Kathryn John,
Department of Hematology/Oncology
Kathryn John joined the Hematology/Oncology Division at Children’s in 1972 as a research associate. At the time almost nothing was known about the red cell membrane or its diseases. In the ensuing years, Kathryn and her colleagues on Enders 7 made many of the major advances in unraveling structure and function of this membrane and solved the mystery of one of the most important red cell membrane diseases—hereditary spherocytosis. Kathryn led the technical efforts during all this time. She is loved and respected by her colleagues for her kindness and thoughtfulness, her constant willingness to share her time and knowledge, and her Carolina charm. Known as “magic fingers” because of her technical expertise and her ability to fix almost anything, Kathryn is also a great teacher, who has trained many students, post-docs and fellows during their sojourn in the laboratory. Kathryn is truly special: an invaluable colleague, a lifelong friend, and a major part of the glue that holds the Hematology/Oncology Divisio together.