Bismarck Cancer Center Annual Report 2020

ANNUAL REPORT

LIVE FEARLESSLY EMBRACE SHINE

TODAY

YOU

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2020

LIVE IN THE PRESENT COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

ROAD LIVE EACH DAY THRIVE STRENGTH TO YOUR FULLEST POSITIVE

FIGHT BE THE WITH HOPE, GIVE IT THRIVE GOOD THE ODDS DON’T MATTER YOUR

ALL GOODONLY CONQUER SURVIVE AND THRIVE LOOK TO THIS DAY – THOUGHTS

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DO IT CELEBRATE A SENTENCE YOUR WAY FOR IT IS LIFE… WORD, NOT

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER BISMARCK CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION & CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA CANCER REGISTRY

Dear friends, In my 23 years at the Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC), I would have never imagined the kind of challenges our clinic would face with the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve realized that I have never been more grateful to work with such a talented and caring team – both at BCC, among our hospitals and other community partners. The widespread response effort has provided opportunities to learn and grow as a community. For BCC, telehealth and other online services have expanded exponentially and we have had to be flexible and address our critical needs… most importantly, to keep everyone healthy and safe. Effective collaboration and communication helped provide a common operating picture, built situational awareness, and maximized our resources. This pandemic has and will continue to provide many lessons learned.

For many, this past year has been especially difficult and challenging but amplified for those going through cancer treatments. It’s our goal to offer them peace of mind, knowing the care they receive is customized to meet their needs and follows enhanced COVID-related safety measures. Beyond knowing the best way to treat cancer, having the most advanced technology, and the most experienced and caring professionals in our region, our entire staff is committed to making patients feel at ease and part of an extended family. Each day, we are honored to experience powerful moments of connection, hope and healing for patients and families.

From the beginning, the BCC has ensured that the best technology and services are readily available for the residents of Bismarck and the surrounding area. Despite its challenges, we reflect on the many positive changes 2020 brought as well. We kicked off our ‘Healing for Today, Building Hope for Tomorrow’ Capital Campaign, marking the beginning of our most significant expansion to date. This much-neededspace includes constructing a second floor and renovation of the first floor, including new exam rooms, a special procedure room, an expanded conference room for our community and support groups, a 3rd linear accelerator (treatment machine), a 2nd CT scanner for additional specialized treatment and much more. Visionary work is happening each day at the BCC, creating new standards in health care for the benefit of those going through cancer treatment. The Capital expansion is an essential part of this progress and keeps us on the leading edge of available technology and services.

Our ability to provide innovation and multidisciplinary cancer care is unmatched, and yet it goes well beyond that. Taking care of those individuals we serve is an opportunity not only to bring healing, but to stand by them and help them in the face of life’s biggest health challenges. To our members, supporters, and all our employees, I thank you for what you have done this year. As we look back at 2020, we worked together, as a strong unit, to provide exceptional cancer care while facing a global pandemic. We continue to be grateful to serve, and we remind ourselves to be present in the moment, responding to whatever opportunities come our way. I have been reminded repeatedly that I am so fortunate to work with people who are in healthcare for all the right reasons and a community that makes it their mission to offer ongoing support to the people we serve. Thank you for partnering with us in all our endeavors.

Together, we can make a difference.

Amy Gross Executive Director

our m is s ion It is the mission of the Bismarck Cancer Center to make locally available, the highest quality, state-of-the-art radiation therapy services to persons with cancer within the Bismarck service area. Such services shall be delivered, insofar as possible, without regard to reimbursement, and always in a supportive, compassionate, and caring manner, and will include needed wrap-around services to both patients and their families, educational services, prevention and early detection initiatives, and survivorship programs.

ou r v is ion

It is the vision of the Bismarck Cancer Center to:

Provide, at the local level, the highest quality, state-of-the-art radiation therapy services to persons with cancer within the Bismarck service area.

Supplement its radiation therapy services with needed wrap-around services to be available to both patients and their families.

Ease the burden and stress of cancer patients and their families by providing assistance in access to and navigation of both internal and external community cancer treatment systems.

Offer, throughout its service area, cancer-related educational services, prevention and early detection initiatives, and survivorship programs.

Deliver all these services, insofar as possible, without regard to reimbursement, and always in a supportive, compassionate, and caring manner.

table of contents

board of trustee message

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Kirk Cristy

Ellen Holt

Dr. Chris Meeker

Terri Donovan

Dr. Lisa Laurent

In a year filled with unexpected challenges, the Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC) made it their mission to deliver extraordinary care in the face of an unprecedented pandemic. Staff and physicians have worked tirelessly in uncertain circumstances to provide cancer care and support for each other.

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5 Board of Directors Message 6 BCC News

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2020 also saw many changes at the Cancer Center. Following the past several years of growth, the board determined the additional space was needed to accommodate the projected need of cancer care in our region. The Board of Trustees approved an expansion project that will provide an additional treatment machine, CT machine and a second floor to the Center. In August, ground was broken, and construction began on the $14 million project. The Cancer Center will cover most of the cost through past savings and investments, with a remaining $4 million mission. In November, BCC launched its’ Healing for Today, Building Hope for Tomorrow Capital Campaign, which will focus on raising the remaining funds over the next three years.

We are proud of the Cancer Center and how they kept cancer care a priority during such a tumultuous year. The continued goal for this organization is to meet every persons needs throughout their cancer journey and beyond.

Bismarck Cancer Center Radiation Oncologists

bismarck cancer center leadership team

From left: Dr. Robert Reynolds, Dr. Cole Kreofsky, and Dr. John Watkins

Back row: Sara Kelsch, Lolly Dutton, Amy Gross, Melissa Klein, Tara Schilke Front row: Kate Hanson, Andrea Doerr-Greff

7 BCC Covid Response 8 BCC Expansion 9 BCC Focuses on Tobacco Cessation 10 Survivor’s Story 12 BCCF News 14 BCCF Advisory Board 15 BCC Charitable Services 16 BCCF Fundraising Events 18 Central North Dakota Cancer Registry 4

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

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bismarck cancer center news Bismarck cancer center Staff updates

Sabina

Karli

Morgan

As a transition to medical school, Sabina joined our team as a medical scribe. Sabina attended the University of Mary, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, and the Saba University School of Medicine. She previously worked at CHI St. Alexius as a CNA and the Aga Khan University Hospital as a Research Coordinator.

Karli, RN began as an oncology nurse in the spring 2020. Karli received her Associate’s Degree in nursing from Rasmussen College in Moorhead.

She previously worked at Sanford ENT and, prior to that, at CHI St. Alexius telemetry unit.

Morgan joined the business office and works as an office assistant. She grew up in Hebron, ND, before moving back to Bismarck to attend college at BSC, where she recently finished her Associates of Art and Science degree. She is in the last year of her Bachelor’s program at Concordia University,

Krista

Jillian

and is majoring in Healthcare Administration.

Next fall, she will begin her Master’s program with Concordia University.

Krista serves as a medical scribe for BCC. She grew up in Mobridge, SD, and went to high school in Bismarck at Shiloh Christian School.

Krista attended the University of Mary and has a degree in exercise science. She was interested in working at the Bismarck Cancer Center because of how involved they are within the community.

Jillian joined the treatment team as a radiation therapist. She grew up near Fordville, ND, completed her Bachelor of Science degree at MSU-Moorhead and completed her radiation therapy degree through St. Catherine University.

Jillian was our first Radiation Therapy student to participate in a clinical rotation and joined BCC following completion of schooling.

patient communications

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2020 was a year like no other, and the COVID-19 virus had a serious impact on many people, including individuals with cancer, their families, and caregivers. Social distancing necessitated by the pandemic has complicated doctor-patient interactions and possibly nowhere as much as in the practice of oncology. Immunocompromised patients face a heightened risk of infections, and the coronavirus has further altered the risk and benefit calculation of an in-person appointment.

The Bismarck Cancer Center immediately began preparations to ensure the safety of our patients and employees. Throughout the year, we monitored changes regularly and implemented many precautions to keep the facility as up-to-date as possible. The Bismarck Cancer Center stayed open for patient care throughout the pandemic and enacted the following procedures: • Patient and employee screening and temperature checks upon entering the building • Restricted visitors • Signage and education throughout the building • Increased frequency of cleaning/disinfecting • 6 feet spacing and plastic barriers where possible • Universal masking, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training and education, N95 fit testing

• Telehealth visits offered, when applicable • Telework for those employees that could • Policies and procedures put in place for COVID-19 positive and close contact patients and employees • Education was provided on an ongoing basis to all employees, patients, and their families • 24/7 Infection Control Nurse coverage for employees and patients with COVID-19 questions, concerns, and testing BCC physicians received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, December 18. All other interested BCC employees received the vaccine beginning the week of December 21, 2020.

During this unprecedented time, BCC obtained overwhelming support and guidance from Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, along with the North Dakota Department of Health.

Bluegrass Goes Pink and Health-wise Combine for a Parking Lot Party

The Bismarck Cancer Center made some technological strides concerning patient communications in 2020.

BCC installed an electronic appointment reminder system in the early part of March. The system sends text or voice mail messages to let patients know the date, time, and location of their appointment. This has served as a valuable tool for patient appointment reminders, making it easier to reach individuals.

changes due to Covid-19 at the Bismarck Cancer Center

Also, as a result of COVID-19, physicians met with individuals virtually by using audio/visual aids. Telehealth was a safe way to continue follow-up care with those most vulnerable.

In 2020, creativity with events and education opportunities was the norm. The annual Healthwise health fair held at the Bismarck Cancer Center was a successful example of thinking outside the box to reach the community.

Combining the Bluegrass Goes Pink fundraising concert, which is usually held at Cross Ranch State Park, with BCC’s Health-wise, offered everyone a fun music and education event in an outdoor setting.

On July 30th, BCC’s parking lot showcased the Cottonwood bluegrass concert, including a Facebook Live option, giving fans from home a chance to enjoy the music and donate to the Foundation. Education booths, an inflatable walk-through colon (compliments of the ND Dept. of Heath), ice cream, popcorn, and a small gathering of friends created a safe and fun evening of education and entertainment.

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BCC expansion

HEALING FOR TODAY

BCC focusing on tobacco cessation

BUILDING HOPE FOR TOMORROW

A CAPITAL C AMPAIGN F O R B ISMA RCK CA N CE R CE N T ER

Since 1999, the Bismarck Cancer Center has served Bismarck’s community and the surrounding areas by providing state-of-the-art cancer treatment and wrap-around services.

Unfortunately, the demand for cancer treatment continues to grow and is projected to grow even more.

In February of 2020, our Board of Trustees, comprised of representatives from both Sanford Health Bismarck and CHI St. Alexius Health, along with Cancer Center leadership, developed a plan to address our services’ growing demands in the local community.

In August of 2020, we were excited to break ground on an expansion of the Center. The expansion includes constructing a second floor, the renovation of the first floor, and the addition of necessary medical equipment, including a third linear accelerator (treatment machine) and a CT scanner for additional specialized treatment. The second floor and renovation of part of the first floor will provide more space for patients to include: • Exam rooms • Family counseling rooms • Support services space • Education/conference room • A procedure room • Administrative space 8

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The estimated cost of the initiative is $14 million.

The Center will cover most of this expansion cost through past savings and investments, leaving the remaining $4 million to raise for the project.

Mid-November officially marked the kickoff of the Healing for Today, Building Hope for Tomorrow Capital Campaign. The campaign is a threeyear effort and has seen remarkable support.

One of the top educational focuses for the Bismarck Cancer Center is tobacco cessation.

Corina, a survivorship nurse at the Center and a certified tobacco cessation specialist, has created several avenues for educating and informing the public of the dangers of smoking and vaping.

In 2020, Corina presented to over 2000 students throughout the region on the dangers of vaping.

Statistics show that 1 in 5 high school students vape and 1 in 20 middle school kids. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-’20s. Also, e-cigarettes contain other harmful substances besides nicotine, and young people who use them may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Attendees listen to speaker Corina on vaping.

In addition to providing education on vaping, the Bismarck Cancer Center also offered help to individuals with cancer and survivors interested in quitting smoking. The Center provided educational information and counseling to current smokers and was available to meet with them one-on-one to provide individual support.

BCC patient consult volume has reached record-breaking numbers with utilization of services at all-time highs. We ended the year with 989 consultations. This was an average of 83 consults per month, the highest average number of consultations per month on record.

Using Virtual Support to Stay Connected After the first case of COVID-19 was detected in North Dakota and social distancing became a new normal, the Bismarck Cancer Center’s support programs came to a screeching halt leaving a void in the system designed to provide cancer support for the community. After a couple of weeks without yoga or support groups, the BCC staff brainstormed ideas to find a way to connect with individuals.

The answer came in the form of virtual support programs. Like everyone else who has learned about video meetings, conference calls, and other creative ways to connect while staying apart, our programs went online.

The online groups connected the regular participants and brought together new attendees from beyond Bismarck/Mandan. With the virtual groups, people who live in rural areas of North Dakota could connect online, where the long drive to attend in person made it hard or impossible to participate in the past.

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beverly’s story

Kristina’s Story: Breast Cancer Survivor Facing Each New Day with Gratitude

Healing Through Music

Beverly Everett has been the Music Director of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra for the last 13 years with a mission to inspire. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and found that using her music ‘to help her heal’ was just what the doctor ordered.

Here is her recent breast cancer journey in her own words: ovember of 2018 had already headed to N a close with grief. We had lost our dog Miley

the day after Thanksgiving. Less than a week later, I went in for a mammogram, and it was determined that I needed ultrasounds, biopsies, and eventually decided that I had Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I was under the age of 50 at the time; the journey included surgery and many tests to determine the treatment plan. We decided that I would not benefit from chemotherapy. Instead, I had surgery, a month of radiation treatment, and was put on the drug, Tamoxifen for ten years.

I am a professional musician, so my cancer journey coincided with a lot of musical concerts.

I got the call to tell me that I had cancer just minutes before a rehearsal for a Holiday Christmas concert. I have to admit it was bizarre to walk into the rehearsal, stand in front of the orchestra, conduct fun pieces like Sleigh Ride and Frosty the Snowman, all while my mind and heart were swirling.

The very first day I ever set foot in the Bismarck Cancer Center was to meet with my Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Robert Reynolds. At this point, I was worn down and terrified and feeling pretty low. I had been told I needed chemotherapy for sure; I had been given all of the overwhelming 10

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options from which to choose for surgery. It is not an exaggeration to say that within 5 minutes of my meeting with Dr. Reynolds, my entire perspective did a 180. I do not believe that there is such a thing as “false hope.” Either people positively encourage hope, or they don’t. Dr. Reynold’s confidence that I would be okay caused me to walk out of the Cancer Center that day in a completely different mindset than I had when I entered (and he’s from my home state of Texas and is also a musician)!

I continued to work during all of my treatment, and the next music connection came about a month later; as my surgeries coincided with our annual movie-music concerts, I’m betting that I was the first to ever request of the surgeon that I will be able to “conduct in a T-Rex” costume the day after surgery! Next, in mid-March, my birthday and our spring concerts coincided with the end of my radiation treatment at the Bismarck Cancer Center. I got to ring the bell and conduct a joyful Beethoven Symphony all on the same day!

During treatment, I felt so loved at the Bismarck Cancer Center. It seemed like every day, someone brought me a little gift of some sort, and I almost felt guilty to constantly be leaving

“Like any other journey, there are many bumps and turns in the road.

And, sometimes, when you think you have finished or arrived, you haven’t.” ~Beverly -Breast Cancer Survivor through the waiting room with a gift bag. I had regular massages, did nutritional counseling, and also spiritual counseling. All were beneficial, but spiritual counseling had the most profound impact. I was halfway through my treatment when I went to see the counselor, and I did not make it through her doorway before I burst into sobs. I sometimes think when we are trying to be so strong (and especially when we feel we have to be strong for others), we can become the most broken inside. From here, I became aware of self-care. I was trying to put all of it behind me, do my work, be positive, not talk about things or complain, and all of that caught up with me.

The things that helped me get through my cancer journey were my faith, my family, which includes: my partner, my siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins (and this extends to my orchestra families), running/fitness families, University of Mary family, and church family - and friends, and my music.

The love, the prayers, the support were unreal and palpable. I could feel so many people praying for me. Some of the most helpful support came from my friend MaryAnne in Bemidji. She is also a cancer survivor and was about two months ahead of me in her journey. She was one of the first people I called, and I can honestly say that if it were not for her, I would have struggled much more just getting through it all. I also can’t emphasize enough the excellent care that I received from my nurse Kathy Krebs from Mid Dakota Clinic. Her care for me from Day 1 was a crucial part of my journey.

It’s been two years since that day of that last treatment, and my perspective is very different now. Looking back, I realize that a cancer journey never really “ends.” Like any other journey or race (I am a distance runner and trained for Grandma’s Marathon during my treatment!), there are many bumps and turns in the road. And, sometimes, when you think you have finished or arrived, you haven’t. Many positive tests, being deemed “cancer-free,” getting through treatment - all of that is great.

But none of that erases the fear and the inner and outer scars of the experience. I think it is essential always to be mindful of self-care. This is for everyone, but especially for cancer patients.

Keeping your faith, physical and emotional care, and connecting with people- all of this never stops being important.

Besides being the music director in Bismarck, I also conduct the Symphony Orchestra in Bemidji, MN, teach at the University of Mary and am the organist at Corpus Cristi Catholic Church.

I am a distance runner, and I’m also in the process of writing/publishing a children’s book.

One “hobby” I started doing after my diagnosis was becoming a volunteer dog walker at the Central Dakota Humane Society. That activity connecting with the dogs, the time with them, and nature; the group of friends there in the staff and other volunteers - has all played a huge role in my healing.

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foundation news

BCCF successful fundraising events

foundation lodging

As staff and supporters canceled in-person events and activities due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was clear that the Foundation’s fundraising efforts needed to make a shift to transition in-person events to virtual events and put a spin on all fundraising activity during the unprecedented times of 2020.

Every year, individuals travel hundreds of miles for radiation treatment at the Bismarck Cancer Center. The Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation provides fully furnished apartments and houses for $15/night to individuals and caregivers who have to travel from out of town for treatment.

ANCER CEN TE KC C

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BISM AR

In February 2020, the Cancer Center purchased a nine-complex apartment building at 514 N. 8th Street and started renovations in June 2020. The apartments were renovated, cleaned, and decorated and are being utilized by patients and their families. “We know the cost of temporary housing can be a barrier for those traveling for cancer treatment,” says Executive Director Amy Gross. “Since launching our housing program ten years ago, we have helped hundreds of people rest and recuperate during their radiation treatment.”

p i h s r o ON I SurvEiv BRAT

CraftCade, Space Aliens, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Texas Roadhouse, Anima Cucina, and FireFlour Pizza.

IA

Every year more people are living longer and having better quality lives after cancer than ever before. The Bismarck Cancer Center likes to celebrate our survivors every year through a 12

As Covid-19 numbers spiked in the fall, staff again

O EC REAM S

Survivorship Ice Cream “Drive Thru” Socials

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

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Several events were rescheduled and canceled throughout the year. The summer months created an opportunity for modified in-person events like the Volkowitsch golf tournament. The new tournament format gave registered golfers a couple of weeks to get their teams together, wear their t-shirts, and golf at their leisure rather than bringing everyone together for a one-day event. Bismarck/Mandan Project Hope week was moved from May to July, and the option of digital education booklets was offered to participants working from home. Bluegrass Goes Pink Concert partnered with the Health-wise community education event to create a parking lot party that was a successful and safe event for all.

canceled all in-person events and shifted to raise Survivorship Ice Cream funds for the Foundation with virtual and new Several dine-to-donate events combined “Drive Thru” Socials ideas. good food with fundraising from Applebee’s,

C

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Currently, the Bismarck Cancer Center owns 23 apartment units and houses within walking distance of the Cancer Center. Units are reserved through the Cancer Center and serve as a home away from home during radiation treatment.

All units are furnished through donations and volunteer work, and BCC is honored to offer lodging for those we serve.

L

CEL

The main question was, how do you raise funds while avoiding crowds, general person-to-person contact, eliminate the need to handle cash, and manage it all from your computer? This question created outside-the-box thinking to raise money while keeping the community involved with Cancer Center events and activities.

survivorship picnic. In 2020, things looked a little different due to COVID-19, and the event turned into a ‘drive-thru ice cream social’ both at the Bismarck Cancer Center in June and in Dickinson in July. Over 250 cancer survivors and caregivers enjoyed the free ‘drive-thru’ celebrations where they were treated to Cold Stone ice cream served by the BCC staff.

The Bismarck Cancer Center team created several in-home events that delivered food and activities directly to participants’ doorsteps. The idea behind these fundraising events was to not only raise some money while bringing fun to people during a time when few opportunities to get out and socialize were available, but to support local businesses who were hurting from the pandemic.

The following events were incorporated in 2020: · Poppin’ Pink Pizza Party with Stonehome included build your own pizza kits, pink drinks, pink cupcakes, and pink fun delivered to your door. · Pink-out the Town yard signs for Breast Cancer Awareness Month provided positive pink yard signs delivered to yards throughout town. The cancer awareness signs provided a pop of pink during an election year where yard signs were already scattered throughout the community. · Game Day Chili-to-Go with Laughing Sun & Bread Poets delivered a chili meal complete with football-themed tableware for a Monday Night Football game between the MN Vikings and the Chicago Bears. · Holiday Cookies for Cancer with Magic Candle Cakery delivered holiday cookie decorating kits including delicious cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and a tray all ready to open and frost with family and friends. · A Holiday Shopping for Hope online auction allowed people to do some Christmas shopping online while supporting the Bismarck Cancer Center. Staff, board members, and friends donated gift baskets and items to create a shopping experience, all in the name of hope.

Indeed 2020 fundraising did look a little different; however, what we learned was this community always steps up – in unbelievable ways – to support those we serve at BCC. We are incredibly grateful for the businesses and individuals that made such a difference to our Foundation in 2020.

new bccf advisory board members

Seven new board members joined the BCCF Advisory Board in late 2020.

The members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests. Members include Sarah Murphy, Shawna Lelm, Amy Remboldt, Deb Carpenter, Kathy Howe, Ashley Schumacher, and Deb Thompson.

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bismarck cancer center foundation The Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, established in 2007, is committed to providing hope, help and healing for individuals. With the assistance of the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board, the Foundation raises funds through business and private donations, fundraisers, and local and national grants. Funds are used to provide medical and holistic care for patients and their families.

There’s so much more to treating cancer than just treating the disease. The body, mind and spirit are all important components to healing. With that philosophy in mind, the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation provides an amazing array of services to help individuals during their cancer journeys.

Hope, help, and healing for patients and families through the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Through funding provided by businesses, private donations, grants and fundraising events, the Bismarck Cancer Center offers: Financial assistance • Lodging assistance • Yoga • Transportation assistance Nutritional counseling • Emotional & spiritual counseling • Support groups Survivorship care plans • Early detection & screening • Massage therapy • Art therapy Physical therapy • Home care program • Horses for Healing • On the Move walking group

bccf advisory board

Top row from left: Loren Balkowitsch, Bill Bauman, Jeff Beauchamp, Amber Rae Bernhardt, Wayne Beutler, Donavan Blazek, Renee Daffinrud Second row from left: Dale Ely, John Evanson, Rebecca Fricke, Carol Hanson, Kathy Howe, Duey Johnson, Andrea Kilzer Third row from left: Roger Krueger, Shawna Lelm, Patty Mathisen, Paul Morth, Sarah Murphy, Dale Pahlke, Amy Rembolt Bottom row from left: Dewey Schlittenhard, Susan Schwieters, David Wald, Tina Wetzel Not pictured: Deb Carpenter, Deb Thompson, Ashley Schumacher

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foundation donations HOW YOUR DONATIONS TO BCCF MADE A DIFFERENCE Thank you for your generous donation to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation!

Your donations to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation make a meaningful difference by providing financial support for programs that assist with the treatment of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Through your generous gifts, you are helping to provide services and ease the financial burden of individuals while they receive radiation therapy.

Patient Housing/Necessities: Lodging can be expensive for out-of-town guests. BCCF subsidized 184 people with 3,265 nights of apartment and hotel lodging, valued at $218,755. In addition, BCC invested $13,069 for apartment renovations and upkeep to continue to provide comfortable lodging for those receiving treatment far from home.

Supportive Care: Through BCCF, Bismarck Cancer Center is able to provide services that reach beyond the cancer diagnosis.

REACH Program: Comprehensive care includes counseling with a social worker. Psychosocial and Spiritual counseling was provided to 976 individuals for a total cost of approximately $54,211. Dietary Care: Nutritional support was provided to 904 individuals at a cost of approximately $54,568. Massage Therapy: In 2020, a total of 717 complimentary massages were provided to improve individual’s quality of life through comfort and relaxation. Total massage therapy cost was approximately $28,675. Physical Therapy: In cooperation with Sanford Health Bismarck, the foundation provides physical therapy evaluation for individuals. The physical therapy program is designed to help increase a person’s ability to live a normal and active life during and after cancer treatments.

A total of 285 people were seen at a cost of approximately $5,624. Art Therapy: In 2020, BCCF partnered with Art from the Heart to provide 10 art classes for 60 individuals at a total cost of $1,500. Yoga: BCCF partnered with two local yoga instructors to hold weekly yoga sessions for patients and survivors. In 2020, 49 classes were held and 657 people participated at a total cost of $3,675. Home Care Program: In the summer of 2020, BCCF developed a Home Care Program to assist patients under treatment in the Bismarck/Mandan area with supportive services such as respite care, yardwork and housework. In 2020, 3 individuals applied and were approved for the home care program.

Survivorship Services: BCC has a Survivorship Program in which people receive a comprehensive summary of their treatment and care, along with a follow-up survivorship care plan in an electronic form. These plans, created by our Survivorship Nurses, provide education and resources about each individual’s cancer treatment journey.

A total of 1,813 survivorship visits were provided at an approximate cost of $164,329.

Prevention, Education, Early Detection & Screenings (PEEDS): BCC conducts ongoing prevention, education and screening programs throughout our service area to help raise overall public awareness about cancer and its treatment.

In 2020, over 5,000 people were impacted through 78 education events, screenings and cancer outreach programs for a total cost of approximately $108,429.

Scholarship: Through the Donna Johnson Memorial Scholarship, BCCF was able to provide $2,000 in scholarships to students pursuing an oncology related career.

Transportation Assistance: Because we treat people from a 250-mile radius, BCCF offers transportation assistance when needed. BCCF helped 129 individuals with approximately $11,245 in gas cards and transportation assistance.

In addition to the services the Foundation supports, BCC provided $326,809 in Charity Care assistance for medical services.

BCC Foundation Charitable Services and Funds FY 2020

Patient Housing/Necessities Survivorship Services Supportive Care PEEDS Patient Transportation

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

45% 21% 19% 14% 1%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

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bismarck cancer center

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foundation fundraising events

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central north dakota cancer registry ANNUAL REPORT The Central North Dakota Cancer Registry (CNDCR) was established in 1982, as a joint venture between Sanford Health Bismarck and CHI St. Alexius Health Center. The Cancer Registry gathers and maintains accurate cancer data and provides research assistance to Sanford Health Bismarck, CHI St. Alexius Health, the Bismarck Cancer Center, their physicians, allied health staff and administration. Hundreds of pieces of data are recorded about every cancer diagnosis and the treatment at these facilities.

CNDCR, along with the pathology departments at the respective hospitals, coordinates bi-weekly multidisciplinary cancer case conferences to discuss the best ways to treat specific patients and their cancer. These conferences are attended by the Surgeons, Pathologists, Radiologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, OB-GYNs, Primary Care Physicians, nurses and allied healthcare staff involved in the care of the patient with cancer.

In 2020, CNDCR coordinated 71 conferences in which 374 cancer cases were discussed.

In 2019, 1,497 cases of cancer were diagnosed and/or treated at a Bismarck medical facility.

Fifty-one percent of those patients were from Burleigh and Morton counties.

Cancer patients treated at the Bismarck medical facilities and the Bismarck Cancer Center come from different areas in North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota, eastern Montana and various other states. The accompanying map shows the geographic distribution of cancer patients that were diagnosed and/or treated at a Bismarck facility in 2019.

In November 2020, CNDCR assisted the CHI St. Alexius Health and Sanford Health Bismarck Cancer programs with very successful Commission on Cancer (CoC) re-accreditation surveys. CoC accreditation adds real value to cancer programs. CoC accreditation demonstrates that the hospitals are focused on “high quality, coordinated” care for their cancer patients.

Breast

277

232

Prostate

247

259

Lung

178

196

Colon

83

75

18

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

BOTTINEAU 11

RENVILLE 1

ROLETTE 11

CAVALIER

PEMBINA

TOWNER WILLIAMS 40

WALSH

PIERCE 3 MOUNTRAIL 19

RAMSEY

McHENRY 13

WARD 52

BENSON 4 NELSON

McKENZIE 28

SHERIDAN 14

SLOPE 2

BOWMAN 13

SOUTH DAKOTA MONTANA OTHER STATES

HETTINGER 15

ADAMS 11

65 5 6

WELLS 20

FOSTER 5

MERCER 46 OLIVER 4

STARK 132

GRAND FORKS

EDDY 2

McLEAN 61

KIDDER 19

BURLEIGH 566

GOLDEN VALLEY 9

Top Cancer Sites for Bismarck Area 2018

BURKE 2

BILLINGS 2

In 2019, the most common cancer diagnosed was breast, followed by prostate and lung.

2019

DIVIDE 4

DUNN 17

This chart shows which cancers were seen most often in recent years by the Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Surgeons and other medical professionals in Bismarck.

Initial Cancer Diagnosis Year

Geographic Distribution of Primary Cases 2019

CANCER REGISTRY

GRIGGS

STUTSMAN 11

STEELE

TRAILL

CASS 1

BARNES

MORTON 199

LOGAN 6

GRANT 21 SIOUX 11

EMMONS 29

LaMOURE 4

RANSOM RICHLAND

McINTOSH 13

SARGENT

DICKEY

LEGEND GREEN BLUE BROWN PINK YELLOW

>115 50-115 25-49 10-24 <10

Note: This map does not represent the total number of cancer cases diagnosed in each county.

From left to right: Annesse, Shirley, Jennifer, Tracey, Andrea

Cancer Registries “compile critical information needed to support cancer treatment and research, with the goal of preventing cancer and finding a cure.”

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

19

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER & AFFILIATES BISMARCK CANCER CENTER, BISMARCK CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION, & CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA CANCER REGISTRY

500 NORTH 8TH STREET BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA 58501 BISMARCKCANCERCENTER.COM