by Mary Erskine What began as a simple freckle ended up costing one man his life and his family a life without him. But despite the devastating outcome, Linda Murray and her daughter, Emily Murray, have found a way to … Continued
Donors Vaughn and Nancy Bryson have funded a new program for research and treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses at the UNC School of Medicine and will name the program in honor of Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD, Bryson Distinguished Professor in Pediatrics. Longtime … Continued
As December winds down, the historic and record-breaking Campaign for Carolina might be expected to coast to a close. Instead, our amazing donors continue to give in diverse and impactful ways, making the year’s end a final sprint for the … Continued
Since receiving a stage IV cancer diagnosis in 2019, it’s an understatement to say that Jennifer Kroll has experienced ups and downs. But through every aspect of her journey one idea was constant: Jennifer wanted to lift. As an avid … Continued
Family of former cancer patient continues to raise funds at Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival to help families of pediatric cancer patients at UNC Project-Malawi California’s Bay Area boasts one of the more vibrant music scenes in our country. … Continued
On Saturday, October 8, UNC’s swimming and diving teams hosted Swim Across America at Koury Natatorium. Relay teams of all ages and skill levels swam for 60 minutes as part of a charity swim to benefit UNC Lineberger’s Adolescent and … Continued
For Deven Patel and Vinay Chaudhry, MD, what began as a professional relationship built around a shared background as well as shared values has blossomed into a friendship that helped motivate a generous show of support for the UNC Department … Continued
UNC Children’s recently held a dedication for the Reelin’ for Research Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic. Established in 2009 in memory of Tony Montana, Reelin’ for Research has raised millions for pediatric cancer research at UNC. The group presented a check … Continued
Breast cancer is a known enemy in Peggy Morrell’s family. It’s the devil they knew, until they didn’t. When Morrell’s daughter, Tracey Roberson, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, it brought with it a change in outcome, a deviation … Continued
Transformational gift seeks to reduce the morbidity and mortality of suicide in patients seen across the UNC Health system and beyond. Please note that this article includes discussion of issues related to mental health and suicide. CHAPEL HILL — William … Continued
Third-annual event raises funds and support for women’s cancer experts at UNC Lineberger. Lisa Milligan once dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. While she never reached the highest levels of the sport, her love and passion for golf has never … Continued
In the fall of 2021, following the loss of his partner of nearly five decades, Bob Miesionczek decided to make a gift to honor his wife Kathleen’s life and generous spirit. His initial idea of a flower garden at UNC … Continued
UNC School of Medicine’s Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program aims to bring more primary care physicians to rural and urban areas in North Carolina by exposing medical students to what primary care looks like in underserved communities and inspiring … Continued
Despite the ongoing challenges facing all aspects of healthcare in North Carolina and around the world, donors, friends and alumni have continued to support the mission of UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine with overwhelming enthusiasm. For the … Continued
Now entering its 11th year, the Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program gives medical students diverse training experiences in rural and urban areas of the state. With primary care shortages in all rural North Carolina counties, the program’s goal is … Continued
In June, the UNC Family Medicine Center lobby in Chapel Hill was renamed “The Longiotti Family Lobby” in recognition of a generous gift from Mr. Samuel Longiotti to honor his father, Nazzareno Longiotti. This gift’s endowment will strive to honor … Continued
A beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Marshall Insley lost his two-year battle with colon cancer last October. Marshall’s quiet strength, loyalty and easy smile will be missed by all who knew him, but certainly never forgotten. In honor … Continued
UNC Children’s has been ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals 2021-2022, released in June. UNC Children’s is nationally ranked in seven pediatric subspecialties, including 16th in the nation for … Continued
by Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Since it was established in 1994, the Rex Hospital Open has been a highlight of the Triangle sports calendar and a consistent source of financial support for the patients, programs and services at UNC … Continued
At the end of June, Georgette Dent, MD, will retire as Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the UNC School of Medicine. In her 24 years in this role, Dr. Dent has mentored and inspired countless medical students. Her enthusiasm … Continued
Tom and Nancy Chewning have experienced cancer on a personal level, helping their daughter through a bout with breast cancer, as well as other family members and friends that have had the disease. They relied on UNC Lineberger for their … Continued
UNC roots run deep in many families, but one UNC School of Medicine family has a unique connection to the institution, boasting three generations of physicians – all women – who received their medical education at UNC. Marianne Bonanno, MD … Continued
For the next three years, a part-time music therapist will work with patients at UNC Children’s, thanks to the generosity of two families. The Schmonsees and Reed families of Chapel Hill have combined gifts to support this three-year position. “At … Continued
For Tracy Carroll, MSN, RN, and nursing director at UNC Hospitals, caring for patients across the continuum of care is a hallmark of Carolina Care. Caring holistically for patients means understanding what each individual really needs to become healthy. For … Continued
Fast. Stunning. Amazing. A miracle. Those are just a few of the words Mella Pool uses to describe her experience in 2020, when a genetic condition led to the sudden need for a liver transplant. After feeling sick and visiting … Continued
The Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program honored its current students and celebrated 10 years of serving rural and urban communities across North Carolina with a reception Tuesday evening at the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Cristy Page, MD, … Continued
For four years, students at the UNC School of Medicine have worked toward Match Day — the day they learn where they will work as resident physicians for the next several years, honing their specialized medical skills. On March 18, … Continued
With a successful medical career in the North Carolina mountains behind him, Frank Moretz, MD ’75, isn’t resting on his laurels. His legacy gift aims to build the medical pipeline and close the care gap in western North Carolina (WNC). … Continued
New Partnership Expands Reach UNC Rex Healthcare has served the people of Wake County and the surrounding area for more than 125 years, offering expert care and a commitment to meeting the community’s needs for generations. And for more than … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation It was a particularly long and cold midwestern winter that brought Ginny and Doug Ware to North Carolina. Visiting the state during a college tour with their daughter, the Indiana natives made the decision … Continued
Kathleen “Kathy” Swendiman’s career spanned 40 years in the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress. Now, the library at N.C. Children’s Hospital will forever reflect her love of books and learning through the Kathy’s Korner Library Endowment. Alan Swendiman’s … Continued
Our commitment to a mission of service here in North Carolina and around the world is only sustainable thanks to your enthusiastic partnership and ongoing support. Enjoy these stories of impact from a record-setting year. Download a PDF version of … Continued
Crowdfunding uses the power of social networking and the internet to impact causes that people care about. For the UNC wrestling team, helping patients and families who get treatment at UNC Children’s is a cause they care about, with crowdfunding … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Research evolves quickly and does not always follow a grand plan. For Aadra Bhatt, this flexibility led to finding her career passion. An assistant professor in UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology and … Continued
Six years ago, Beth Silverstein took charge of her destiny. After consulting with an interdisciplinary team from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Charlotte resident decided to have a bilateral mastectomy on Feb. 3, 2015, and a Salpingo-oophorectomy to remove … Continued
For Debra Bynum, MD, her position as director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UNC School of Medicine is deeply personal. Originally hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina, and being the first in her family to finish high school, lifelong … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Celia Mizelle has never experienced “normal” medical school. The first-year Lucius Blanchard Carolina Family Scholarship recipient from Chapel Hill came to the UNC School of Medicine last fall after spending a year working and … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as increasing numbers of patients dealing with acute infections were being treated across the UNC Health system, doctors in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine and … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Thanks to the advocacy of a Carolina alumnus, UNC Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund has surpassed $2 million in gifts less than one year after its introduction. UnitedHealthcare has donated $50,000 to support UNC … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine’s top physicians and researchers have worked tirelessly to find answers, notably through vaccine research and therapeutic development. While these discoveries have brought … Continued
By Claudis Polk, O’Rese Knight, Neva Howard and Beat Steiner We want to share with you an exciting and powerful innovation aimed at narrowing persistent and severe health disparities in our state and in our country. In 1969, students started … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation It was a happy coincidence in the midst of tragedy that brought Dr. Tracy Manuck and her team into the lives of Mike and Holly Overman. Born and raised in Virginia, the Overmans found … Continued
Blossom Damania, PhD, is Vice Dean for Research in the UNC School of Medicine and the Boshamer Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. How did the Moderna trials come to be at UNC Health? UNC School … Continued
Grateful is an understatement for how we feel after the generosity we witnessed on Tar Heal Tuesday. We called you to come together and you did, raising over $200,000 for initiatives across UNC Health! From COVID-19 relief to cancer care and … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation In the midst of a public health crisis centered around a virus that attacks the lungs, asthma continues to be of great concern to Stephen Tilley, MD, and his team. A life-long Tar Heel … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation “Healing doesn’t start with your hands in the clinic or your head in the classroom – it starts with your heart in the community.” Claudis Polk, Director of Scholastic Enrichment and Equity at UNC … Continued
UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally hosted the 2020 Ladies Virtual Football Clinic online this August, raising more than $12,000 for the “Say Yes” fund, benefitting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Coach Brown spoke about … Continued
The UNC Children’s fundraising campaign for the UNC Hospital School’s reached its goal of raising more than $25,000 to purchase iPads and school project kits, which have become essential in continuing the school’s mission of educating patients during the pandemic. … Continued
Game Changers is back and better than ever! Game Changers is a virtual series of conversations with the expert physicians, researchers and faculty who make UNC Health a global leader in the fight to keep us all healthy and safe. … Continued
By Bobby Hundley Christian Lawrence, MD, is a difference maker. A former chief resident who now serves as a pediatric hospitalist at the UNC Medical Center, Lawrence spent his formative years as a doctor taking on a critical problem for … Continued
UNC Health has promoted Crystal Wiley Cené, MD, MPH, FAHA, into a new role as System Executive Director for Health Equity. With funding from UNC Health Foundation, Dr. Cené will lead a multidisciplinary and collaborative effort to address the structures, … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation For millions across the nation, summer means sunshine, cookouts and outdoor activities (from a safe distance, of course). However, increased time spent outdoors means potential exposure to bites from harmful insects such as ticks. … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering health care philanthropy UNC Health Foundation Newsletter | MARCH 2020 A Community Effort: Bringing Maternity Care Back to Chatham County Maternity care units in rural hospitals are closing at unprecedented rates, placing thousands of mothers … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | February 2020 UNC Medicine Annual Report Fiscal year 2019 was a record-shattering year for UNC Medicine thanks to supporters like you. Check out our annual report to learn more … Continued
By Bobby Hundley Ian Ferguson has never lived a conventional life. The oldest of five children, Ferguson was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 15, well beyond the usual time frame for identifying the disease. Despite this potentially … Continued
By Katie Nash Each year, approximately 500,000 births involve mothers living in rural areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, maternity care units in rural hospitals across the United States are closing at unprecedented rates. These … Continued
An accomplished physician himself, UNC School of Medicine alumnus Dr. William Nebel knows a good doctor when he sees one. And he says Dr. Amy Shaheen, his internist of more than a decade, fits the bill as “what a real … Continued
On February 22, 2020, Dr. Paula Miller, UNC School of Medicine professor and director of the UNC Women’s Heart Program, will lead UNC’s sixth annual Women’s Heart Symposium. This free event provides hundreds of women with knowledge and resources designed … Continued
Fiscal Year 2019 was a record-shattering year for UNC Medicine thanks to supporters like you. Click here to check out our annual report and learn more about the transformational philanthropy that made it all possible!
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | January 2020 Helping Women and Children Thrive UNC Horizons’ unique model of care works to end the intergenerational effects of substance abuse, helping mothers build a new life for … Continued
As the oldest student-run free health clinic in the United States, UNC School of Medicine’s Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) exemplifies the great things that happen when students, faculty, and alumni come together to improve the health of the North … Continued
If one thing is clear from speaking with Steven Mozian’s parents and sister, it is that this son and brother made the most out of his short, 33-year life. Steven had a contagious laugh and a quick wit — two … Continued
On December 18, North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper and her daughter Natalie came to visit the NC Children’s Hospital. Patients and their families were thrilled to meet her and open presents. Being in the hospital during the holidays, even … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | DECEMBER 2019 An Evening Celebrating Philanthropy UNC Medicine held one of our largest events of the year to say “thank you” to our supporters. As we enter the holiday … Continued
On November 24th, Fly Guy Disc Golf sponsored a disc golf tournament that raised over $2,000 for the UNC Children’s NICU. 104 players showed up on a brisk morning to play and support the cause. Robert Leonard, an avid … Continued
On November 14, UNC Medicine held one of our largest events of the year to say “thank you” to our amazing supporters. As we enter the holiday season of gratitude, we are ever thankful for the philanthropic generosity from each … Continued
Tomma and Bob Hargraves started their UNC journey in 1996 as “parents of a Carolina boy.” It was that same Carolina boy, now a physician in Georgia, who sent Tomma back to UNC 10 years later when she was diagnosed … Continued
As director of the UNC Food Allergy Initiative and medical director of the UNC Allergy & Immunology Clinic, Dr. Edwin Kim treats children and adults living with a range of food allergies, and it is this hands-on work that informs … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | NOVEMBER 2019 Closing the Gap in Men’s Health Through one of the first comprehensive men’s health programs in the U.S., UNC Medicine supporters and physicians are working to change the … Continued
By Katie Nash Each November, men across the country grow out beards and mustaches for “Movember” to bring awareness to an issue not frequently receiving the attention it deserves: men’s health. Statistics show that men live an average of … Continued
Cynthia Powell, MD, Professor in the Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism, has dedicated her career to the improvement and implementation of advanced newborn screenings to identify rare diseases. In the U.S., the term “rare disease” applies to treatable conditions … Continued
One in three Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Or, UNC Diabetes Care Center founder and director John Buse puts it, “Anyone who is reading this article needs to look to the right and the left. One of those … Continued
Every year since 1963, UNC Hospitals Volunteer Association has sponsored a North Carolina High School Health Career Symposium in Carrington Hall, the School of Nursing. This year the focus was on Neonatology, the care of premature and ill infants. Over … Continued
10/14/2019 Thanks to a $25,000 grant from Prolacta Bioscience Foundation, the UNC Children’s NICU nurses are being provided more resources for breastfeeding mothers. On October 14th, a training session took place for our NICU nurses, funded by Prolacta Bioscience Foundation. … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | OCTOBER 2019 Anita’s Next Adventure: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Inspiration October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We caught up with breast cancer survivor and world traveler Anita McAllister on … Continued
In February 2019, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center profiled inspirational breast cancer survivor Anita McAllister here. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we caught up with Anita to chat about her continued journey as a survivor and … Continued
In her 19 years at UNC, Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody has accomplished a lot. She is the founder and Director of the UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Program at the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. She is the Ray M. Hayworth and … Continued
Autoimmune diseases are the third most common category of disease in the United States after cancer and heart disease, although they do not receive as much attention or awareness. Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack normal tissues in … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | SEPTEMBER 2019 Innovative Approaches: UNC’s Dementia-Friendly Hospital Initiative Nearly six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and this number is growing. Learn how the UNC Center … Continued
When Dr. Beat Steiner, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Student Education at the UNC School of Medicine, welcomed students to campus this summer, he set the tone for their upcoming year of medical education. Dr. Steiner welcomed the MS1s and … Continued
When Dr. John Gilmore and his colleagues launched the UNC Early Brain Development Study 20 years ago, they were seeking to understand abnormalities of early brain development in children at high risk for schizophrenia. This focus on the brain development … Continued
North Carolina is not unlike the rest of the country when it comes to trends of increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Nearly six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease; by 2050, the number will jump to … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | AUGUST 2019 UNC Medicine: Who We Are Learn more about UNC Medicine and how we work together with UNC Hospitals, UNC School of Medicine, and your favorite areas across medicine like … Continued
As a pain physician, Dr. Brooke Chidgey is on the front lines of North Carolina’s opioid crisis. She sees the addiction and misuse that have defined these prescription drugs. At the same time, she sees patients who rely on opioid … Continued
At UNC Medicine, we get many questions about who we are and what exactly it is that we do. Between UNC Medicine, UNC Hospitals, and UNC School of Medicine, we know that this jumble of brands can quickly become confusing. … Continued
When PhD candidate Natalie Hewitt Valentin is not conducting research on G proteins in the Department of Pharmacology’s Dohlman Lab, she is running a K through 12 science education outreach program, teaching biology at Durham Technical Community College, and serving … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter July 2, 2019 FEATURED STORY: When Music Meets Medicine Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist Porter Robinson and UNC’s Dr. Kate Westmoreland teamed up in a major way to support pediatric cancer research in Malawi. Read more. In celebration … Continued
Grammy-nominated musician, record producer, and Chapel Hill native Porter Robinson first met pediatric oncologist Dr. Kate Westmoreland in November 2016, when Porter’s younger brother Mark came into Dr. Westmoreland’s care at UNC Hospitals. Three years later, they have raised more … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter June 5, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We power philanthropy to support the highest quality clinical care, life-changing research, and … Continued
In 2018 and 2019, UNC School of Medicine’s Dr. Ed Kernick received the highly distinguished “Professor Award” at graduation. This award, selected by the senior class, is given in recognition of a faculty member who, by his or her willingness, understanding … Continued
Bill and Nancy Graham of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have donated $1 million to support breast cancer research and care at UNC Lineberger. The Grahams established the Bill and Nancy Graham Breast Cancer Research Fund to provide the cancer center’s … Continued
One of the first things you notice when meeting Dr. Deanna Sasaki-Adams is that she cares deeply about her patients. Her face lights up when she talks about aneurysm patients like Kaylan King, the young patient for whom she secured … Continued
MOREHEAD CITY, NC — The 11th annual Reelin’ for Research fishing tournament raised $605,000 for pediatric oncology research at UNC Children’s Hospital. The one-day event took place on Saturday, May 4, 2019, where fishing enthusiasts across North Carolina went fishing … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter May 2, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We power philanthropy to support the highest quality clinical care, life-changing research, … Continued
Listening to Samantha “Sam” Giugliano Robin and Dr. Ted Kerner talk with one another, you would think they have known each other for the better part of a decade. In fact, they met less than three years ago, when Sam received … Continued
Each year during National Nurses Week, we celebrate the important role nurses play in healthcare. We are particularly proud of and grateful for the team of nurses at UNC Hospitals. Whether through personal pursuit of professional development or collective efforts … Continued
Twelve hours after Jenna’s daughter was born, she learned her husband had a job opportunity that would move their family from Minnesota to Raleigh. Another 12 hours later, their daughter Colette did not pass her hearing test. The physicians said … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter April 3, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, … Continued
In 1972 when Dr. Eric Schopler launched the University of North Carolina TEACCH® Autism Program, he set UNC on a trajectory as a national and international leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder research and services. Forty-three years later, and now under … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter March 7, 2019 FEATURED STORY: New UNC Medicine Website! It is launch day! Visit our new website uncmedicine.org and be sure to enter our drawing for a Yeti cooler and two Southern Season gift baskets by participating … Continued
