Foundation Smokes Out CancerIn 2004, Scott Johnson founded the Corliss Johnson Memorial Foundation in memory of his wife and with a great commitment to support GI cancer research. For the past six years, the Corliss Johnson Memorial Foundation has helped support numerous clinical research studies in GI cancer at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. The Foundation’s partnership and trust in the exceptional leadership of Mary Mulcahy, MD—Corliss Johnson’s oncologist—already has made so much possible at the medical school. To advance greater research, and to acknowledge the Foundation’s tremendous support, the first Corliss Johnson Oncology Scholar was recently named within the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Polina Khrizman, MD, a native of Ukraine, completed a combined BA/MD six-year medical degree program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and her internship and residency in internal medicine at Northwestern University. As the inaugural Corliss Johnson Oncology Scholar, Dr. Khrizman is pursuing a fellowship in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Feinberg School. Dr. Khrizman’s interest in clinical GI oncology originated during her residency and developed further as she conducted various research projects, such as a review paper on stage II colon cancer and molecular markers, a review of curative therapies in metastatic colon cancer, and an original article on the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in GI malignancies. Many of her recent investigations have focused on anal and rectal cancers. As the Corliss Johnson Oncology Scholar, Dr. Khrizman hopes to continue her pursuit of clinical research, introducing innovative ideas to the GI Medical Oncology program at the Lurie Cancer Center. Through the Corliss Johnson Memorial Foundation, Scott Johnson plans and executes a golf outing every August to raise funds for medical research. In addition, he is an advocate for awareness across the country as he travels with his two daughters, Zoe and Lexi, competing in BBQ contests to raise money for the foundation. As the World Champion Cancer Sucks! BBQ Team, Scott and his daughters bring awareness to the disease while raising money in memory of their wife and mother. Read more about Scott Johnson’s Cancer Sucks! BBQ Team in the news. For more information on the Corliss Johnson Memorial Foundation, visit their website. | 
