|
|
Diane Atwood |
|
To look at Diane Atwood, you would never know that she has overcome a major medical hurdle. The 51-year-old director of the Atwood Foundation, a family holding company, who previously underwent a double prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction, is vibrant and awaiting her next adventure.
“I’m very athletic and I think I look great and can be an example for other people who may be going through something like this,” says Atwood.
Because of the care both she and her mother, who died of ovarian cancer, received at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Diane and her husband Paul Reilly, Jr. donated $150,000 to support the work of Ernst Lengyel, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tony Kossiakoff, PhD, Chairman of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Joseph Piccirilli, PhD, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry.
Located in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science, the three will collaborate between their departments to understand the biology of ovarian cancer growth and dissemination, and to explore the use of novel drugs for its treatment.
Ovarian cancer among top cause of death for women
Of all gynecologic tumors, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. When Diane’s mother, Patricia Atwood, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer more than 30 years ago, she was treated by Arthur Herbst, MD, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who has since retired.
“Dr. Herbst was an excellent physician and took wonderful care of my mother,” Diane recalls. Shortly after her 50th birthday, Diane’s mother lost her battle with ovarian cancer, like two thirds of all patients who are diagnosed with the disease.
Disturbed by the possibility that she too could develop cancer due to her genetic makeup, Diane began researching a breast cancer gene known as “BRCA1 gene” following the birth of her two children. This gene plays a role in maintaining the stability of a cell’s genetic information and is also linked to ovarian cancer.
With Herbst, who was also Diane’s physician, she began genetic testing and learned that she was, in fact, BRCA1 positive. With this information, she decided on a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and the removal of both ovaries.
In addition to Herbst, Diane was also treated by two other University of Chicago physicians, Mitch Posner, MD, Professor and Section Chief of General Surgery, and Lawrence Gottlieb, MD, Professor of Surgery.
“I came away from that whole process renewed,” Diane says. “For me it was saying, ‘I’m going to take control of this and I’m going to live the life that my mother and grandmother, who died of breast cancer, never had a chance to live.’ It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Extended relationship with the Medical Center
At the encouragement of Dr. Herbst, Diane has continued her relationship with the Medical Center as a member of the Visiting Committee. “I’ve always been interested in medicine and I’m excited about genetic research,” Diane says. “And I think Jim Madara (Chief Executive Officer, University of Chicago Medical Center, and Dean, Division of the Biological Sciences) is a fantastic leader of our group.”
Rodney L. Goldstein, Vice Chair of the UCMC Board of Trustees, has known Diane and Paul for over 20 years. “Their consistent support of cancer research at the University and Medical Center is a testament both to Diane’s commitment to helping advance medical solutions, and to the important personal relationships that she and Paul have built through first-hand experience.”
Aside from serving as a Visiting Committee member, Diane and her husband have hosted dinners at their home as a way of introducing others to the research that takes place at the University. “I feel the dinners are a jewel, as people often don’t know the depth of what’s going on here. This gives them a chance to hear about the research as well as an opportunity to meet some of the researchers,” Atwood says.
Additionally, it allows both Diane and Paul to express their gratitude to the Medical Center team. “My husband and I decided to give back to the place that has given so much to me and we’re really happy to be doing it.”
For more information on cancer programs at the University of Chicago, contact Stephanie Dahl at 773-834-4726.
|
