Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!

WINTER 2015 UPDATE

Greetings! Here are highlights of recent stories published about the UA Steele Children's Research Center,
the UA Department of Pediatrics and Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center.

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Steele Center FB page | Diamond Children's FB page

Curcumin Shows Potential to Prevent Inflammation-Associated Colorectal Cancer, Restore Microbial Gut Ecology

UA Steele Center researchers have made another promising discovery about curcumin--the bioactive ingredient in turmeric--as a potentially viable means to prevent inflammation-associated colorectal cancer and balance the microbiota of the gut."The microbiota of the gut is gaining recognition as a major player in health and disease," said Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, "This is the first study to implicate the role of curcumin in modulating the microbiota of the gut and preventing colon cancer." UA News

A Passion for Children's Health: Dr. Ghishan Celebrates 20 Years at UA

Those who know Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan say he is one of the most passionate advocates for children's health they have ever met. The physician's dedication to making a positive impact on children's health is evident in the animated way he speaks about research; in the compassion he shows his patients, greeting each one with a warm smile and a gentle hug; the guidance he gives to medical students, residents, fellows and doctoral candidates; and the stirring speeches he delivers to donors, volunteers, fundraising events and the community. Read more

Gala Raises More than $160k to Improve Children's Health

The 5th annual "I Think I Can" gala, benefitting the UA Steele Children's Research Center and Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center, raised more than $160,000 for pediatric clinical and research programs. Approximately 400 people attended the whimsical, lively, fun-filled and entertaining event that featured the theme, "I Think I Can" from the children's classic book, "The Little Engine That Could." The event took place Oct. 16 at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. It was hosted by former UA Wildcat and San Antonio Spurs basketball player Sean Elliott and his wife, Claudia. Read more | AZ Star | KGUN | AZ Star

Kids of Steele 5th Annual Mini Golf Event Raises $70k for UA Steele Center

Kids of Steele held their "5th Annual Miniature Golf Event" on Oct. 11, at Golf N' Stuff and raised approximately $70,000 for the Steele Center. The event's theme was "We Believe in Magic." "We are promoting the idea that with community support we can use research and advanced medical treatments to 'make magic happen' for patients and their families," said Jenny Horn, Kids of Steele event chair. In addition to miniature golf, kids and their families enjoyed bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, batting cages and arcade games. A magician, face painters and balloon artists entertained participants. Service projects were available for children to help patients. Funds raised from the event will be used for "greatest-need" projects at the Steele Center and Kids of Steele service projects, such as providing breakfast and afternoon snacks to outpatients at the Angel Wing for Children with Diabetes and the pediatric hematology-oncology clinics at Banner - University Medical Center Tucson. KVOA | View photos

Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplantation Offers Hope to Patients with Cancer and Blood Disorders

For cancer patients who need a bone marrow transplant but cannot find a donor match, a procedure called "haploidentical bone marrow transplantation" (haplo BMT) could be a lifesaver. The University of Arizona Cancer Center Blood and Marrow Transplant Program offers haplo BMT for pediatric and adult patients at Banner - University Medical Center Tucson and Diamond Children's. The procedure provides an alternative source of stem cells for patients who need a bone marrow transplant but cannot find a related or unrelated donor match. This means the donor doesn't have to be a perfect match--he or she can be a "haplo," or "half-match." Thus, a patient's parent, child or sibling could be a suitable donor. Read more

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Awards $400k 'Hyundai Hope Scholar Grants' to UA Steele Center Researchers

Two pediatric oncologists at the UA Steele Center were chosen to receive a Hyundai Hope Scholar Grant from Hyundai Motor America's Hyundai Hope on Wheels� program.The $400,000 grant was presented to Emmanuel Katsanis, MD, professor, and Yi Zeng, MD, PhD, assistant professor, during a Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Every Handprint Ceremony celebrates the courage of children with cancer, and brings Hope on Wheels' community of supporters together. See photos | KOLD | KVOA

New 3D Printer Enables UA Pediatric Cardiologist to Expand Teaching Methods

Michael Seckeler, MD, MSc, assistant professor, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, is using three-dimensional printing technology to transform the teaching of pediatric cardiology to medical students and residents at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson. Thanks to a UA Sarver Heart Center fund that supports pediatric cardiology education, Dr. Seckeler received $9,400 to purchase a Dremel 3D Idea Builder printer to create patient-specific 3D models of normal and abnormal hearts using computerized tomography (CT) and medical resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The 3D models initially will be used to improve the educational experience for UA medical students and residents in pediatric cardiology. Read more | KOLD

17th Annual Tee Up for Tots Golf Tournament Raises $40k for Pediatric Cancer Research

The 17th annual Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament took place on Aug 21 at Omni Tucson National Resort and raised $40,000 for pediatric cancer research at the UA Steele Center. The research will examine novel immunotherapies against cancer using an approach that will continuously release tumor antigens and immunostimulatory cytokines.This strategy will be evaluated following chemotherapy and after reduced intensity haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. View photos

UA Department of Pediatrics and Banner Welcome New Faculty

The University of Arizona Department of Pediatrics and Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center welcome new faculty members Zoe Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, assistant professor, Division of Endocrinology; Clare Lindner, MD, assistant professor, Division of Nephrology; Jenny Mendelson, MD, assistant professor, Division of Critical Care; and Alicia Palmer, MD, assistant professor, Division of Hospital Medicine.

UA Pediatrics Resident-Physician Awarded Grant to Implement Tooth-Brushing Program for Children in Sunnyside District

Sarah Williamson, MD, pediatrics resident-physician, was awarded a CATCH (Community Access to Child Health) grant by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to implement "Promoting Oral Health through the Classroom" in Tucson's Sunnyside School District. "There are high rates of tooth decay found by second grade in children in the district," said Dr. Williamson. "The grant will fund the supplies to have kindergartners in the district brush their teeth following breakfast, and learn about dental hygiene. We also will go to the schools during the year to apply fluoride varnish, while teaching the kids about oral health." Read more

UA Steele Children's Research Center

1501 N. Campbell Ave., Room 3301

Tucson, AZ 85724

520-626-9618

www.steelecenter.arizona.edu