Grateful AYA Cancer Patient Inspired by UH Rainbow Care

Tim Tusick was a freshman at Kent State University when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A dedicated fitness regimen and a never-give-up attitude led to him finishing cancer treatment at the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's a year earlier than expected.

Tim credits his continued positive attitude to one of his caregivers, Patricia Miller-Dunlap. Her words of encouragement helped him to be grateful for waking up in the morning to face another day.

Now in recovery, Tim wants to give back and help others who are facing the same challenges. Watch Tim's story to learn more about his inspiring care journey.

Angie’s Institute: A Destination for Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Care

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is rare; however, it is the leading cause of death by disease in this age group, and survival rates for certain cancers have lagged behind those achieved for pediatric and adult cancer patients. The Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's is positioned to change these outcomes.

The nation’s first comprehensive AYA cancer program, Angie’s Institute opened in 2014, offering a holistic approach that includes state-of-the-art medical treatment and age-appropriate support for the mental and emotional needs particular to the AYA population. The institute encompasses two dedicated floors at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s – the Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit and outpatient services – as well as Angie's Garden, a rooftop healing garden. Designed with AYA patients in mind, Angie’s Institute is infused with light and art and features amenities that allow for socialization, digital connection and respite.

Angie’s Institute was made possible by lead gifts of more than $25 million from Char and Chuck Fowler and their daughters and sons-in-law, Chann and Ed Spellman and Holley and Rob Martens. Their commitment focused on building a unique facility to address the unmet needs of AYA cancer patients, in memory of their daughter and sister, Angie, who lost her cancer battle at age 14.

“Angie’s Institute is dedicated to a life-affirming experience for every patient, and to the discovery that leads to research, clinical trials and treatments available nowhere else,” said John Letterio, MD, Division Chief, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology; Director, Angie’s Institute; and Jane and Lee Seidman Chair in Pediatric Cancer Innovation, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's. “A model for AYA cancer care, this institute – and our services and caregivers – is transforming the care patients receive today and for generations to come.”

Angie's Institute Features:

Sickle Cell Anemia Center

The Sickle Cell Anemia Center, part of the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute, is home to the largest inherited blood disorders program in Northeast Ohio. In cooperation with local and regional pediatricians and family physicians, the center helps more than 250 children manage the disease and reach their full potential as adults.

Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit

The Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit opened to patients in 2020, extending the state-of-the-art healing environment of Angie's Institute to inpatients who are fighting cancer and blood disorders. Made possible thanks to generous support from Seth Uhrman, the Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit is a lasting tribute to Seth's son, Andrew, who passed away at age 10 from a rare blood disorder.

Angie's Garden

Open year-round, this 7,500-square-foot rooftop healing garden is a magical place where UH Rainbow Babies & Children's patients and families can take a break from the clinical environment without leaving the facility. Visitors to the garden can relax under blue skies, breathe fresh air, and stroll amid rainbow-colored beds of flowers high above the city.

Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy

The vision of the Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy at the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute is to establish an internationally renowned center that engages in groundbreaking translational and clinical research to bring new life-extending immunotherapies to pediatric patients with cancer and other diseases. If you are interested in learning more about the Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy, please contact Amy Einhorn, Development Director, University Hospitals, at Amy.Einhorn@UHhospitals.org.