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Cancer CARE Fund What do you get when you combine a delicious barbecue buffet, toe-tapping music and some down-home humor? The fixings for the annual Blue Jean Ball, of course. Sponsored by the Cancer CARE (clinical, advocacy, resources and education) Fund Committee, the Blue Jean Ball, a signature fundraising event that debuted in 2004, has been sold out every year. This year’s event featured the music of the Sand Band and the Cowboys. Since 2000, Cancer CARE has channeled financial and personal resources to help cancer patients in need. It also serves as an avenue to promote awareness and improve the understanding of issues related to cancer. Funds raised for Cancer CARE are available to help patients with medications, transportation and other other cancer related items. With only a minimum of paperwork, each request is managed independently with funds dispersed based on specific patient needs. During Fiscal Year 2007, the Cancer CARE Fund allocated more than $70,000 for patient needs. Since its inception, Cancer CARE has distributed more than $250,000 in funds. Over the past several years, fundraising for the Cancer CARE Fund has gained momentum. The local community has embraced Cancer CARE, and several organizations have designated the fund as the recipient of their independent fundraisers. In today’s complex economy, not-for-profit health care organizations such as FirstHealth face an increasing challenge to provide high-quality care to patients in the most cost-effective manner. The future of reimbursement through insurance and governmental programs for these vital health services is uncertain, and while Americans are blessed with a multitude of health care options, these choices often come at an unexpected price. Cancer CARE benefits patients in the primary FirstHealth service area of Moore, Montgomery, Richmond and Hoke counties. At the discretion of administrators, funds can be directed to assist others as well. Beneficiaries are not required to receive treatment from FirstHealth. CARE-Net Facing cancer can be a daunting prospect. The disease challenges patients emotionally, physically and financially. The CARE-Net program was designed to meet these challenges by using a unique buddy system. Through CARE-Net, specially trained volunteers are matched with patients who need a sympathetic ear, a caring heart or a helping hand in navigating the health care system. CARE-Net volunteers provide support to patients and families through calls, letters, and visits. They also help connect patients with necessary resources and facilitate communication with medical providers when needed. Best of all, they will listen. CARE-Net is open to all patients and is free of charge. This wonderful program of support extends well beyond the hospital into the community and enhances the core purpose of FirstHealth—to care for people. A Worldwide Celebration of Life Facing cancer takes courage, strength and, most of all, hope. The way a patient approaches the disease may affect potential outcomes, and surviving cancer is cause for celebration. On Sunday, June 3, 2007, residents of the FirstHealth community joined more than 700 communities throughout the United States, Canada and other participating countries in the 20th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. The local celebration of life is sponsored annually by FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. A “survivor” is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer—from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. According to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, about 10.5 million Americans are cancer survivors. Recognized throughout the world, Cancer Survivors Day is one of the United States’ largest and fastest-growing events. Last year, more than 300 individuals attended the local celebration. Participants were treated to a festive barbecue featuring both entertainment and education. As a person navigates the medical treatments and the emotional stresses commonly associated with a cancer diagnosis, he or she can develop a remarkable outlook on life. Along the way, a sort of metamorphosis seems to occur, and each new day becomes a reason for celebration. Planned by a committee of volunteers and staff, National Cancer Survivors Day inspires families with the realization that there is life after a cancer diagnosis. Hospitality House Chances are that you or a loved one has at some point experienced a hospitalization. If you were lucky, you lived close to the needed services and recovered quickly. But can you imagine traveling more than an hour one way every day for weeks to get medical treatment for an acute condition? Have you ever considered the challenges of parents with children in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? Would you consider the typical hospital waiting room to be a place of comfort and respite? Despite the time and energy devoted to planning a caring environment and encouraging compassionate care, a hospital is and always will be a hospital. For the families of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital patients, a newly designed project will bring the comforts of home closer to the hospital. The Hospitality House will offer a residential environment that allows patients or family members to leave the clinical setting and enjoy some peace and respite depending on their needs and personal situation. Plans for the Hospitality House include daytime and overnight accommodations that will be available based on needs and not limited to financial considerations. The Hospitality House will feature amenities such as computer access, kitchen facilities, laundry room and home entertainment options. A reflection room will be available for personal meditation and spiritual comfort. Volunteers from the community will staff the Hospitality House and provide programs and services such as meal preparation, music or other artistic expression. In fact, Rebecca Ainslie, director of Hospitality Services for the Foundation of FirstHealth, anticipates recruiting a staff of 100 or more volunteers. She also expects to engage civic organizations, school and church groups, and talented individuals throughout the region to participate in caring for our families. We are fortunate to have a group of master gardeners who are designing a Healing Garden on the grounds of the house. The Moore Regional Hospital Auxiliary has pledged $1 million to FirstHealth’s Stepping Stones Campaign, which will fund not only the Hospitality House, but also a Heart Hospital and Hospice Residence. Although a target date for the opening of the Hospitality House is not yet available, volunteers have created interim opportunities for patient and family comfort including afternoon teas and art therapy in the Outpatient Cancer Center. |
