James and Colette Hipolit in the future home of the James and Colette Hipolit Clinical Research Unit for Oncology
The generous support of donors James and Colette Hipolit has enabled Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health to open the newly named James and Colette Hipolit Clinical Research Unit for Oncology. This new unit will offer local patients more opportunities to participate in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials.
The Hipolits’ gift enables the creation of a physical location at the Suburban Pavilion, as well as the hiring of a team of specialized research nurses, data managers and others, and additional critical resources to support the team’s work.
In 2020, LG Health and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center jointly created the Clinical Research Unit for Oncology at the LG Health Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (ABBCI). The unit’s goal is to improve cancer treatment and outcomes with safe and effective research that meets the highest standards for safety, compliance and privacy.
“ABBCI is uniquely positioned to enhance local patients’ access to clinical trials, said Randall A. Oyer, M.D. Executive Medical Director, ABBCI. “While the James and Colette Hipolit Clinical Research Unit will continue to work in partnership with the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, the expansion will minimize the need for local patients to travel outside the community to participate in research.”
Currently 6% of patients at the Cancer Institute are enrolled in clinical trials.
“Our goal is to increase that number to 20% by increasing the number of clinical trials we are able to offer here,” added Dr. Oyer “The Hipolits’ generous investment will provide us with resources to help us reach our goal.”
ABBCI Clinical Research Team (L to R): Susan Tollett, Brenda Groff, Aly Snyder, Cally Adams, James Hipolit, Colette Hipolit, Sam Kerr, M.D., Drew Mace, Jess Mace
James Hipolit has served LG Health in a number of capacities for more than 30 years. His service includes 16 years on the LG Health Board of Trustees and eight years on the LG Health Foundation Board of Trustees, including time as Board Chair. Mrs. Hipolit has supported the Women’s Giving Circle, the Gingham Gala, and additional LG Health philanthropic efforts for many years.
“Lancaster County is incredibly lucky to have a health system as outstanding as Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health,” said James Hipolit. “We have felt really good about supporting LG Health over the years. It does a tremendous amount of good for the community.”
Cancer personally impacted the couple 12 years ago, with Colette Hipolit’s own diagnosis. Several of her family members have died of breast cancer, and both she and her husband view supporting the clinical research unit as an opportunity to help prevent the disease from affecting younger generations.
“As much as we are able to do now to treat cancer, it would be better if we could do even more,” said Colette Hipolit. “We want to do what we can to support research and development, so there are even more effective treatments to offer patients in the future.”
Colette Hipolit passed away on Oct. 9, 2022 after battling breast cancer for 12 years with determination and grace.