Unitrin, Inc. Presents Generous Donation To Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute | Unitrin president, Mr. Southwell (l), presents gift to NBTI physicians along with Mrs. Johnston (fifth from right). |
A husband, father, colleague, patient, and extraordinary man; William E. Johnston, Jr. was celebrated with these accolades and many more at a special ceremony held on Friday, January 15, in which Unitrin, Incorporated made a generous gift in his memory to the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute (NBTI). A member of the Board of Directors at Unitrin, Inc., Mr. Johnston also was a patient of Kenji Muro, MD, Sean Grimm, MD, and Maryanne Marymount, MD, treated for glioblastoma before passing away in October 2009. At the presentation and reception heralding this philanthropic support, Anne Johnston—Mr. Johnston’s widow—was joined by his daughter, Jennifer L. Tavrides, members of the board Richard Vie and James Annable, Unitirin Chairman, President, and CEO, Donald G. Southwell, and Drs. Sean Grimm, Maryanne Marymont, John Kessler, Hunt Batjer, and John Song. In presenting their generous donation, Mr. Johnston’s colleagues recalled the devotion and tenacity he showed to his work and family, while Drs. Grimm and Marymount shared how impressed they were by his tremendous spirit and awareness as a patient. Mrs. Johnston clearly was touched by Unitrin’s gift, and said that they were supporting doctors who were true care givers. Unitrin’s tremendous contribution will advance cutting-edge brain tumor research within the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute. A leader in the fight against brain and spinal tumors, the NBTI works with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital to provide patients with the best possible care. | 
