Accolades Pour in for Dr. Young

Cancer Prevention Pavilion & Endowed Chair to be Named in Honor of Robert C. Young, MD

Robert C. Young's announcement that he is stepping down as Fox Chase Cancer Center president was bittersweet for friends and staff. Celebrating his success as president merges with regret for his departure. A charismatic, passionate and gifted medical oncologist, Young offered 18 years of highly demanding service to Fox Chase.

Young led Fox Chase during a time of significant growth. His legacy includes the first comprehensive program of cancer prevention research, the Research Institute for Cancer Prevention, and a three-phase plan charting the future expansion of the institution. None of this will be forgotten thanks to some special honors coming Young's way. One of these is the naming of the The Cancer Prevention Pavilion in his name.

"Bob Young's vision of working toward a future free of cancer for our children and grandchildren gave him the commitment and drive to bring cancer prevention research to the forefront," says board chairman William J. Avery. "His nurturing of innovative ideas in cancer prevention while building on Fox Chase's long history of leadership in this field have provided tremendous opportunities and it is truly fitting that we honor him through the Robert C. Young Cancer Prevention Pavilion."

In addition, board member Margot Wallace Keith and her husband, Robert E. Keith Jr., of Newtown Square, Pa., will endow a new $1.5 million chair in Young's honor. Margot Keith, who has been active in several area arts and civic organizations, joined the Fox Chase board in 2001. Robert Keith is the managing general partner, president and CEO of TL Ventures and is also board chairman of Safeguard Scientifics and the Internet Capital Group, Inc.

The Robert C. Young, MD, Endowed Chair in Cancer Research will help stimulate innovative research leading to novel treatments, diagnostic and prevention techniques, the Keiths say.

A dedication for the building and chair will occur on June 21, following the annual board meeting.

For the last three and a half years, Young has guided the Center toward the launch of a $1 billion, 25-year growth plan. In 2006, Fox Chase opened a new diagnostic imaging facility and recently received approval to build a five-floor, 125,000-square-foot Cancer Research Pavilion, which will house the region's first Center for Women's Cancers.

But even after working seven days a week for the last 40 years, Young admits he is not ready for retirement. He plans to take only a six-month sabbatical.

"I'm not retiring," he says. "I have too much energy. My entire professional life has been devoted to cancer patients and to reducing the burden of cancer. My future plans will continue those interests."

Young is internationally known for his work in the treatment of lymphoma and ovarian cancer. He became president of Fox Chase in December 1988 after serving as chief of NCI's medicine branch and associate director of the NCI cancer centers and community oncology program. He is a past president of the American Cancer Society, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society.