A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
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A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
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By Jennifer K. Roberts
Ann and the late Robert Cullum both lost their first spouses to cancer, but their closeness to family and friends lifted them above their grief. Having a deep desire to help others, the Cullums have given continually to their community, and now are helping cancer patients and their families at UNM's Cancer Research and Treatment Center (CRTC). Robert Morse Cullum was born in Michigan on Oct. 4, 1909. He grew up with a strong interest in gardens, cars and helping his fellow man. He received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Albion College, about 100 miles from Detroit, and in his junior year, qualified for the YMCA summer jobs program. Through this program, he began working at the Ford Motor Company's River Rouge Plant, where he helped build Ford's Model A, and where he continued to work after graduation. Robert's first wife, Vera Morrow, was born in Seven Mile, Ohio, in 1900. The family jokes that she was always 102 years old. Robert and Vera's son, Dr. Larry Cullum of Durango, Colo., explains, "My father didn't know how old she was until they were going to Russia, and Mother had to get a passport." Vera graduated from Hanover College in Hanover, Ind., and later worked for the YWCA. Like Robert, Vera had a strong interest in helping others, and as a social worker in Pottstville, Pa., helped women who worked in the mills, or "sweatshops." "My mother and father met when my father was raising funds for his (social conscience) group," says Dr. Cullum. "He approached Mother because she had been listed as a member. I think she donated $2." Robert and Vera eloped in 1933 and spent their honeymoon on the beaches of Key West, Fla. According to Vera and Robert's daughter, Dr. Carol Geil of Albuquerque, "They were nomads. They loved life, nature, poetry and long walks."
True to nomadic ways, Robert moved his family with every new job. He took a position with the Department of Agriculture in Lincoln, Neb., and in 1944 became director of the Great Lakes area for the War Relocation Authority headquartered in Ohio. While visiting various relocation centers around the country, he met Ann and Robert Kodama. Robert Kodama was the director of recreation in the internment camp in Wyoming, and later, director of relocation, helping Japanese Americans leave the internment camp. The two families quickly became friends, fighting for the same cause-human rights. "Both Bobs were working on getting people out of the camps," recalls Ann, who once stayed with Vera Cullum for six weeks while their husbands were working away from home. After 23 years of marriage and raising three children, Ann Kodama lost Robert to cancer in August 1964. A successful insurance business helped Ann to raise her three children and continue living her meaningful life. The Portland, Ore., native remained active in leadership roles for the Los Angeles Parent-Teacher Association. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for 17 years and also served as state treasurer for the Christian Women's Fellowship of California.
Robert Cullum's work at the internment camps gave him an edge as a ghostwriter for the McCarran-Walter Act, helping Asian aliens become eligible for American citizenship, which to that point had been denied to them by law. Robert took a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1948. He retired in 1971. Two years later, Vera's breast cancer reoccurred after 30 years in remission. She passed away in 1977. After a whirlwind romance, Robert Cullum proposed to Ann Kodama and the two friends were married on Jan. 2, 1978. They built a new life together, enjoying one another's company, as well as the support of their families. Unfortunately, Ann relived the tragedy of losing a husband to cancer with Robert's passing on Aug. 9, 2000. "Robert was extraordinary," she remembers. "He always wanted to improve living and working conditions for others." After Ann, Robert's grandchildren were of the utmost importance to him. "He even carried on a game of chess with one of his grandsons through the U.S. mail," notes Dr. Geil. "He was a good role model." Dr. Geil recalls that before his death, "My father spent many sleepless nights writing poems and letters about the care that all of the people around him had given." In the spring of 2000, Robert penned the following poem, which Dr. Geil decorated and framed for Ann:
I feel like an autumn leaf Ann adds, "My husband did not want anything to do with a mournful memorial service. Therefore, his service was kept very upbeat." Robert and Ann's gift to UNM celebrates life and family, helping others to have the comfort and support that the Cullums enjoyed. Named for Robert Cullum's first wife, the Vera Morrow Cullum Endowment Fund for Special Assistance to Patients with Cancer gives hope and help to many New Mexican cancer patients and their families. Through this endowment, CRTC patients who are unable to afford lodging for family or themselves during treatment have one less worry. "The Cullum's gift has made it possible for patients to find a place to be, and to have their family with them during stressful times," notes Rod Touchet, CRTC social worker and case manager. "Their gift relieves anxiety for many patients." And perhaps, like Vera, this gift helps them to maintain a positive attitude about their illnesses. "Mother never complained about her situation. She was always positive," recalls Dr. Cullum. In a letter of instructions that Vera left the family, she wrote, "Take time to read and see something beautiful every day, and LIVE abundantly." "She was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to know," claims Ann. "The dishes could always wait," adds Dr. Cullum. Robert was grateful to Dr. John Saiki at UNM for the care he gave Vera. "He said that Dr. Saiki had prolonged her life," Ann recollects. "They really took good care of her, and he wanted to give something back to the CRTC." To show his gratitude, Robert and Ann gave a small amount of money every month, which eventually became an endowment. Together, the Cullums created a lasting legacy of caring and family values through the Vera Morrow Cullum Endowment. The endowment now totals more than $112,000. The Cullums may have been like leaves floating gently in a pool, but they also have been the pool themselves, supporting others through their generosity, kindness and humanitarian spirit. UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Spring 2001
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