Dr. Mark Kerner, medical director of Virginia Orthopaedic & Spine Specialists at the MAST One Building just over the Suffolk line in Portsmouth, has pledged $250,000 to the Bon Secours Maryview Foundation to name the newest Hampton Roads Care-A-Van and a future mammography room in memory of his wife, Dr. Anuradha Datyner Kerner.

Dr. Anuradha Datyner Kerner died of breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 48.

“Anu was a unique, warm, and caring person,” her husband said. “I am always looking for ways to keep my wife’s memory alive. Like many families, our family knows the horrors of fighting cancer. However, we are blessed to have the financial resources to deal with cancer and many people do not. I knew my gift would be meaningful to Anu.”

The Care-A-Van is a mobile health care program serving the uninsured in Hampton Roads.

Born in India, Anuradha graduated from high school at age 15 and earned a degree in physics at age 18. After moving to the United States, she earned a Ph.D. in biophysics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook at age 23 and then earned her medical degree at age 27.

She became a U.S. citizen and eventually relocated to the Hampton Roads area to serve as director of the chronic pain program at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. She spent the remainder of her career at the Spine Center of Hampton Roads.

Her patients, office and hospital staff and colleagues remember her for her expertise, empathy and care and good humor.

Dr. Anuradha Datyner Kerner life’s passion was caring for the couple’s three children, Emily, Bryan and Joshua. She chose a career in rehabilitation medicine because of the time it would allow her to spend with them.

“Anu would have asked that you maintain your health so that you can focus your energy on those you love,” Dr. Mark Kerner said.