Page 5 - Spring 2018 Newsletter Final Digital

MEMORIES OF MARY WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The entire team at the Flint Animal Five years ago, Mary moved off the clinic Over the last four decades, many residents and fellows have graced our halls with their intelligence, dedication, and caring, often leaving
Cancer Center and the CSU James L. Voss floor to focus on helping clients as they deep and lasting impressions with our clients, who ask “where is____ now?” Here’s an update on three of our amazing “graduates”.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital were stunned navigated treatment. She offered a quiet, DR. LAURA SELMIC DR. MONIQUE MAYER DR. JIM PERRY
by the sudden loss of beloved colleague comforting voice of experience as she SURGICAL ONCOLOGY AND RESEARCH FELLOW RADIATION ONCOLOGY RESIDENT MEDICAL ONCOLOGY RESIDENT
and oncology nurse Mary Lafferty. Mary worked with families through scheduling 2010-2013 2002-2004 2008-2010
died in a tragic horseback accident on April appointments, obtaining medical records,
15, 2018. Those who knew her took some answering questions, and sometimes just After leaving CSU, I Following my Veterinary oncology
solace in the fact that she died doing what listening. accepted a faculty training with Dr. and oncology in
she loved. She was the resident champion of the position in soft Susan LaRue at the general are my
Mary began her career as a “bone nurse” Youth and Pet Survivors Program and a tissue and oncologic Flint Animal Cancer passions, which is
in 1990 after graduating from Bel-Rea member of their board of directors. (See surgery at the Center, I joined the why I was happy to
Institute of Animal Technology. Back then, sidebar for information.) University of faculty at the spend two years as
she worked closely with the cancer center’s Mary touched the hearts and lives of Illinois College of University of a resident at the
founding director and surgical oncologist, countless individuals, including surgical on- Veterinary Saskatchewan, Flint Animal Cancer
Dr. Steve Withrow. Most of their work cology fellows and residents. We received Medicine. During Western College of Center.
focused on osteosarcoma (bone cancer) an outpouring of communications from my time at Illinois, Veterinary Medicine. After graduation,
The YAPS program matches pediatric treatment and research for the benefit of former trainees after they learned of Mary’s I have enjoyed Today, I am a I worked in private
oncology patients with dogs and cats who people and pets. passing. Common themes emerged in the teaching students and house officers more professor in the Department of Small practice. During that time, I collaborated
have survived cancer to establish pen pal “With a wonderful sense of humor and messages “she taught us so much,” “she about the different aspects of surgical Animal Clinical Sciences at WCVM. During with human and comparative oncology
relationships. a huge heart, Mary kept us all grounded had a wonderful sense of humor,” “great oncology. In addition, I like helping our my tenure here, I have helped to develop researchers in the Seattle area.
in what mattered ... the patients and their smile,” “she was always so helpful and pa- patients and clients make good decisions our radiation oncology program. The pro- Currently, I am an assistant professor
families,” said Withrow. “Mary was a true tient,” “she was tiny in stature, but towered and navigate surgical cancer treatment. In gram includes radiation therapy services of medical and surgical oncology at the
YAPS Program Links and trusted friend and colleague. Thou- over us in many ways.” July, I will be leaving my position at Illinois for and teaching. It also involves collaborative comprehensive cancer center at the
Mary was an animal lover and a passion-
Kids & Pets with Cancer sands of pets and people are beneficiaries ate horsewoman. She frequented local rid- a faculty position in surgical oncology at The research with other WCVM scientists and University of Pennsylvania. In this posi-
of Mary’s devotion to her life’s work. She
with human medicine researchers at the
Ohio State University.
tion, I collaborate with a vast network of
has now ‘retired’ to a bigger calling and is ing trails so much that park rangers knew I have many fond memories of my time University of Saskatchewan’s College of expert researchers and clinicians (both
The Flint Animal Cancer Center is proud to sorely missed.” her well. She was also a sister, a mother, a
partner with the Youth and Pet Survivors As the cancer center grew from 20 grandmother, and a dear friend. at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. There Medicine, at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, medical and veterinary), which I find
and at other oncology centers in North
are so many great people creating such
incredibly exciting.
Program. YAPS is a pen pal program that members to today’s staff of 100, Mary’s role “Each of us grieves not only at the pass- a great atmosphere that surrounds the America. The FACC provided me with a valuable
matches pediatric oncology patients with dogs changed and evolved. Over the years, she ing of a tremendous individual, but also for center. Everyone cares so much about the I love that my job gives me the opportu- foundation and perspective in veterinary
and cats who have survived cancer or other served as a nurse, supported oncology the loss her family and friends suffer,” said shared patients, clients, colleagues, and nity to continue to learn. I still look to the oncology that has shaped my career and
serious medical conditions. Children and pets clinical studies, maintained patient records Dr. Rod Page, director, Flint Animal Cancer research. I look forward to bringing what Flint Animal Cancer Center for guidance on life. The camaraderie among the FACC
(via their owners) establish relationships and and databases, and so much more. She Center. “She will be profoundly missed by I’ve learned from all of my experiences to the best cancer treatments available based faculty, and especially the staff, was one
communicate through letter writing. also co-authored 17 publications, a unique everyone whose lives she touched.” my new position at OSU. on evidence from their clinics. of a kind.
accomplishment for a veterinary nurse.
This allows children (ages 7 to 18) the Mary was one of a kind.
unique opportunity to share feelings about DINNER IN WHITE EVENT TO BENEFIT ONE CURE
having cancer with a safe, unconditionally
loving animal. YAPS child participants report Inspired by Diner Blanc held annually in For the first time, the event will be held
enhanced well-being; YAPS pet owners report Paris, Dinner in White balances the right in two locations: Denver and Fort Collins,
a sense of contribution knowing that their pet’s mix of philanthropy, fellowship, and fun. Colo. This exclusive event also has a unique
illness can make a difference in a child’s life. Organized by the University of Colorado twist. Both outdoor locations will remain a
Cancer Center, the popular annual event secret until the day of the event, when all
The mission of YAPS is to facilitate healing, fun, raises funding for cancer research. paid guests will be notified of the venue
and creative relationships between animals In 2018, the CU Cancer Center has gen- via email and social media. Like Diner
and humans by connecting children with cancer erously offered to dedicate the stage to Blanc in Paris, guests dress in all white and
to animal cancer survivors. The program has comparative oncology research to help assemble for Colorado’s biggest “pop-up
met with tremendous success, with more than both pets and people. All net proceeds party” of the year.
100 child and animal families participating in from this year’s event will benefit CSU’s Sponsorship opportunities are available.
YAPS since it began in 2001. Flint Animal Cancer Center’s One Cure Contact Dr. Christine Hardy for details,
initiative to fund comparative oncology christine.hardy@colostate.edu. To learn
clinical trials and other research. more or purchase tickets for this intriguing
For more information, please visit event, please visit www.dinnerinwhite.com.
www. youthandpetsurvivors.org.

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