Because of you... Because of you...
Philanthropy plays a vital role in delivering world-class cancer care. At Atrium Health Levine Cancer, your charitable contributions enable cutting-edge oncology research using the latest technologies. Generosity like yours empowers our physician-led teams to offer crucial treatment advancements. Holistic care standards for patients and families are also enhanced by philanthropy, supporting outreach and wellness programs throughout the Greater Charlotte area
We are proud of our shared achievements including: Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care
The region’s only comprehensive transplant and cellular therapy program
Complete cancer support including integrative medicine, cancer rehabilitation and survivorship care
Special programs including Sandra Levine Young Breast Cancer, Young Adults with Leukemia & Lymphoma, and Young Adults with Colon Cancer
One of the first nurse navigation programs in the country World-renowned supportive oncology program
Your partnership with Atrium Health Levine Cancer also drives remarkable progress in discovering innovative methods to detect and treat various cancers. Levine Cancer provides access to top-tier physician expertise, pioneering clinical trials, world-class cancer treatments right here in our community.
This report showcases the profound impact we achieved together in 2024.
2,752 Donors came together to make a difference
$7,800,000 raised by our community of donors
Treated 20% of all breast cancer cases in NC
$4,879,505 invested in cancer care
200,000+ patient visits
20,000+ new patients seen
The only proton therapy offered between DC and Atlanta
25 care locations across the region
Cancer's toll is often worsened by the financial strain of treatment. Expenses like transportation, housing, and monthly bills continue, and some medical expenses are not covered by insurance, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket expenses Atrium Health Levine Cancer provides top-level care to the people in the Charlotte community, regardless of their financial situation
Our Access and Outreach program removes barriers to care, offering food assistance, transportation, temporary housing, free screenings, and navigation services. Your support has enabled us to assist patients and families facing the most challenging situations
We provided over $3 million in services to patients and families in the Greater Charlotte Region
Over 37,000 individuals participated in free programs and screenings
Assisted western North Carolina residents after Hurricane Helene, providing treatment, daily necessities, and hot meals
Supported colorectal screenings, FIT tests, and follow-up colonoscopies for patients in need - at no cost to them - throughout Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, and Lincoln counties
Covered operational expenses of two mobile lung buses, making lung cancer screening accessible to high-risk individuals
“Patient X, currently undergoing treatment for a rare uterine cancer, was helped with her electric bill, thanks to the Patient Special Needs Fund. Due to her illness and recent hospitalization, she has been unable to work as a teacher, and as a result, she and her spouse are struggling to pay their household bills.”
“Patient Y, residing in Lincolnton, NC, is experiencing temporary difficulties maintaining his power and water services. Because we helped to cover these expenses for one month, it allowed him more funds for other essential needs, such as food and transportation to his appointments.”
Project PINK was created to provide women in need with access to life-saving mammography screenings Donations to The Project PINK Fund support “Free Mammography Days” in communities in need The program’s state-of-the-art mobile breast center travels throughout the Greater Charlotte area and beyond, offering free screenings in a convenient and compassionate setting.
The bus serves under-resourced communities in Anson, Cleveland, Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties, as well as the Catawba Indian Nation in South Carolina Each patient receives breast health education, general cancer screening resources, and connections to community programs.
1,379 patients screened
28 patients with pre-cancer/atypia
23 positive cancers
45% first time mammogram
32% no mammogram in 1-2 years
23% no mammogram in 2+ years
Cancer research has made significant strides over the past few decades Atrium Health Levine Cancer has advanced our understanding of tumor biology and cancer's impact on the body, leading to improved therapies and preventative lifestyles that have reduced mortality rates.
Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s world-renowned physicians are at the forefront of this research, making breakthroughs that impact the Carolinas and beyond Our Oncology Clinical Trials Program offers diverse options for patients with initial, recurring, or advanced cancer, covering common and rare types. Our skilled oncologists specialize in areas such as hematology, breast, gynecologic, prostate, lung, melanoma, and colorectal cancers, conducting trials on FDA-approved treatments and immunotherapy
Philanthropy is crucial in advancing cancer research. In 2024, your contributions directly supported the life-saving research at Atrium Health Levine Cancer like the projects listed below
Research on Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3, a protein that regulates cell growth, through specialized testing, tissue preparation, and lab analysis
Testing the feasibility of autoantibody biomarkers for lung cancer, which could potentially be used for early detection
Studying blood samples to predict how patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma will respond to treatment
Researching the treatment of a specific type of endometrial cancer using a novel technique that targets multiple factors of the disease
Project Lifted trains cancer fellows on how to best serve patients with barriers to care Your donations were used to purchase module materials and supplies, ultimately helping to create the best environment of care for the most vulnerable patients
The Durden – Molecular Targeted Therapeutics (MTT) lab focuses on developing novel cancer therapeutics for solid and liquid tumors Our multidisciplinary team uses a chemical biology approach to design, manufacture, and test proprietary small molecule drugs that target and inhibit multiple cancer-promoting factors within cells. This platform aims to address challenging cancers, including late-stage and drug-resistant types.
In 2020, Ian Richardson, then 28 years old, and his wife, Katie, received the shocking news of his lymphoma diagnosis. They relied on Dr. Ryan Jacobs' expertise to navigate the challenging journey ahead. Ian's treatment included chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant, and CAR-T cell therapy, which was relatively new at the time. Each treatment brought hope – and when there were heartbreaking relapses, Dr. Jacobs' unwavering dedication kept them going. Drawing on his experience and research, Dr. Jacobs developed a unique combination of medications that has put Ian into his longest remission to date.
Now, the couple is looking forward to the future as they expect their first child. They recently shared the news with Dr. Jacobs. Ian expressed, “Dr. Jacobs saved my life countless times and now our unborn child’s life.” Katie added, “There are no words to describe how much that means to us and how much he means to us.”
Atrium Health Levine Cancer is distinguished as one of the few cancer centers in the world with a dedicated Department of Supportive Oncology Supportive oncology is vital to modern cancer care, addressing the "whole person" by integrating spiritual and mental health with traditional medical treatments, thereby enhancing quality of life and improving outcomes.
The Integrative Oncology Team at Levine Cancer, grounded in evidence-based practices, collaborates to provide holistic support for patients, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. They assist with lifestyle management, side effect mitigation, and offer integrative modalities throughout the treatment journey.
Philanthropy is crucial in Supportive Oncology, providing hope and healing for our patients. In 2024, your gifts enabled services like these:
Provided access to integrative services to help those who need it most
Supported the Journey Through Survivorship event in Charlotte, NC, on September 14th, aimed at providing cancer patients and their caregivers with tools and resources to enhance their survivorship journey
Integrative Oncology
Navigation
Nutrition
Palliative Medicine
Psycho-oncology
Rehabilitation
Research and Education
Senior Oncology
Survivorship
Acupuncture
Healing touch
Levine Cancer writing community
Massage therapy
Mindfulness classes
Music therapy
Spiritual care
Tai chi
Therapeutic art
Yoga
Patient highlight Patient highlight
Jane and Rick Williams faced Rick's esophageal cancer journey for eight years, finding support through Atrium Health Levine Cancer's free caregiver resources These resources helped Jane navigate her role, providing counseling, support groups, and amenities
Research shows caregivers experience significant burdens and negative impacts on their quality of life. Levine Cancer’s caregiver support resources are grounded in evidence-based practices. “Supporting caregivers significantly improves patient outcomes,” explains Dori Beeler, research scientist with Levine Cancer. “This approach enhances both caregiver wellbeing and patients' cancer-related outcomes. It also strengthens the effectiveness of our health care teams and enhances care coordination. By caring for the caregiver, we foster a holistic approach to patient care.”
Atrium Health Levine Cancer recognizes caregivers as an integral part of the cancer care team, offering support, education, and training opportunities at no cost, thanks to philanthropy. These resources include:
Individual Counseling: Personalized sessions to help Jane navigate her emotions and support her children
Care Partner Support Group: A virtual group offering a space to discuss family experiences and gain insights from other caregivers
Keep Pounding Family Center: A lounge area at Levine Cancer with amenities like couches, TVs, snacks, and private rooms for caregivers to relax or work
Cancer Resource Center: A library with cancer-related books, pamphlets, and resources to help caregivers understand and support patients
Comfort Resources in Treatment Rooms: Snacks, drinks, and warm blankets available in treatment rooms to keep patients and families comfortable
At the time of Rick’s diagnosis, he had only a 15% to 20% chance of surviving five years. As he neared eight years of survival, Rick and Jane were in awe of his progress. Thanks to Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s unwavering support, Rick remained resilient while cherishing time with his family.
“We’re so grateful for this precious time together,” Jane says. “We’ve made a point to check off bucket-list activities and make every moment meaningful.”
Sadly, Rick passed away in May 2025. His loving family remains grateful for the care and services they received from Atrium Health Levine Cancer in Charlotte, North Carolina.
