From Gratitude to Giving

Professor Jonathan Beitler studies a model of the throat.

Jack Kearse

It should have been the most hopeful time of their lives. But as Emily Thomas and Hugh Kendrick began planning their wedding in 2009, Kendrick was diagnosed with throat cancer.

They sought treatment at Winship Cancer Institute, and Kendrick is now cancer-free. The couple joined the ranks of Winship’s greatest advocates.

Emily Thomas Kendrick, CEO of Arrow Exterminators, serves on Winship’s advisory board; she and her family have created the Arrow Head and Neck Cancer Research Fund.

“We believe that there’s only one place in the world a person with throat cancer should go for treatment—Winship at Emory,” says Emily Kendrick. “This gift reflects our passion and commitment to doing everything in our power to positively impact treatment advances for head and neck cancers.”

The new fund, which honors Arrow’s more than 1,100 employees, will support the work of radiation oncologist Jonathan Beitler and head and neck surgeon Amy Chen. They are studying methods for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of human papilloma virus―associated head and neck cancer, which Kendrick battled.

“We’re interested in positive outcomes for the patient, not only in terms of survival, but also for the highest possible long-term quality of life,” says Chen. “It is very humbling to receive this gift. We feel a responsibility to use it wisely in the Kendricks’ honor.” The gift will enhance Winship’s entire head and neck cancer research program, says Deputy Director Fadlo Khuri.