Creating Victories
Douglas G. Stewart’s relationship with UVA Cancer Center began nearly two decades ago when he was first diagnosed with oral cancer. Recently, the two-time cancer survivor made philanthropic gifts to honor his UVA Cancer Care providers, Katherine Fedder, MD; Varinder Kaur, MD; Christopher McLaughlin, MD; and David Shonka, MD.
“I can’t say enough about my whole cancer team. If you don’t have confidence in your providers, that’s not great. I never had any concern—everybody from the nurses to the speech therapist only added to my confidence,” said Doug.
The successful financial adviser and proud father said that having cancer changed him: “It’s made me more appreciative of what I have and more compassionate. I want to help other patients who may not have the opportunities I do,” he said.
The Stewart Family Patient Fund will do just that—provide resources for cancer patients facing financial hardship to meet their non-medical needs, like having access to protein drinks after radiation therapy.
Doug said it haunts him knowing fellow patients with head, neck, or throat cancer may lack the kind of financial resources and support he had while battling the disease. “It’s very difficult to eat. And if you don’t have proper nourishment, you can’t heal. So, if a patient can’t afford a protein drink, and I see the need, shame on me for not helping that situation.”
In addition to the patient support fund, Doug created the Stewart Family Research Fund for Head and Neck Cancer to fuel the discovery of new treatments. He also created the Stewart Family Faculty Recruitment Fund, which helped the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery attract a leading expert to become its new chief of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Surgery. Thanks in part to Doug’s gift, the department successfully recruited Nicole Fowler, MD, to fill this role. Currently, Dr. Fowler is a head and neck surgical oncologist, a reconstruction specialist, and an associate professor at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. She is scheduled to begin at UVA Health in mid-August.
Doug is thrilled that he was able to support these efforts. “The greatest success for me is helping UVA Cancer Center find a world-class specialist who can build a team doing research in this area. I’m very proud to help create victories, and I’m glad that UVA has the prominence and stature to attract incredible researchers.”
GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY
When he was diagnosed with oral cancer about 17 years ago, Doug’s physician in Fredericksburg, VA, recommended he seek treatment at UVA Health under the care of Paul Levine, MD, who was then chair of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Doug said that he knew he was in good hands from the first moment he spoke to Dr. Levine. The two became friends, and years later, they remain close. Dr. Levine has since retired (he’s now an emeritus faculty member at UVA School of Medicine).
For 15 years, Doug was cancer-free. When the disease came back, he knew where to turn. “After my first experience at UVA Health, there was no way I was going anywhere else when it reoccurred,” he said.
According to the department’s current chair, Stephen Park, MD, who is the G. Slaughter Fitz-Hugh Professor and director of the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, “Having recurrent oral cavity cancer is fortunately not that common, but when it occurs, it can be devastating, especially emotionally,” he said.
Doug recalled contemplating the possible side effects of the new treatment and surgery he needed, which included not being able to talk or taste. Happily, he was able to speak very shortly after undergoing tongue reconstructive surgery.
“Everybody in the room was shocked,” he said.
Doug has also regained most of his sense of taste.
“We are so blessed to have a team of gifted head and neck surgeons who have given Mr. Stewart a third chance,” said Dr. Park. “His gratitude and gifts have enormous implications on many levels. It not only moves the needle for head and neck cancer care here at UVA but also floods the surgeons with a sense of purpose and reward after their hard work. His gifts will allow us to expand our research and clinical care for many years to come.”
Doug’s strength and generosity left a profound impression on his care team.
“Mr. Stewart had to go through chemotherapy and radiation following his surgery. I remember how he handled these tough treatments with grace and grit,” said Dr. Kaur.
Dr. Shonka added: “Mr. Stewart has battled two head and neck cancers with incredible determination and unshakable positivity. His gift to the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery will undoubtedly help countless patients afflicted by head and neck cancer in the future. He is an inspiration, and it is an honor to help participate in his care!”
Doug said he is grateful and in awe of UVA Cancer Center and his care team. “I really appreciate UVA Cancer Center and everything it’s done for me. It’s a blessing to have this organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are very, very lucky.”
Along with the expertise of his care team, Doug attributes his recovery to his faith. “My advice to people who’ve just gotten diagnosed is to rely on your faith—whether that’s your religion, your family, or something else. It helps to get you through.”