Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

Dear Mrs. Vinson:

I am honored to provide you with an annual report on the Bob MacKay Memorial Fund. The market value of the Bob MacKay Memorial Fund was $522,876.53 as of June 30, 2006. To say that the gifts made in memory of your late husband have made an impact on our community is an understatement — through your great generosity, you and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine have come together to meet a common goal.

I understand from Dr. David Hurd that the annual Bob MacKay Golf Tournament held on June 19, 2006 was another unqualified success. As he gratefully states, "Once again it was an outstanding fundraising event due to Barbara's efforts and those of the volunteers who put in countless hours to organize this tournament."

We're also excited to learn that the MacKay Foundation has planned a star-filled Sports Night on October 16, 2006, with Olympic heroes Joey Cheek and Dan Jansen. A representative from our Office of Development and Alumni Affairs will eagerly attend this event, joining your many faithful friends in support of the pioneering cancer initiatives at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and honoring the memory of Bob MacKay.

Presently, there are several exciting developments in the Section on Hematology and Oncology that would not be possible without generous benefactors like you, Mrs. Vinson.

• Over the last year, Bayard L. Powell, M.D., Section Head of Hematology and Oncology, has funded a young investigator who has initiated new trials in pre-leukemia, otherwise known as myelodysplastic syndrome.
   
• The Section on Hematology and Oncology has opened several studies of new agents for the treatment of leukemia. Dr. Powell has begun a research project which will examine patients with recurrence or relapse of acute leukemia.
   
• Dr. Powell is actively recruiting a clinical research-experienced physician with expertise in leukemia studies. This talented leader will be committed to developing and nurturing our new researchers. Dr. Powell is also in the process of recruiting a new breast cancer physician within the Section on Hematology and Oncology who will focus on accessibility issues for underserved communities.
   
• The annual Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, which is conducted by the Section on Hematology and Oncology, continues to increase awareness of colorectal cancer throughout our community. Over the years, this life-saving program has led to the early detection of colorectal cancer for many Triad area residents.
   

Finally, I have enclosed our Community Health Impact, a recent report which notes the many benefits afforded by the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Thanks to your targeted philanthropy, you have joined with us to positively impact the health of our community. Your endowed gift is, in a sense, a pebble creating ripples in the water — concentric circles of caring, moving beyond our vision and thereby touching the entire community. As one has wisely said, "Remember there's no such thing as a samll act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Thank you.

With deepest appreciation,

Erika A. Friedel, MSW
Director of Donor Relations
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center