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Posted May 30, 2008 Children's Miracle Network honors Pullen's leadership in fight against childhood cancer  Dr. Jeanette Pullen, former chief of the division of pediatric hematology-oncology, was honored for her instrumental role in the fight against pediatric cancer at a Children's Miracle Network meeting in Orlando. Hundreds of on-air personalities from TV and radio stations in the US, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined with celebrities from stage, screen and gridiron at Walt Disney World Resort to honor Pullen and three others with the Children's Miracle Achievement Award. The award is given annually to four caregivers from CMN hospitals throughout North America for their lifetime of service to children. Dr. Owen B. Evans, chairman of pediatrics, and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young presented the award to Pullen as hospital representatives, journalists and entertainers looked on. "It is a wonderful honor for an extraordinary physician who has been instrumental in coordinating pediatric cancer research efforts throughout the nation," said Evans. "Jeanette has made it her life's mission to rewrite the story of childhood cancer. Her work ethic, clinical skills, and dedication to her patients represent the best of our profession." Before Pullen began her work as a pediatric oncologist in 1969, the overwhelming majority of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) did not survive. Today, thanks in part to her leadership, this disease - once a near-certain cause of death - is now treatable. Over the years Pullen helped coordinate the efforts of children's cancer centers across the US in the research and development of treatment for ALL - the most common childhood cancer. As a member of the national Pediatric Oncology Group and Children's Oncology Group, she has led research studies that have yielded lifesaving knowledge and more effective treatments for children with leukemia. As a result of this cooperative research, death rates of children with ALL have plummeted as the cure rate has climbed to more than 80 percent. As Pullen's list of honors grows, her humility remains constant. "It's a team effort," she was quick to point out as she accepted the award. She heaped praise on her colleagues at the Mississippi Children's Cancer Clinic who help children battle cancer through a caring team-based approach and on the broadcasters and companies that support them. "There are teams like ours at children's hospitals all over the country and none of us could do our work without your support," said Pullen to a crowd of thousands that included corporate sponsors and radio and television partners from all over North America. "You devote extensive time and creative effort to raise money for our hospitals-money that is used to provide patients with life-saving care, education, research, and equipment. Thanks to all of you for what you do for the Batson Hospital and other children's hospitals in North America and now in Europe." "Dr. Pullen knows that hospitals need help and ongoing support to provide all the care necessary to treat sick children," said Tena McKenzie, interim director of the division of public affairs. "By working with organizations like CMN and the Junior League of Jackson, she was the driving force that built the Children's Cancer Clinic. And she understood that community involvement and support were crucial to its success." McKenzie, who nominated Pullen for the award, was joined in Orlando by several of the TV and radio personalities in Mississippi who raise money for the Batson Hospital each year during the CMN Celebration broadcast on WJTV News Channel 12 and the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon that airs on eight Radio People-owned stations in Jackson, Meridian and Vicksburg, including local stations Y101, Mix 98.7, and US 96.3. Natchez radio station WQNZ 95 Country - broadcaster of the Miss-Lou Miracles Radiothon - was also represented. "In my profession we look for compelling stories that make an impact on people’s lives," said WJTV anchor Linda Allen who also attended the awards ceremony. "And Dr. Pullen is a clear example of one of those stories. Her dedication and commitment to the children of Mississippi is reason enough for WJTV to support the Batson Hospital through our annual broadcast of the CMN telethon and in other ways throughout the year." Other award recipients included physician-in-chief Dr. Ralph D. Feigin at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, lead neonatologist Dr. Gregor Alexander at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando and clinical nurse specialist Rosella Jefferson at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. - Jim Albritton |