The diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer stunned Minhthu Nguyen, DDS, and her husband Padrick Barrett. It also spurred the couple to fund Chuck Perou’s cancer genomics research. Four years after her diagnosis, Minhthu passed away. To honor her memory, Padrick and Minhthu’s brother Dr. Phong Nguyen made a gift of $250,000, choosing to name the mammography reception area in the N.C. Cancer Hospital for her.
Understanding what causes cancer, who gets it, and why, is an important area of research at UNC Lineberger. We are frequently asked, “How close are you to preventing and curing breast cancer?” The good news is, breast cancer mortality rates are declining, and according to Chuck Perou, PhD, we can expect that progress to continue.
“We now know that breast cancer is not one single disease, but at least five,” says the May Goldman Shaw Distinguished Professor of Molecular Oncology at UNC. “Using genomics, genetics, and laboratory models, my colleagues and I are focused on identifying the genetic mutations that cause these aggressive types of breast cancer. Based on that data, we work to develop novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target each of these distinct subtypes.”
While funding for Perou’s research comes from many sources, philanthropic support from local donors like the late Minhthu Nguyen and her husband Padrick Barrett make future scientific breakthroughs possible.
Minhthu Nguyen: the ultimate giver
When 34-year-old Minhthu Nguyen, DDS, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, she and her husband Padrick Barrett were stunned and shaken by the news. “We were brand new parents of a baby girl, Lien, so to learn about the severity of Minhthu’s illness was pretty shocking,” says Padrick. “But in typical fashion, Minhthu didn’t wallow in self-pity. She told me she wanted to approach her treatment with grace and dignity, and that’s what she did.”
Minhthu and Padrick sought care from Mark Graham, MD, of Waverly Hematology Oncology in Cary, NC, where he told the couple it was possible that Minhthu’s pregnancy had actually masked the symptoms of her disease and allowed her tumor to progress undetected, since the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be similar to the changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy. ”Minhthu had advanced metastatic cancer, and I strongly encouraged them to pursue treatment at UNC Lineberger, which is guided by some of the exceptional findings from the Chuck Perou lab,” says Graham. “I told them that Chuck is North Carolina’s best kept secret, a true forerunner in the field of breast cancer research and genomics.” The two took Dr. Graham’s advice and worked closely with Perou and Ben Calvo, MD, both Lineberger members, to fight her disease. In fact, they were so impressed with Perou’s lab, his commitment to research, his humility and exceptional caregiving spirit that they have contributed more than $100,000 to his work.
“Minhthu, an eternal optimist, wanted other patients to feel hopeful about beating cancer.” – Padrick Barrett
“The investment that Minhthu and Padrick have made to my work is both substantial and inspiring,” says Perou. “As a researcher, every dollar helps, but more importantly, meeting individuals like Minhthu gives us an additional drive to try and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. This gives me more focus and more meaning to my work.”
Minhthu’s generosity spilled over into her professional life as well. At her dental practice, Gentle Family Dentistry, she frequently performed pro bono services for other cancer patients, and there were specific days when a portion of office receipts went to charity. “Minhthu was committed to making life better for our staff and patients,” says Padrick. “She was always doing special things for others. She was the ultimate giver.”
The gift that keeps giving
Minhthu Nguyen passed away on September 8, 2015, following her courageous four-year battle against breast cancer. To honor Minhthu’s memory, her brother, Dr. Phong Nguyen and her husband Padrick made a gift of $250,000, choosing to name the mammography reception area in the N.C. Cancer Hospital for her. They also furnish the space with fresh flowers at all times and provide refreshments once a month for patients.
“UNC Lineberger is a wonderful leader in cancer research and care, but many people aren’t aware of the amazing work they do every day,” says Padrick. “Every person we’ve met here has been genuinely welcoming, just like Minhthu was. She didn’t get to live the life she wanted, but by making this gift to UNC Lineberger, our family is doing what we can to keep her spirit alive.”