Transformational Gift Supports Thoracic Oncology at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute

Gift of gratitude honors life of Barbara Killian

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 21, 2024 – A $2 million donation to Atrium Health Foundation’s Giving Hope campaign will honor the life of Barbara Killian, a former patient at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. The gift from her husband, John Killian, acknowledges his late wife’s thoracic oncology care team and will provide support for patients facing a similar cancer journey.

Barbara was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2010. A devoted friend, master gardener and rosarian – and John’s spouse of 43 years – Barbara left an indelible mark on those she touched during her lifetime.

For Dr. Kathryn Mileham, chief of thoracic medical oncology at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, the experience of caring for Barbara, whether in her office or in Barbara’s home, left a lasting impression.  

“Through this time, we connected on so many aspects of lung cancer care and, really, the beauty of life,” said Mileham, during a private celebration of the Killian gift on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  

Although Barbara lost her battle with cancer in November 2020, her legacy will continue through John’s gift to establish The Barbara C. Killian Center for Thoracic Oncology and The Barbara C. Killian Thoracic Oncology Fund at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. He has also designated the newly named center in his estate plan to provide Atrium Health Levine Cancer with significant and sustained support for its thoracic cancer program.  

“It’s a form of healing and comfort to do something that honors Barbara forever,” said Killian, who credits Barbara’s “first-class doctors and nurses” at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute for providing a tremendously supportive environment. 

The Barbara C. Killian Thoracic Oncology Fund will advance Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s nationally recognized lung cancer research, enhance patient access to clinical trials, ensure quality of patient care and provide caregiver support. The fund will also support programmatic initiatives, such as lung cancer screenings, biomarker testing, patient education, supportive oncology and end-of-life care.

Renowned for collaborating across sub-specialties, the thoracic oncology center at Levine Cancer Institute is also distinct in its personalized, comprehensive approach to care; advanced diagnostics and therapeutics; and interventional pulmonary and thoracic surgery techniques.

“The Barbara Killian Thoracic Oncology Fund will facilitate real action, expanding research, improving outcomes and safety, and developing national standards of care,” said Mileham. “Thanks to generous supporters like Mr. Killian, who continue to invest in Atrium Health Levine Cancer, we are making a difference in peoples’ lives every day.”

 

About Atrium Health Foundation  

Founded in 1959, Atrium Health Foundation is one of the largest charitable foundations in Charlotte. As the point of contact for all contributions benefiting Atrium Health in the Charlotte region, the Foundation inspires transformational giving to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for ALL. Through its current Giving Hope Campaign, Atrium Health Foundation is supporting Atrium Health’s efforts to create the learning health system of the future by building healthy communities, outstanding education programs, preeminent research, and exemplary facilities.  

 
About Atrium Health   
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing nearly $3 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits in 2023.  

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