MBRCC presents painting to commemorate Eddie Reed, MD

Family members, friends and colleagues of Eddie Reed, MD, gathered at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center this Wednesday to commemorate Dr. Reed, who was director and the Laurence and Jean DeLynn Chair of Oncology at the Cancer Center from 2001 to 2005.  A painting of the late director was unveiled and will hang in the second floor conference room at the center.  

“Eddie Reed was a world-renowned scientist whose work earned him commendation medals from the U.S. Public Health Service,” William Petros, PharmD, interim director of the MBRCC, said.  “He was genuine and personable and had an inspiring passion to help the underserved people of this state.  He pushed us to think about the people we are serving in West Virginia.”

Dr. Petros said Reed guided substantial expansion of the MBRCC, particularly the recruitment and mentorship of numerous junior cancer research faculty.  Clinically, there was significant growth in patients coming to West Virginia University for cancer care, which led to the expansion of the center.  Reed led the development of MBRCC’s Clinical Trials Research Unit and had a keen interest in cancer prevention and control as a means to reduce cancer health disparities in West Virginia.  He also established a fund to support undergraduate research students.

“Suffice it to say, Eddie was incredibly passionate about faculty and staff development, research and especially providing optimal care of patients being seen at MBRCC,” Petros said.

“I appreciate Dr. Reed’s great service to the University and the state of West Virginia,” Clay Marsh, Vice President and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, said. 

Meenakshi Reed, Dr. Reed’s wife, told attendees how important it is to study science.  “It’s a way to be God’s helper to try to find cures for disease,” she said.

MBRCC supporter David Allen of Clarksburg presented Mrs. Reed a book entitled “Cancer Stories: Lessons in Love, Loss and Hope.”  The book, which was also an award-winning documentary, was a joint project of the Cancer Center and the WVU School of Journalism.  It chronicled the lives of cancer patients’ experiences and was the vision of David Allen and the Allen family.  “This could not have happened without Eddie Reed’s oversight and guidance,” he said.

David’s brother John Allen and his wife Joyce, who established the Sara Crile Allen and James Frederick Allen Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program at the MBRCC, said Dr. Reed was their “hero.” 


Meenakshi Reed (4th from left), widow of former MBRCC Director Eddie Reed, MD, joins Dr. Reed's siblings and their spouses at the painting presentation of her husband.