Fifteen years ago, an astounding breakthrough changed the way the world treats cancer. The discovery by Brian Druker, M.D., now director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, turned chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) from a deadly disease with a very short life expectancy into a treatable condition managed by a daily pill, called Gleevec.
It was a scientific triumph. But the real story is about the people whose lives were saved—like Katie, Judy, Doug and Rob, and thousands more worldwide. On this 15th anniversary, they’re celebrating what they love about life, thanks to Dr. Druker and to OHSU’s passion for doing what can’t be done.
Their stories inspire us to do even more.
The Girl Who Lived
Katie Knudson
Three weeks after Katie turned six years old, she was diagnosed with CML, a blood cancer typically found in adults. Gleevec was approved by the FDA one month before her diagnosis. Katie started taking Gleevec in July 2001 and by February 2002, there was no detectable leukemia in her body. Thanks to the revolutionary drug, Katie experienced childhood without chemotherapy, without nausea. She graduated high school in the top 8% of her class and was a state-champion in dance. Today, Katie is a vibrant and healthy 21-year-old. She graduated with honors from University of Portland’s School of Nursing (in less than three years!) and coaches dance.
If you could go back in time 15 years, what would you tell yourself?
It will be okay. Life will be good. You will be happy.
What brings you joy?
Dancing, coaching, nursing. Being with family, friends, dogs. Laughing.
Describe your perfect day.
At the beach with my dogs and family, enjoying the sunshine. Wave-jumping, hiking and eating at a local pancake house.
I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to…
Dance.
What is a favorite memory or experience from the past 15 years?
[It was] on the beach with my best friends after dark. We stomped around in the sand, and the sand began to glow with phytoplankton. It was absolute magic.
The Pioneer
Judy Orem
In 1998, Judy Orem had run out of options. Diagnosed with CML in 1995, the available drug (Interferon) wasn’t working. A final option was the phase I clinical trials of Gleevec. After consulting with Dr. Druker, Judy became the ninth patient to take Gleevec, and she has now been taking the drug longer than any other patient. Because of Dr. Druker’s discovery, Judy was able to become a grandmother, and she’s thankful for the fifteen years’ worth of celebrations and memories with her family.
If you could go back in time 15 years, what would you tell yourself?
I would say how lucky I was to have been able to be on the Phase I trial for this drug — to be part of the original group working with Dr. Druker. I would say that I had the future to look forward to everyday.
What brings you joy?
Being alive. Being married to a wonderful man for over 50 years. Grandchildren whom I never would have known if not for Gleevec. For sun and rain, for flower and friends who brighten my life.
Describe your perfect day.
Being alive.
I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to…
Be alive and able to welcome each new day with whatever happens.
What is a favorite memory or experience from the past 15 years?
Being in a support group with Dr. Druker. The great people I met during the trials, and friends I made. New doors were opened to me that I never would have experienced if I hadn’t gotten CML and been part of the trial with Dr. Druker.
The Advocate
Rob Shick
Rob Shick did everything right: He ate whole foods, exercised regularly and led an active lifestyle. So he was shocked to learn that, at age 44, he had leukemia. “There is no way that I can fully convey to you,” he has said, “what it’s like to believe that you’re going to die. I believed I was going to die. And [after my diagnosis], I had to go home and tell my family that.” Rob started taking Gleevec, and within five weeks, his blood count had returned to the normal range. There was no need for chemotherapy or other harsh treatments. The Gleevec pill was enough to stop his cancer.
He’s been on the drug for 11 years, and he is a tireless advocate for cancer research. He served on the Knight Cancer Institute Council, a group dedicated to fundraising and advocacy. He has spoken at over 120 lunches, meetings and other events to raise support for the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, appearing on TV interviews and meeting with patients and family members.
If you could go back in time 15 years, what would you tell yourself?
Be patient and enjoy the forest through the trees.
What brings you joy?
Life, family, friends, faith.
Describe your perfect day.
A round of golf on a beautiful morning with friends followed by dinner and drinks at one of the many great restaurants in Portland with my wife.
I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to…
Be involved.
What is a favorite memory or experience from the past 15 years?
Watching my three children graduate from high school and college, then move onto careers that they are passionate about.
The Family Man
Doug Jenson
Retired engineering manager Doug Jenson got extremely sick in 1997. He was diagnosed with CML the following year, yet the available drug treatment did not work. In fact, it made him sicker. So he went off the drug and made a “final trip” to Disney World with his family. That September, he met with Dr. Druker, thanks to a referral by his doctor, with his son, a radiation oncologist. Doug started taking Gleevec in the spring of 1999 when he was 65 years old. He is now 82, and says, “I do and go and eat what I want. I exercise a lot and have a perfectly normal, happy life.
If you could go back in time 15 years, what would you tell yourself?
Enjoy each day and never forget all the wonderful people who helped make that day possible.
What brings you joy?
Being able to enjoy another day.
Describe your perfect day.
Spending time with family.
I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to…
Share my story.
What is a favorite memory or experience from the past 15 years?
The birth of two granddaughters and great-grandson.
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