Dr. Chris George, Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Med

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 Christopher George, MD, is the Medical Director of the Cancer Program in the West and Northwest Regions of Northwestern Medicine and is a Member of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Dr. George received his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and did his residency at University of Colorado Hospital, Internal Medicine followed by fellowship training at the University of Chicago, Hematology. He has a Board Certification in Hematology and Medical Oncology from the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been in practice for over 20 years. Dr. George resides in Naperville, IL with his lovely wife, Dr. Laurel George and their children.

Message:

My dear friends –

The treatment of cancer has changed dramatically since I started my medical oncology practice in 2002; the progress in breast cancer treatment has been dramatic and it continues today. Through the use of targeted treatments, immunotherapy, and more effective surgical techniques, we are curing more patients of this disease than ever before. The fatality rate from breast cancer has seen a sustained decrease since the 90s, with no signs of leveling off. Many factors have contributed to this success story, but the impact of patient advocates and grass-roots philanthropy can’t be understated.

It is an honor for me to support this remarkable organization and very worthy cause. I am so proud to be part of an effort that aims to help fund exciting new treatments and ensure universal access to innovative and advanced cancer therapy, regardless of a patient's location, social support, or financial means.

Prior to embarking on this project, my dancing skills had been described as "unwatchable" and even a "tragic hot mess". While these words  are hurtful and slightly mean-spirited, they're sadly not wrong. But negative feedback can be powerful motivation, and I've doubled-down on self-improvement. I've immersed myself in the world of dance, watching and re-watching that Flashdance video ("she's a maniac...") and many, many Elvis movies. With the patience and guidance of my dance instructor, I think we've arrived at a unique aesthetic — a sort of Wiggles-meets-Gangnam-style fusion — that I believe will enchant audiences. Or at the very least, upgrade comments from "train-wreck" to something approaching "unpleasant, but tolerable."

In all seriousness, cancer is a disease that touches all of us, and research funding makes a huge a difference. The progress we've witnessed in cancer treatment over the course of my career has been nothing short of astounding, and I strongly believe that this upward trajectory will continue. I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you and thank you for your support!