Paul Tagliabue, Mark Decker
Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is a teaching, outreach, and advanced treatment research facility named for Vincent T. Lombardi, the former Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins coach who was treated for the disease back in the early ’70s at Georgetown University Hospital.
“Coach Lombardi was all about champions,” said Howard Adler. “The real all-stars are the ones who work at one of the most preeminent cancer-fighting institutions in the United States.”
A few of the 850 guests included founding director Dr. John R. Potter and the Lombardi Center’s current director, Dr. Louis M. Weiner, as well as leaders of the medical, financial, and social communities. “We can’t combat cancer without your support and service,” Weiner said.
A high point of the evening was the recognition of Molly and Mark Decker’s commitment of time, energy, and financial resources to the center by granting the Deckers the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, named for the gala’s founder.
Margaret Hodges kicked off her remarks giving high praise for the center’s treatment of her late husband, Walter Hodges, and because she knew that additional funding was needed. So far her efforts have raised $16 million through the gala.
Walter Hodges was the developer of Fairlington, the sprawling Alexandria, Va. tract originally ordered to be built by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to house WWII workers in the the war effort. He also oversaw the post-war restructuring into today’s seven villages under the Fairlington banner, home to many of the area’s military.
Margaret Hodges was joined at the dinner by her son, Dr. Walter Hodges Jr., and daughter Laurie Hodges Lapeyre.
And what about that snazzy red Lexus convertible from Washington Area Lexus Dealers? Delighted Alexandria resident Emmanuel Salizi won it for his $100 ticket, and there’s a poignant story connecting it with another happy guest at the gala.
When Suseel Kanagaratnam was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer and given an estimated six months to live, he told his boss, manager Garry Whipkey at Pohanka Lexus, that he’d not be returning to work. As the company had been involved with Lombardi for seven years, Whipkey urged him to get a second opinion there.
Because Lombardi is a National Cancer Institute-designated center, Kanagaratman had access to the most advanced treatments, including a cancer vaccine still in clinical trials.
After chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, he was enrolled in the vaccine study, hoping to boost his immune system. That’s just what happened, and a joyous Kanagaratnam was among other cancer survivors at the gala, along with his grateful family, Lexus co-workers, and friends.
HIGH PROFILE ATTENDEES: Carol and Climis Lascaris, Dr. Milton Corn and Gilan Tocco Corn, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donahue and City Councilman Jack Evans, Pohanka Lexus General Manager Garry O. Whipkey, Dykema’s Payson Peabody, Realtor Gregg Zeiler, Ralph Lauren General Manager Jeff Kesler, Dutko Worldwide’s Anna Kimsey, Patton & Boggs’ Kathryn Minor, Amore Marketing’s Lisa Amore, Washington Sports Entertainment’s Keri Ann Meslar, First Financial Services’ Jennifer Murawski, and CACI’s Tate Yost.
