Jim Fagin is a huge fan of UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center.
Nearly four years ago, he experienced severe stomach pain and knew something was wrong. He went to another hospital and went through months of testing without getting any definitive answers.
He turned to the medical center to get a second opinion, and he couldn’t be happier with his experience.
His diagnosis turned out to be pancreatic cancer, perhaps the most deadly form of cancer.
But, thanks to the efforts of the medical center staff, Fagin is still going strong today.
“I found Mayo on the Missouri,” said Fagin, who underwent a Whipple surgical procedure at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Without the work you do, I wouldn’t be here.
“Most people with pancreatic cancer don’t make it. I beat the odds. They gave me three plus years of quality life.”
Fagin was the keynote speaker at the 11th Annual Tribute Luncheon held on May 13 at Happy Hollow Club by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. He is a familiar face in Omaha with a long career in the media as a TV reporter and a radio talk show host. Most recently, he served on the communications team for Sen. Ben Nelson.
This year’s Tribute Luncheon recognized John and Lynne Boyer for their support of research and their many contributions to the community.
John Boyer, a partner with Fraser Stryker law firm, is a past chairman of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and also served on the board of the University of Nebraska Foundation. He currently serves as president of the Omaha Zoological Society board of directors, as secretary for the Omaha Performing Arts Society and on the board of the Durham Museum.
Lynne Boyer currently serves on the UNMC Campaign Leadership Committee and on the Eppley Cancer Center Advisory Board. In addition, she is on the Executive Committee for Bellevue University, the Joslyn Art Museum board and is a past president of the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation.
In making her acceptance speech, Lynne Boyer said: “We just cannot overemphasize the importance of the research work being done at UNMC.”