First Amey Distinguished Professorship Conferred to Dr. Aziza Shad

In December 2002, the Amey Family learned that ten year-old Kara had a brain tumor. Prior to becoming a patient of Dr. Aziza Shad, Kara endured four surgeries, six weeks of radiation to the brain and spine; followed by month after month of grueling chemotherapy rounds. Kara was in severe pain every day; she lost 22 pounds and received nutrition from a chest catheter. She experienced such serious and toxic side effects from the drugs that she could no longer stand properly and her limbs were losing function. She was literally two weeks away from spending her life in a wheelchair.

At this point, the Amey family turned to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCC) at Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Aziza Shad led a team of physicians who quickly evaluated Kara’s situation and recommended a different course of treatment. In the next weeks and months, the changes in Kara were remarkable. She regained her limb function. She gained weight. Daily pain

The Amey Family– Deborah, Kara and Scott with Dr. Aziza Shad (second from right) at the presentation of The Amey Distinguished Professorship.

disappeared. She could not only walk again, but run! She returned to school full-time. Most importantly, since being treated by Dr. Shad at Georgetown, she has been in total remission for over two years.

In gratitude for the compassionate, life-saving care that Kara received, the Ameys established The Amey Distinguished Professorship in Neuro-Oncology and Childhood Cancer. The professorship will be used to advance much needed research, treatment and care for children afflicted with cancer and will provide support for a leadership faculty position in neurooncology and childhood cancers in perpetuity.

Dr. Aziza Shad, Director of the Division, was installed into the professorship this past spring. “Professionally, that is the ultimate honor for an academician”, said Dr. Shad upon receiving this distinction. “It ensures the future and reputation of the Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology forever. This division will, from now on, be able to attract and retain the highest quality clinical and research oncologists to the position of Division Chief – because this endowed Professorship brings clout and respect to that position. Personally, the most meaningful thing about the Professorship is that it was given to me by the family of a child whose care I participated in. There is no greater reward for a physician than to be recognized by the family of a child you have treated.”

(excerpted from Lombardi Magazine)

To find out more information on how you can support Dr. Shad’s extraordinary work battling childhood cancers, please contact Timothy J. Mooney at 202.444.0075.