The John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary's 29th Annual Odyssey Ball Will Honor Mandela Family and Preeminent Surgical Oncologist

May 06, 2014 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
May 6, 2014 - Santa Monica, CA - The leading surgical oncologist, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Medicine, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, FACS, will be honored alongside the Mandela Family during the 29th annual Odyssey Ball at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills.

Dr. Anton Bilchik will receive "The Duke" special service award for his commitment and efforts to battle colon cancer, and his dedication to Saint John's Health Center's mission to advance knowledge of cancer research and treatment. "The Duke" special service award to be presented to Dr. Bilchik at the annual Odyssey Ball will be a prestigious addition to his numerous recognitions and accolades. Dr. Anton Bilchik has pioneered techniques to improve staging in colon cancer and minimally invasive approaches for liver and pancreatic cancer.

The night's guests of honor will be the Mandela Family, who will also be honored with the "True Grit" Humanitarian Award for continuing the mission of former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Mandela who helped bring an end to apartheid. As global advocates for human and civil rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance, the family is preserving the history, heritage and legacy.

"The Mandela Family's spirit, fortitude and strength in ending apartheid and easing human suffering inspire us all and is unsurpassed, as is our commitment to eradicate cancer and provide hope to cancer patients around the globe," said Patrick Wayne, Chairman of the Board at JWCI and son of the legendary actor John Wayne.

"As a South Africa native, it is humbling to be recognized alongside the Mandela Family," added Dr. Anton Bilchik.

For event tickets and information, visit www.antonbilchikmd.com.

About Dr. Anton Bilchik:
Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, FACS, is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who has pioneered techniques to improve staging in colon cancer, and minimally invasive approaches for liver and pancreas cancer. He is also spearheading JWCI/SJHC's participation in biotech-sponsored research trials, new drug development and tissue procurement. He serves as an investigator on international multi-center clinical trials and, with over 180 publications, is considered one of the country's leading specialists in surgical oncology. In his current dual leadership roles as Chief of Medicine and Chief of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Research Program at JWCI, Dr. Bilchik is working closely with Saint John's Cancer Program and networking with community-based medical oncology and surgical oncology practices.

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