In Memoriam

Estes advocated for improved elder care throughout his 25-year career as president and CEO of Estes Health Care Centers Inc. and advocated for newer, targeted cancer treatments through his support of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Estes family—including James, his wife Pat, and his children—has made several significant gifts to accelerate research initiatives, including the Estes Research Fund for Ovarian Cancer and the James H. Estes Family Endowed Chair for Lung Cancer Research. Most recently, James and his son, Norman Estes, generously funded the Barbara and Edward Partridge Atrium and the Edward E. Partridge, M.D., Endowed Chair for Cancer Disparity Research, which will strengthen faculty recruitment and retention efforts, while supporting efforts to reduce disparities in cancer treatments and outcomes.

Slive might be best known for his impact on college sports as longtime Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, and before that, Conference USA. In recent years, Slive’s name has also become synonymous with the fight against prostate cancer. Slive inspired many during his public battle with the disease. Realizing they could make a difference in other men’s lives, he and his friend Ed Meyerson, charter member and former president of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board, established the Mike Slive Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research in 2017. The Foundation is already making an impact through its gift to fund three cutting-edge prostate cancer research projects in the Cancer Center.

“The commitment of leaders such as James Estes and Mike Slive to our cancer center has significantly contributed to our thriving, exceptional research program and outstanding clinical care,” says Michael J. Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I am grateful for their compassion toward others.”