UAB: Comprehensive Cancer Center

July 22, 2011

Edward E. Partridge, M.D., director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and president of the American Cancer Society Inc., announced a philanthropic effort to honor the late James Hayes, a Brewton native who passed away in 2008 after a courageous battle against colon cancer.

At a reception June 15, 2011, in the home of Sandra Weaver of Brewton, hosted by Hayes’ wife Ann and sister Margaret Brunstad of Birmingham, Partridge introduced an initiative to advance gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and patient care to the 40 guests.

By raising $5.5 million, the Cancer Center hopes to expand the team of experts and accelerate scientific discovery leading to better treatments and earlier detection methods. The first phase will raise $1.5 million to establish an endowed chair in memory of Hayes, who was an integral part of the Cancer Center.

Hayes joined the Cancer Center Supporters Board in 1988 and was its president from 1994 to 1996; Ann Hayes joined in 2002 and continues to serve. Throughout his years, Hayes passionately encouraged others to become involved and contribute to advance scientific understanding of the disease. The Hayes family has made a lead gift for the endowed chair.

“The James P. Hayes Jr. Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Oncology will be a lasting tribute to Jim and his tireless advocacy for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s efforts to discover a cure for this disease, which affected him personally and also has touched many of his fellow Alabamians,” said Partridge. GI cancers are particularly difficult and require a series of complex and coordinated treatments. Currently there are no methods doctors can use to detect GI cancers that affect the pancreas, liver, esophagus and stomach in their earliest stages when they are most treatable.

Partridge said citizens of Brewton have long supported the fight against cancer through the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.  That Alabama Gov. Lurleen B. Wallace had to travel to Houston to receive treatment for cancer that ended her life spurred the Memorial Cancer Crusade to bring expertise and facilities to Alabama 44 years ago.

“This statewide, grassroots crusade raised funds to bring to our citizens the opportunity to have the best possible cancer care and the greatest chance for a cure without having to leave the state. The successful effort resulted in the creation of a state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment center now known as The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Partridge.

“Citizens from Brewton played a key role in making this happen — Jean Kirkland, Reo Kirkland, Pearl Neal, David Miller and Abbotte Downing were among those that made generous donations to the Crusade. Their support helped to make great progress in the war against cancer,” he added.

For information on how you can support the James P. Hayes Jr. Endowed Chair at UAB, please contact Jeannie Horton, director of development, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, at 205-934-6326 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 40 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the National Cancer Institute's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care.