Hollings Headlines // March 2023

Adriel Nutter and Ebony Holmes have a lot in common.

The South Carolina residents are both in their thirties, wives, and moms of two kids each.

They're also survivors of stage 4 colorectal cancer.

For most cancers, your risk increases as you age. But with colorectal cancer, there's been a disturbing trend of more younger adults being diagnosed – often at advanced stages.

Adriel and Ebony each shared what the diagnosis and treatment has been like for them, and the subtle signs that they recognized only in retrospect as likely cancer symptoms.

Only 12 surgeons from across the country were chosen for this year's cohort in the National Cancer Institute's Early-stage Surgeon Scientist Program – and Hollings' own Dr. Thomas Curran was one of them!

The NCI wants to encourage more surgeons to conduct research, and this program gives the selected doctors protected time, when they won't be expected to see patients or do administrative duties, to pursue their investigations.

Dr. Curran will investigate why guidelines for prescribing anticoagulants after certain cancer surgeries aren't well followed and how to change that.

Riding for Heather

Grief looks different for everyone.

For Aron Kuch, clipping his feet into the pedals, placing a helmet on his head and settling into the saddle of his bicycle has been part of what’s gotten him through.

That and talking about his wife, Heather, to honor her memory.

Kuch was the top fundraiser in 2022 for LOWVELO, an annual cycling event that raises money for cancer research at Hollings.

Registration for LOWVELO23 will open soon.

A Hollings team created a small molecule compound that stimulates natural killer cells to multiply and attack neuroblastoma.

“You take the immune cells, and they're in a state where they're just kind of hanging out, really not doing anything. And you're basically giving them a personal trainer. By the end of this transformation, you should have pumped-up immune cells. They should be ready to go and really packing a punch in terms of anti-cancer activity," says lead author Dr. Catherine Mills.

A big "thank you!" to the Hat Ladies of Charleston!

This group, which has been finding ways to give back to the community through donations to MUSC since 2004, recently established the Ruth Mazyck Hat Boutique at the Charleston Hope Lodge. The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge provides a "home away from home" for people undergoing cancer treatment.

The hat boutique, named after a founding member of the Hat Ladies and a long-time volunteer at the Hope Lodge, provides free, gently used hats to help residents to look good and feel good.

Displays were donated by Mary and Bubba Catoe in loving memory of Dr. Sandra Catoe and Earl Catoe.

Pictured are Hat Ladies, from left, Susie Robertson, Cherry Seabrook, Mimi Keenan, Archie Burkel, Liz Franchini.

WCSC: 'Head for the Cure' 5K returns to Charleston

WCIV: MUSC introduces new community health van

WCSC: MUSC's health van provides vaccines to protect against cancer

Everyday Health: A Black vet fights head and neck cancer with faith, family, and friends at his side

Cure: The invisible side effect of visible cancer survivorship

FOX Carolina: Prostate cancer the second leading cause of death among Black men, MUSC addressing disparities

March 14 - Blood Cancer Support Group

This support group is a collaboration between MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society focused on providing support, education and resources for patients and caregivers with a blood cancer diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. The group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To join, please register through LLS. For additional information, contact Kristin Farris at [email protected].

March 16 - Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Support Group

Meet with other head and neck cancer patients and caregivers in a supportive environment. This group meets in a hybrid format; you may join online or in person. 

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Group meets 5:30–6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. To attend online, register on Zoom. To attend in person in room 121 of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, RSVP to [email protected]. 

March 21 - Online Breast Cancer Support Group

Join us online for a monthly support group moderated by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center providers with expertise in the psychological experience of people with cancer. You can participate however you feel most comfortable: video on, video off, or call in. All options are available.

The group meets on Zoom the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. Register to receive a link. 

March 23 - Senior Expo

The MUSC Senior Expo, presented in partnership with the Trident Area Agency on Aging, is a chance for seniors and their families to learn about all the aging resources available in the Lowcountry.

Exhibitors will be on-site to offer complimentary health screenings including fall risk assessments, bone density and hearing screenings, and stroke education. The Expo will also feature live, interactive presentations throughout the day and resources will be available to help seniors and their families navigate everything from moving to financial planning.

All seniors, families, and caregivers are encouraged to attend this free event. Parking is available and shuttles will be offered. Visit https://bit.ly/muscseniorexpo for more information. 

March 25 - Pink in the Rink

Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness at the Stingrays' Annual Pink in the Rink game presented by MUSC Health. The first 1,000 fans will receive a pink rally towel courtesy of MUSC Health and parking is free.

March 30 - April 1 - Cooper River Bridge Run

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is honored to be one of the charity partners for this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run, coming up on April 1. As a beneficiary, we need volunteers to help with the expo and packet pickup March 30 and 31, as well as with the wave start for walkers on race day. Sign up here, and be sure to select the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center team. Thank you!

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Got news? We have outlets, from our news site to our video boards! We’d love to help promote your latest journal publications, grants, clinical advances, awards, events and patient stories. Please contact the Hollings communications team to share your news or if you have questions.