship of Oncology Nursing from its Mid-Atlantic division. Alva Hutchinson, regional vice president of the ACS, recalled that Mock used her award to continue her research of exercise in reducing fatigue in women undergoing treatment for cancer. “She had 48 women in her study, and she found that simply walking reduced their fatigue and anxiety, made them feel stronger and more capable, reduced sleeping problems and improved their overall quality of life,” says Hutchinson. “She continued this work, and it led to changes in the counseling patients receive today.” In addition to her own research, Mock was instrumental in obtaining funding for many graduate nursing students for whom she served as an advisor. She not only personally advanced the field of nursing research,
improving the lives of countless patients, but furthered the effort by mentoring new investigators and launching new studies. Sharon Krumm, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator and Nursing Director at the Kimmel Cancer Center, worked closely with Mock and witnessed her positive influence on the nurses in the Cancer Center. Krumm says, “Vicki highly valued the work and insight of nurses at the bedside, and believed that the most important research arose from the questions that these nurses raised about clinical care. Vicki tirelessly gave of her time and knowledge to mentor and encourage nurses in their research efforts, publications, and professional presentations. Her extensive contributions to the field of oncology nursing research and oncology nursing practice will significantly influence patient care for many years to come.” ANNE JENNINGS KRUSH
Anne Jennings Krush was an unsung hero of cancer research. In 1967, Krush began her research career working alongside acclaimed cancer genetics expert Dr. Henry Lynch at Creighton University, a KRUSH renowned expert in familial predisposition to cancer. It was during this collaboration that Krush developed an interest in familial colorectal cancer syndromes. In 1973, she came to Johns Hopkins and working with Dr. Victor McKusick continued her study of hereditary colorectal cancer. At Hopkins, she served as Polyposis Registry Coordinator and was a force behind the formation of the Bowel Tumor Working Group, a multidisciplinary team focused on hereditary colon cancer. It was this interaction that initiated her collaboration with leading researchers in the field of cancer genetics, including Drs. Francis Giardiello, Bert Vogelstein,
Stanley Hamilton and Gloria Petersen. With painstaking attention to detail, she pieced together the medical histories of several hundred families, uncovering what would become the basis for the Cancer Center’s world-renowned discoveries of the genetic basis for hereditary colon cancer. Krush died last September at 93. NORMAN E. ROCKWELL
Norman Edwin Rockwell, who founded and headed Chesapeake Builders Corporation for 43 years, died of cancer last December. Rockwell lost his beloved wife to cancer in June 1983, and it was then that he conceived the idea for the Joanne Rockwell Memorial House, which he then built and donated to Johns Hopkins. The Rockwell House, built on Johns Hopkins property, is a 10-unit, residence that serves as a home away from home for cancer patients and families traveling to Johns Hopkins for treatment. Rockwell said the house was his proudest achievement. LOIS SALMON DUFFEY
Lois Duffey, the generous benefactor of the Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program, died last October at 96. More recently, her generosity brought to fruition the Harry J. Duffey Family Pain and Palliative Care Program, an idea that had long been in planning but was in need of funding. The Patient and Family Services Program provides education, counseling, spiritual guidance and other support services to patients and families. The new Pain and Palliative Care Program provides expert pain and symptom management for cancer patients. Duffey is described as a generous woman who always found ways to give back to her community. In addition to her gifts to the Kimmel Cancer Center, Duffey supported local charities and educational institutions near her home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Duffey loved horses and was the owner of Mr. Frisk, the 1990 winner of the Grand National Steeplechase in England.
Fall 2008 —Winter 2009 I PROMISE AND PROGRESS
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