Nutritional Supplements Available for Cancer Patients

“For some cancer patients going through treatment, a liquid nutritional supplement is all they are able to eat,” said Birgit Bogler, director of Outreach and Education for NVCI. “The cost of supplements can really add up. Having them available for free helps reduce the burden on cancer patients.”

The nutritional supplements, which are fortified with protein, vitamins and minerals, helps augment a cancer patients’ caloric intake during treatment. These canned beverages, in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavors, are a quick and easy snack or meal replacement for cancer patients suffering from loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

“The most common secondary diagnosis in people with cancer is malnutrition,” said Amy Patton, RD, NVCI nutritionist. “The supplements help ensure that cancer patients are getting their daily needed intake of nutrients.”

To receive supplements, area residents who are battling cancer do not have to be a patient of NVCI.

For more information about the supplements, please call: Amy Patton, RD NVCI nutritionist: (702) 822-5465.

Dr. Elias Ghanem Board Room Dedicated at Nevada Cancer Institute

LAS VEGAS, NV September 26, 2006 – Elias F. Ghanem, M.D. was recognized posthumously for his leadership through the dedication of the Board of Directors meeting room at Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI).

“Dr. Ghanem epitomized caring and compassion,” said Heather H. Murren, chief executive office of NVCI. “He was a friend to all and helped to map the blue print that is helping to reduce the burden of cancer in Nevada.”

The dedication ceremony was attended by friends and colleagues of Dr. Ghanem including Sig Rogich, Stan Hunterton, Barbara Mullholland, Stephen Cloobeck, Myra and Brian Greenspun, and Susan and Irwin Molasky.

“Our father stood for compassion and caring. But he also stood for hard work and dedication,” said Elias Ghanem, II, Dr. Ghanem’s son. “Everyone knows how he came to the United States armed with his wit and curiosity and became a leader among leaders.

He was a "uniter" and an innovator. He brought parties together and found new and better ways of serving people---and getting things done,” the younger Ghanem said.

Jody Ghanem, Dr. Ghanem’s widow, announced that the family was providing NVCI with a $250,000 gift in memory to Dr. Ghanem.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have Elias’ memory sustained through this presence at the institute,” Mrs. Ghanem said.

About Elias F. Ghanem, M.D.

Dr. Ghanem succumbed to cancer in August 2001 after being diagnosed in 1998. A native of Haifa, Israel Dr. Ghanem resided and practiced medicine in Las Vegas for 30 years. Through diligence, determination and dedication, he worked and studied his way through Duke University School of Medicine, followed by an internship at the University of Southern California. He arrived in Las Vegas in 1971 as an Emergency Room physician at Sunrise Hospital. Within six years, he opened the first of a series of 24-hour clinics to meet the ever-growing and changing health care needs of his newly adopted home town. Subsequently he became the “physician to the stars” including Elvis Presley, Liberace, Bill Cosby, Ann-Margaret, and Wayne Newton. He provided pro bono care for employees during a long-standing labor dispute, including the delivery of 100 babies. He also was a long time member of the Nevada Athletic Commission during a period of unprecedented growth. His stewardship helped enhance the reputation and increase the visibility of Nevada in the world of professional boxing. Dr. Ghanem was honored with the University of Nevada Distinguished Nevadan Award, and the Victor Award for his contributions to sport. He was also named “Man of the Year” by the National Jewish Hospital and American Jewish Committee. The Elias F. Ghanem scholarship at the University of Nevada School of Medicine helps advance the profession through scholarship support to physician and nursing students in Nevada.

About Nevada Cancer Institute

Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is the official cancer institute for the State of Nevada. NVCI is committed to reducing the burden of cancer by pursuing the development of a comprehensive cancer research institute, as defined by the National Cancer Institute. NVCI is staffed by the finest scientists, clinicians, educators and caregivers who provide hope to our communities through research, education, early detection, prevention and high quality patient care with a focus on a future without cancer that is achieved through initiated and collaborative research in basic, clinical and population science.

A non-profit organization, NVCI has raised more than $100 million in private community financial support, with support of a repayable $50 million construction bond for NVCI’s 142,000 square foot flagship research and care facility in the Summerlin district of Las Vegas that opened in September 2005.  For more information on NVCI, please visit http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org/ or call 702-822-LIFE.