Give in Memory of Coach Sullivan
To give in memory of Coach Sullivan in support of the Sullivan Survivorship Program, you can donate online, or mail donations to:
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB
1720 Second Ave. S. | WTI 210
Birmingham, AL 35294
For more information about the Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Care Program or to learn how your gift can make an impact in this effort, please contact:
Lisa Roth, Senior Director of Development and Community Relations
(205) 934-0930
leroth@uabmc.edu
More than 110,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year. These patients, even when they become cancer free, often face difficult challenges that can adversely affect their quality of life.
The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is raising money to create a comprehensive head and neck cancer survivor care program at UAB and to name it for Pat and Jean Sullivan. Pat, who passed away Dec. 1, 2019, was a well-known All-American quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and admired football coach. He was also a head and neck cancer survivor. Jean was his greatest champion in this fight, and it is most fitting that we raise money to name this new program in their honor.
The Pat and Jean Sullivan Comprehensive Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Care Program will offer survivors a multi-level, specialized and personalized approach to recovery and survivorship — led by a highly skilled expert staff trained in the intricacies of treating cancer survivors.
Last year, UAB doctors and medical staff treated 1,100 head and neck cancer patients. But like the Sullivans, our experts know that cancer care doesn’t stop when treatment ends.
Following Coach Sullivan’s passing, Ravi Bhatia, M.D., interim director of the O’Neal Cancer Center, released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Pat Sullivan. First and foremost, we want to send our heartfelt condolences to Jean Sullivan, his wife of 50 years, and the entire family. Coach Sullivan was a celebrated coach on the field and a champion for others after he stepped off the field. Even as he fought his own cancer journey, Coach Sullivan was selflessly motivated and driven to help others navigate and address the challenges that come with the disease. He was truly an inspiration to us all. Coach Sullivan’s legacy will forever continue to inspire our physicians, researchers and our patients at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.”