THE JOHN WAYNE CANCER INSTITUTE AUXILIARY TO HONOR GARY SINISE AND MAGGIE DINOME, MD AT 30TH ANNUAL ODYSSEY BALL

SANTA MONICA, CA (March 31, 2015) – Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will be honored with the “True Grit” Humanitarian Award and Maggie DiNome, MD, FACS, director, Cancer Prevention Program and chief of general surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center will be presented with “The Duke” Special Service Award at the 30th annual Odyssey Ball, Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills. The yearly fundraising event benefits the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center and is organized by the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary led by co-chairs Martha Harper, Colleen Pennell, Elizabeth Rawjee and Jessica Royer. Actor, motivational speaker, author and honored US Army veteran J.R. Martinez will host the “We Can All Be Heroes” themed gala.

“While recognized as an award-winning actor and talented musician, Gary Sinise has found a special calling as a champion for America’s servicemen and women,” said Patrick Wayne, chairman of the board at the Institute and son of the legendary actor John Wayne. “Giving back to those who sacrifice for our nation and encouraging others to do the same has become his personal quest and what he hopes will endure as a legacy of service for others. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this year’s ‘True Grit’ Humanitarian Award.”

For more than thirty years, Sinise has stood as an advocate in support of America’s veterans. His commitment started in the early 1980’s when he began supporting local Vietnam veterans groups in the Chicago area and created the Vets Night program at the Steppenwolf Theatre, giving free meals and performances to Chicago’s veterans. It was his portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film Forrest Gump, in 1994, which formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community. Shortly after the film opened, Sinise was introduced to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization when they presented him with their National Commanders Award for playing the double amputee. His relationship and work with the DAV in support of our wounded service members has lasted for over 20 years.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he was called to action to do more to support the military men and women who were responding to those attacks. In 2003, he volunteered for the USO, began visiting our troops in Iraq and around the world, and formed the “Lt. Dan Band” named for his character in the landmark film. The band has performed across the globe in support of our defenders and military families. Sinise is also the spokesperson for several veterans organizations and serves on executive councils for the Medal of Honor Foundation, the USO and as an advisory board member for Hope for the Warriors. He has been honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian honor awarded for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. He is only the third actor ever to receive this honor. Most recently, Sinise was named an honorary Marine, an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Navy and was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Award. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org) to expand his individual efforts and has raised millions of dollars in support of our veterans and first responders.

“We are privileged to honor Dr. Maggie DiNome with ‘The Duke’ Special Service Award for her extraordinary contributions in the fight against cancer,” said Anita Swift, Auxiliary president. “She is an important member of our Institute family, and we are proud to recognize her dedication to developing new cancer treatments and her commitment to eradicating this dreadful disease.”

Maggie DiNome, MD, FACS, acting director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center, director of the Cancer Prevention Program, chief of general surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center and an assistant professor at the John Wayne Cancer Institute will be honored with “The Duke” Special Service Award.

Dr. DiNome is deeply committed to the fight against cancer having lost her mother and father to this disease. She has established herself as a visionary leader turning the focus from not only treatment but also to prevention of this disease. With Grammy-award winning artist P!nk, Dr. DiNome founded and chairs the Power of Pink fundraisers, elevating the national visibility of the Margie Petersen Breast Center and raising the funds for the innovative Cancer Prevention Program. As a faculty member of the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Dr. DiNome is also the principal investigator of a clinical trial pioneering cryotherapy as a novel treatment approach for patients with early stage breast cancer. Dr. DiNome graduated cum laude from Yale University; received her medical degree from Duke University and completed her surgical training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard University Medical School.

About the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center

Since 1981, the family of John Wayne has been committed to pioneering cancer research in memory of their father, who died of cancer. For more than 30 years, the courageous and dedicated researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) have made groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the way cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated around the world. Today the tradition of excellence continues as JWCI spearheads new research advances, while training the next generation of leaders in the fight against cancer through its renowned Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program. The Institute’s programs focus on melanoma, breast, neuro, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as innovative research in cancer genomics, molecular biomarkers, and chemo- and immunotherapies. With its unique ability to rapidly turn scientific discoveries into novel approaches for early detection and treatment, the Institute provides immediate hope to cancer patients everywhere.

About the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary

Established in 1982 by two breast cancer survivors, the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary is currently helmed by president Anita Swift, granddaughter of John Wayne. The Auxiliary has raised more than $18 million to fund a wide array of the Institute’s priorities including groundbreaking research, vital new laboratory equipment and the nationally renowned Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program, which trains the next generation of surgical oncologists. For more information, please visit www.JWCIgiving.org.

For event information and sponsorship packages, please contact Grant Associates at 323-904-4400.

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Pam Giangregorio

Katy Sweet & Associates Public Relations

310-479-2333 / Pam@KatySweetPR.com