Touched by Cancer, a Family Rallies to Endow Chair at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Edmund M. Dunn (far right) and his wife, Gloria, established the Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology. First to hold the chair was Melvyn Goldberg, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, (far left) recently retired vice chairman of surgical oncology and chief of thoracic surgical oncology. Also pictured is Monica Morrow, MD, FACS, chair of surgical oncology.

Edmund M. Dunn described the May 14 celebration of his generous endowment to Fox Chase Cancer Center as a "bittersweet occasion."

During a special reception, Dunn and his family gathered to mark the establishment of the Gloria and Edmund M. Dunn Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology.

Dunn visibly struggled with conflicting emotions, both joy for initiating the endowment and sadness for the absence of his wife, Gloria, who died of lung cancer in 2005.

Grateful for the dedicated treatment Gloria received at Fox Chase, the Dunns wanted to support groundbreaking discoveries in lung cancer research and treatment. Edmund and Gloria worked with the institutional advancement staff and determined that founding an endowed chair would be the most appropriate way to make a difference.

"Endowed chairs are the single most meaningful contribution to an institution," said Melvyn Goldberg, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, recently retired vice chairman of surgical oncology, chief of thoracic surgical oncology and first holder of the Dunn's endowed chair. "[We] can use these funds to enhance clinical research in lung cancer."

For Dunn, chief executive officer of Mutual Industries, Inc. in Philadelphia, the endowed chair is an act of faith that Fox Chase will continue its excellence in treatment and research.

"After the initial shock of diagnosis, the care, compassion, sensitivity and ability that followed at Fox Chase was outstanding," said Dunn. He offered special acknowledgement to Gloria's treatment team, including the nurses, Corey Langer, MD, director of thoracic and head and neck medical oncology, Earl King, MD, director of pulmonary services and Walter J. Scott, MD, FACS, Gloria's thoracic surgeon.

Walter J. Scott, MD, FACS, is the new chief of thoracic surgery and current holder of the Gloria and Edmund M. Dunn Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology.

Unable to attend the recent event, Scott videotaped his remarks, which were played at the tea for the Dunn family.

"I witnessed the love between Ed and Gloria immediately," said Scott. "Ed was always a great source of strength and was devoted to Gloria. Every day, he listened carefully and observed closely. And Gloria remained elegant and poised."

Upon Goldberg's recent retirement, Scott was promoted to chief of thoracic surgery and awarded the endowed chair because of his remarkable contributions to the field.

It is normal for family members to seek information about a loved one's cancer, Scott explained, but Dunn took this many steps further and became knowledgeable about lung cancer, taking a particular interest in molecular biology and the chemotherapy drug Avastin. His persistence allowed the husband and wife to make informed decisions that prolonged Gloria's life.

Gloria was committed to understanding her cancer and to finding better ways to treat people with lung cancer. It was her decision to endow the chair to Fox Chase in tribute to her clinicians.

"Dr. Goldberg was an obvious first chair holder as his accomplishments in the field of thoracic surgical oncology have been acknowledged by all," Dunn stated.

"Holding an endowed chair is the highest honor of a professional career," noted Goldberg. "It is so important because it is permanent. I can ensure that it will be a respected post with an enduring commitment from all that will hold this chair."

When asked what he hoped his gift would accomplish, Dunn replied simply, but with tangible emotion, "eventually a cure for lung cancer."