Making Rounds
When cancer is diagnosed, it can be an emotional time, not only for the person diagnosed but also for their loved ones. It can also place a burden financially and leave a person grasping for connection.
This is where Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center (FOCC) can step in with crucial support and resources.
Assistance can mean transportation to and from appointments, nutritional supplements and wig vouchers, support with the emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis through art therapy sessions and even early cancer detection screenings are available to those without insurance coverage, said Sabrina Brooks, vice president of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation.
“For those with a demonstrated financial need, they continue to assist with emergency assistance for housing and utility payments while patients are undergoing treatment,” Brooks said. “Educational resources and family support is available to help patients understand their diagnosis and associated treatments.”
FOCC Advisory Council Chair Margaret Ann Alligood, a retired early childhood educator and breast cancer survivor, will be the first to tell you that the work has her heart.
“I had just finished my cancer treatment when I was asked to chair the FOCC,” Alligood said. “My fellow council members and I have an understanding of cancer and a compassion to help those and their families during their journey of treatment.”
She said that the same compassion is given from the community.
“I’ve now served eight years and the journey has been most fulfilling,” Alligood said. “Our goal is to support our caring and giving community who graciously give money for our cancer patients. We have an overwhelming involvement, illustrated by many who commit their financial support.”
Brooks said the FOCC began in the late 1980s when several community members heard about a similar group supporting cancer patients at Duke Medical Center.
“They brought the concept back to Fayetteville and energized a group of volunteers to organize a patient support program at the Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center,” Brooks said. “Led by the late Jesse Byrd, the group grew from literally passing a hat around to raise enough money to assist a cancer patient with their house payment that month to providing over $200,000 annually to support local cancer patients in a variety of ways.”
Both Alligood and fellow board member Lisa Mary Thompson were asked by Byrd to support the efforts of the FOCC.
Thompson followed in the footsteps of her Uncle Jesse Byrd, the former chair emeritus who volunteered for local cancer patients for more than 30 years. In 2014, Byrd established the Irene Thompson Byrd Cancer Care Endowment in memory of his wife.
“Cancer struck my family hard when we lost my mother in 1989 to breast cancer and Aunt Irene in 1991 to lung cancer,” Thompson said. “Jesse called one evening to ask if I would be a part of- the Advisory Board to help carry on his vision for the Friends of Cancer Center.”
She said the most important part of FOCC is solely for the support of cancer patients as they try their best to navigate this horrible disease and the financial and logistical help given is the greatest impact of the advisory council.
It is through community giving, whether directly or through events such as the Step Up 4 Health & Wellness Expo, that help support the mission to support cancer patients by funding programs which enhance a patient’s journey through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“Today, Friends of the Cancer Center has several programs in place to help patients and receives regular updates from the Cancer Center leadership to make sure they are meeting any emergent needs of patients,” Brooks said.
She said that Cape Fear Valley Health has now expanded into three cancer centers at the Medical Center, at Health Pavilion North and at Health Pavilion Lillington along with support programs at each site.
“Every cancer patient who receives care at any of our locations is potentially impacted by the support provided by donations to Friends of the Cancer Center, due to the wide range of programs offered,” Brooks said.
That connection, which determines need and assistance, is why the FOCC exists.
“I feel the greatest impact of FOCC is our ability to reach out and touch cancer patients during their treatment journey,” Alligood said. “There are many needs, from emotional support to financial help. Our greatest need is for our cancer patients to know that FOCC is here for them because we know that cancer is personal.”
For more information about how to give to the Friends of the Cancer Center or to volunteer, call (910) 615-GIVE or email foundation@capefearvalley.com.
