Above: “Big Chief” Waddie Griffin of the Young Cherokee of the Golden Star leads LCRC CEO Dr. Joe W. Ramos and Dr. Michelle Matter in a traditional secondline.

During the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC)’s monthly teatime, Dr. Joe W. Ramos, PhD, was honored with a proper New Orleans send-off as he departs the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC) to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Lundquist Institute in California.

Mardi Gras Indian “Big Chief” Waddie Griffin of the Young Cherokee of the Golden Star led the Phenomenal Brass Band in a traditional second line as a musical finale. Big Chief Waddie, a two-year cancer survivor, also shared his story and expressed his gratitude for his survival and his appreciation for the important work LCRC researchers and clinicians are doing to address cancer in our state.  

During the remarks portion of the event, Dr. Stefan Grant, Director of the Tulane Cancer Center, and Dr. Lucio Miele, newly appointed Director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center, commended Dr. Ramos for his leadership in creating critical framework for research collaboration, which includes statewide partnerships. They also reiterated their commitment to LCRC's cancer research mission and the continuation of the momentum in support of LCRC’s mission in coordination with its members. Drs. Grant and Miele are co-chairs of the LCRC's senior leadership team.  LCRC member institutions include LSU Health New Orleans, Tulane University School of Medicine, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Ochsner Health.

“Dr. Ramos has been an exemplary Director and CEO of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. He worked tirelessly to unite Louisiana's cancer researchers and health advocates, facilitating collaborations, supporting clinical trials, and enhancing community outreach and prevention efforts. His vision for success brought together individuals from all walks of life throughout Louisiana. Our state's endeavors to lessen the cancer burden benefited immensely from Dr. Ramos's tenure,” the LCRC Board said in a statement. The LCRC is working with LCRC and institutional leadership to ensure strategic initiatives continue on pace.