About the Reed Gastrointestinal Cancer Foundation

The Reed Family's Grandchildren

In the paragraphs that follow, Carolyn Reed writes about her late husband, Robert E. Reed - the man she dearly loved, the man in whose memory the Foundation was created.

Robert E. Reed, chairman and CEO of Realty South, believed that "no one person can do things by themselves" and throughout his distinguished career in real estate he pulled people together to work as a team. He especially wanted his life's work to make a difference - he wanted to do positive things for deserving groups and individuals.

Mr. Reed passed away in 2002 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, but his wife, Carolyn, and sons Randy and Scott, have continued his legacy of pulling people together and working to make a positive difference by establishing the Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. The non-profit organization is dedicated, in Mr. Reed's memory, to supporting scientific research and making treatment easier for patients with all types of gastrointestinal cancers. Funds from the Reed Foundation support research programs led by Martin J. Heslin, M.D., Professor of Surgery at the University of Alabama - Birmingham, and Director of the Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Oncology Clinic, a single-site, same-day diagnostic and treatment facility at The Kirklin Clinic.

"Establishing the foundation was our way of thanking Marty Heslin for giving us two more years with Robert following successful surgery. During that time three of our grandchildren were born, so Robert knew all seven of them. I shall always be grateful to him for his skills as a doctor and for his friendship with our family."

"Before Robert passed away he asked both of our sons to continue on and help "finish the fight". Today our foundation has completed its fourth year of fundraising, which includes a unique "Finish the Fight" Iron Bowl Party, in memory of their beloved father."

Robert was 60 years old when he died of pancreatic cancer. He fought this deadly disease for two years.

To me Robert was bigger than life itself, both professionally and as a husband, father and grandfather. Because of his determination, he loved challenges that brought more opportunities into his life. It is with the determination he possessed that he battled cancer until the day he took his last breath.

The Foundation will continue to "Finish the Fight" to win the battle against all gastrointestinal cancers. We will do this in Robert's memory for the life he loved, the people he loved, and for all the cancer families that have followed him who need and deserve answers.