Leonidas Platanias and the Lurie Cancer Center Honored at Annual Awards Dinner

At their 26th Annual Awards Dinner, Gilda’s Club Chicago honored Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University for their remarkable achievements and dedication to improving the lives of patients with cancer.

Under the direction of Dr. Platanias, the Lurie Cancer Center has solidified its position as a national leader in groundbreaking research, leading-edge treatment, and compassionate care.  His steadfast support of the collaboration between Gilda’s Club Chicago and the Lurie Cancer Center has been instrumental in advancing their mission of providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care for individuals affected by cancer. 

Dr. Platanias expressed his gratitude for Gilda's Club, acknowledging their profound impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. He emphasized the invaluable partnership between Gilda's Club Chicago and the Lurie Cancer Center, referring to the organization as “a great partner in the fight against cancer.” Dr. Platanias was deeply honored by this recognition.

In addition to his role as Director of the Lurie Cancer Center, Dr. Platanias is the Jesse, Sara, Andrew, Abigail, Benjamin and Elizabeth Lurie Professor of Oncology in the Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. He also serves as Associate Vice President for Cancer Programs in Northwestern’s Office of Research. The Gilda’s Club Chicago satellite at the Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers weekly support and healing activities for patients undergoing treatment.

By Meghan K. Hales