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In Memory
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of three individuals of historical importance to the Simonton Cancer Center: Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D., John Gladfelter, Ph.D., and Bill Lamers M.D.
 | Jeanne Achterberg
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Jeannie Achterberg, PhD, was a pioneer in the field of mind-body and complementary medicine and a dear friend and colleague. Early in her career, Jeannie collaborated with Dr. Simonton, studying the quality of patient imagery work for SCC while a faculty member at Southwestern Medical School in Texas. In a startling finding, she was able to show that features in patients' imagery could predict the course of the illness. Since that time, she had continued to champion the role of imagery in health and the role of the mind and spirit in healing.
Jeannie went on in her career to assist in the formation of the Saybrook Institute (now Saybrook University) in San Francisco, teaching as a Psychology Professor. She was also the senior editor of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. In the 1990's Jeannie was the research director at North Hawaiian Community Hospital where she developed an innovative cancer treatment center and studied the effects of prayer on healing.
Jeannie was named by Time Magazine as one of the six leading innovators to watch in complementary and alternative medicine for the 21st century and went on to serve in the Office of Alternative Medicine, co-chairing the panel on mind-body interventions. The OAM grew into NCCAM, the home of complementary and alternative medicine within NIH. She is also a past president of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology.
Her books, Bridges of the Body-Mind, Imagery in Healing, Woman as Healer, Rituals of Healing, Imagery and Disease, and Lightning at the Gate, remain best sellers. Jeannie has also given us a personal example of courage in the face of illness. Her book, Lightning at the Gate, narrated her own journey with illness.
Her vast experience in working with people with serious illness, her life long study of traditional and shamanic healing practices and her deep sense of integrity have resulted in her being a powerful and extraordinary guide to the inner world of healing.
Jeannie has served on the Simonton Cancer Center's Board of Directors for the past 8 years and has been one of our strongest supporters.
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John Gladfelter
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Dr. Gladfelter was a prominent and deeply respected friend and colleague of Dr. Simonton's. John was one of the first professionals to recognize and support the work of the Simonton Cancer Center and his wisdom assisted Carl in both his professional and his private life. He was a tireless proponent of private practice and passionate about training therapists. He was a strong supporter of continued training, encouraging life-long consultation for clinicians. John was responsible for a creating a generation of well-trained, self-reflective and ethical therapists in Dallas and throughout the country. He passed away peacefully at the age of 85, in Dallas, TX.  | |
Bill Lamers
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Dr. Bill Lamers worked with the Simonton Cancer Center in the 1980s, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for life to the work. Bill, a renown psychiatrist, was a pioneer in the modern hospice movement, creating one of the first hospice programs in the United States. This program, a revolutionary idea, enabled patients to spend their last days at home, with their families. Dr. Lamers also trained medical staff and caregivers in end-of-life care. He studied extensively with Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and became an expert on the issues of death, dying and bereavement. Dr. Lamers was 80 years old. The Simonton Cancer Center wishes to extend our condolences to the families and friends of these remarkable and well-loved individuals.
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The Simonton Cancer Center's Italian Program was delighted with a full house when they presented at the Hospitalo Santa Croce, part of the University of Milan. 
