{"id":45152,"date":"2013-12-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-12-06T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2013\/12\/06\/time-out-with-t-o-the-passing-of-a-dear-friend\/"},"modified":"2022-09-02T20:21:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-03T01:21:42","slug":"time-out-with-t-o-the-passing-of-a-dear-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2013\/12\/06\/time-out-with-t-o-the-passing-of-a-dear-friend\/","title":{"rendered":"Time out with T.O. – The passing of a dear friend"},"content":{"rendered":"

UNMC lost one of its biggest supporters this week with the death of Jim Fagin.<\/p>\n

You probably knew him. His face and voice were a prominent part of the Omaha media for many years, and most recently he served on the communications team for Sen. Ben Nelson.<\/p>\n

Fagin, 68, died of pancreatic cancer after a four-year battle with what is probably the most lethal form of cancer. <\/p>\n

In 2009, he came to The Nebraska Medical Center and underwent a Whipple surgical procedure, a complex surgery that involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, a portion of the stomach and also part of the bile duct. <\/p>\n

It is the kind of procedure that is only done at the most outstanding medical centers and by the top surgeons.<\/p>\n

Fagin loved the medical center. He called it “Mayo on the Missouri.” <\/p>\n

As the medical center raised money for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center during the past year, Fagin didn’t hesitate to share his story with the media. <\/p>\n

If there was anything he could do to spread the word, he would do it. Speak at a news conference — no problem. Testify before the City Council – absolutely.<\/p>\n

The medical center had saved his life. Almost nobody lives four years with pancreatic cancer. It’s usually over in months. <\/p>\n

For Fagin, the four years allowed him more time with his family and to see three grandchildren born. <\/p>\n

His passion for the medical center extended way beyond his personal bout with pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n

Before his cancer diagnosis, when he was a radio talk show host, Fagin was a staunch supporter of UNMC’s venture into embryonic stem cell research. <\/p>\n

In a conservative state like Nebraska, the easy way out for a radio talk show host would be to oppose this controversial research. Why rock the boat and lose listeners?<\/p>\n

Not Fagin. He understood the importance of the research and the tremendous potential it held for people. He welcomed the opportunity to mix it up with opponents of the research.<\/p>\n

Last May, Fagin was the keynote speaker at the Annual Tribute Luncheon held by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures.<\/p>\n

He received a standing ovation. <\/p>\n

When I heard the news that Jim had died, I have to admit there were tears in my eyes. <\/p>\n

You see, I lost a dear friend and so did UNMC.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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