Houston Methodist today announced it has received a $1.5 million philanthropic commitment from the Ben Taub and Henry J.N. Taub Foundation to support research and education in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Kenneth R. Peak Brain & Pituitary Treatment Center at Houston Methodist. This gift will establish the Marcy E. Taub Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgical Treatment and Research, named in honor of the late Marcy E. Taub.

 

 

The newly appointed chair will work alongside physicians and research scientists in the Peak Center who are conducting innovative research and clinical trials on neurological and oncological diseases including brain cancers such as glioblastomas and spine and pituitary tumors. The hospital is pairing   $500,000 from an anonymous donor with this gift, bringing the total philanthropic impact to $2 million.

 

 

Houston Methodist neurosurgeon David S. Baskin, MD, holds the Kenneth R. Peak Presidential Distinguished Chair and serves as director of the Peak Center, which combines pioneering surgical technology with novel research protocols. He and his team of researchers, with specialties in nanotechnology, gene therapy, biochemistry and neurochemistry, work together with neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neurologists, radiation oncologists and rehabilitation specialists to provide personalized care to patients with tumors using innovative methods not previously applied anywhere in the world. Baskin and his team are pioneering the use of magnetic fields to shrink deadly brain tumors — known as oncomagnetics — and gene therapy to kill cancer cells in glioblastomas.

 

 

“I have encountered many patients over the years living without hope and challenged with paralysis, blindness and more due to brain and spine cancers significantly impacting their day-to-day lives,” said Baskin. “Basic and clinical research allows us to offer hope by offering innovative treatment methods like this to individuals. The generous contribution from the Henry J.N. Taub family allows us to expand our research efforts to help find treatment options for those living with neurological and oncological diseases.”

 

 

Longtime supporters of Houston Methodist and the Greater Houston community, the Henry J.N. Taub family, including Ben Taub and Henry J.N. Taub Foundation President Henry J.N.  “Kitch” Taub II, have a history of championing health care initiatives and are passionate supporters of Baskin’s research at Houston Methodist.

 

 

“We are impressed by not only the incredible work Dr. Baskin and his team at the Peak Center at Houston Methodist are doing to support those living with brain cancers but also by the passion he has for bringing his clinical and research expertise to patients in the Houston community and beyond,” said Taub. “My dear late sister Marcy was a loving mother to her son, Henry and also championed all causes with her time and resources to help, support and assist children, elderly and the less fortunate.”

 

 

He said she served on many boards in leadership positions and was most interested in the areas of medical research, medical care, education and the arts. “We are happy to establish this endowed chair in her honor.”

 

 

For more information about Houston Methodist and ongoing research and treatment efforts in the Kenneth R. Peak Brain & Pituitary Treatment Center, click here.