Greetings after the long weekend, which included observance of the majestic life, work and lasting impact of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In musing about King’s impact, I could not help but share with you a remarkable story from this past week.
On Friday, we rededicated the Lombardi Atrium as the Founder’s Atrium in honor of Georgetown Lombardi’s founding director, Dr. John Potter. It was a marvelous tribute to Dr. Potter, whom I have written about extensively, most recently after he passed away at the age of 95 almost two years ago. His painting, which hangs in the Lombardi Atrium, was moved closer to the main entrance, in a place of honor. The Atrium was already a beautiful space, enhanced by the works of Sam Gilliam and William Wegman, thanks to the efforts of Julia Langley and our Arts & Humanities Program. Now it is special because it celebrates our history.
John’s children and grandchildren attended the ceremony, where Dr. Lisa Boyle and I reflected on the lasting impact of a single man who had a great idea that has brought comfort and cure to countless thousands of patients since Georgetown Lombardi was founded in 1970. After the ceremony, we sat down to a luncheon in the Martin Marietta Conference Room, and John’s children offered reflections about their father.
After his sisters, Tanya Potter Adler and Muffie Potter Aston, spoke, John Potter stood up and told us a story, one that began both on that day and also many years ago. None of this was planned, making it all the more remarkable.
After the ceremony, a nice gentleman who works in the lobby area had motioned over to John to speak with him. This is what he told him.
Years ago, his mother had worked at the CIA. In the matter of a few days, she learned that she was pregnant and that she had a breast mass. The doctors she consulted recommended that she terminate her pregnancy so she could get her cancer treatments. She decided to speak with a doctor who was also working at the CIA — Dr. Potter.
He reassured her that she could safely continue her pregnancy while receiving her treatments. She did, and our colleague was born and lived to work at our cancer center. His mother never suffered a relapse of her cancer and lived for another 35 years. The work John did — and that we do — lives on. When that man walked into Martin Marietta to tell us how grateful he was to have life because of John, he was the living personification of high impact! What a great moment.
After the applause died down, I then introduced the last two Potter Award recipients, Drs. Chiranjeev Dash and Chul Kim. While the day’s festivities honored our past and the impact of Dr. Potter’s vision, Dash and Chul embody Georgetown Lombardi’s present accomplishments and bright future.
It all started with a great idea and the determination of a Georgetown bulldog. And it continues.
Have a great week, and remember that what we do has high impact, and we all are part of it.
Stay safe and be well.
Lou
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