The phrase “rock star” gets thrown around a lot to describe someone who has achieved the heights of accomplishment and fame.
In the case of Dr. Janet Rowley, it was absolutely fitting, colleagues say.
Dr. Rowley, a brilliant University of Chicago scientist and physician whose revolutionary research linked chromosomal abnormalities to certain cancers, died December 17th, of ovarian cancer at her Hyde Park home. She was 88.
Her work, which led to the development of new cancer-fighting drugs, was recognized with many awards, including the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the top U.S. honor for civilians. The New York Times called her “The Matriarch of Modern Cancer Genetics.”
Read the full, original story: Dr. Janet Rowley, whose genetic research led to cancer treatment breakthroughs, dies at 88
