Life with Cancer at Inova: 2022 Donor Impact Update

LIFE WITH CANCER

Thank You for Your Partnership

Thank you for supporting Life with Cancer and for believing in our shared mission to enhance the quality of life of those impacted by cancer through evidencebased education, support, wellness programs and integrative therapies. In this report, we are pleased to share the impact your generosity is making in our community this year, along with recent updates new colleagues, new classes and new groups to support our patients and their loved ones.

10+

New Positions Hired Made Possible By Our Donors

NEW TEAM MEMBERS INCLUDE:

GI Oncology Nurse Navigator

GU Oncology Nurse Navigator

Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator

Outreach Manager

Survivorship Program Lead

Survivorship Supporting Therapist

Survivorship Dietitian

Pediatric Oncology Therapist

FROM OUR LIFE WITH CANCER LEADER:

Jennifer Bires,

Executive Director Inova Life with Cancer Inova Schar Cancer Institute

MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

"Your support is making a huge difference in the lives of patients and families in a time when they are so very vulnerable. We have seen a significant increase in the needs of patients and because of your generosity everyone will be able to access these vital services."

2022 Program Updates

This year, the Life with Cancer team continues to grow and expand its classes and offerings. The team also remains resilient and agile to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on in-person and virtual programs for participants. Life with Cancer's "new normal" is developing in a way that is groundbreaking yet sensitive to the vulnerable population it serves.

EXPANSIONTOINOVA SCHARCANCER INSTITUTELOUDOUN

Loudoun'snewstate-of-the-art,16,000square footcancertreatmentfacility,includingaLife withCancersuite,offersLoudoun-area patientsthetherapeutichealingenvironment thatispartoftheholistic,exceptionalcareat InovaScharCancerInstitute.

1,908 Total educational classes, groups and wellness programs for adults, children and adolescents

27,993

Total class participants

30,523 Patient consults (counseling, navigation, nutrition)

As of Dec 31, 2022

Providing Hope and Healing

Life With Cancer Support Groups and Education Classes constantly seek and adapt to community need with safety always at top of mind. This year we continued with our many virtual options and re-started more in person offerings, including a Breast Cancer Support Group, which has been a huge success.

FROM A PARTICIPANT:

"I’ve been attending the Mind Over Matter class and am getting a lot out of it. I’m doing SO much better, just feeling so much less isolated. I hope you know how powerful your guidance and support can be.”

FROM A CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER:

“I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do this without Life with Cancer. I find it so helpful and necessary, and it’s truly been beneficial to my wellbeing.”

A CENTER, A SPACE, A HOME

The Life with Cancer Dewberry Family Center, also known as Carolyn's House, was designed to create a non-clinical, nurturing environment to house a wide range of rooms for art therapy, meditation, exercise, counseling, reading, exercise, diet education, digital information resources and community meeting spaces.

Easing the Patient Experience

ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATION

Life with Cancer added two new Oncology Nurse Navigator positions who provide seamless coordination of care across all Inova locations.

ONCOLOGY THERAPISTS

Life with Cancer's Oncology Therapists returned to offer in-person counseling in addition to virtual sessions.

FROM A PARTNER:

“From the day following my partner’s surgery, I learned to depend on the oncology navigator to help me comprehend the myriad of facts, issues and terminology that were flying at me at a fast and furious speed. The oncology navigator was a godsend and one of the best things in the excellent care and service we received at Inova Fairfax.”

FROM A PATIENT:

“Cancer was like being in an unforgiving typhoon, and the gale winds and giant waves would hit me and throw me down and knock me hard against the walls, but I’d reach out for something to hold on to and my oncology therapist was there.”

Pediatric Programming

Life with Cancer's Pediatrics program expanded its team and is now seeing pediatric patients and families at Inova Schar - Loudoun in a dedicated pediatric space In-person programs like Curious About Cancer have returned and team members report hearing more laughter and giggles around the hospital halls.

REFRESHED SPACES

The newly renovated pediatric rooms in the Life with Cancer Family Center were designed based on best practice and evidence in the field

FROM A PARENT:

“My daughter was quick to anger when she found out about her mom’s cancer. After the second class, her demeanor improved greatly. She asks questions and is coping much better now.

You have done a wonderful job and this class has helped our family a great deal. You should be very proud of the program that you have here.”

Movement and Wellness

Movement and Wellness classes have returned inperson with a new focus on small groups New "fitness support groups" with 5-6 patients at a time allow participants to get to know each other in an intimate 6-week experience. These groups have had a profound impact on each participant who gains new meaningful connections while on their own individual wellness and fitness journeys.

EAT TO THRIVE

Life with Cancer's annual Eat to Thrive event was held in September with the theme "Making Nutrition Your Ally After Cancer Treatment" The event was attended by over 300 individuals and provided a variety of resources and information on different facets of nutrition. For example: organic versus non organic, farmers markets 101, and seasonal produce guides.

FROM A PATIENT:

“I am so grateful for your conscientious and compassionate approach to wellness-body, mind, and spirit. I am looking forward to fall classes and believe you are heaven sent.”

Treatments and Therapies

ACCUPUNCTURE

Life with Cancer hired its first full-time acupuncturist, Reid Saunders, LAc. Acupuncture is available at all Life with Cancer locations. Through philanthropic support, patients receive 6+ free sessions to help offset costs that are not covered under most insurances.

FROM A PATIENT:

“I had been having trouble with neuropathy following chemo and radiation treatments for breast cancer and my doctors recommended acupuncture. My insurance would not cover the cost so needless to say, I am so grateful that Inova decided to offer this program! Since I started the treatments, I now have much more flexibility and movement in my feet and toes and have a higher energy level!"

FROM A PATIENT:

“I’m really grateful for all the various Life with Cancer services. I just had my second free lymphatic massage at the Family Center (heaven!!!!)."

ART THERAPY

Life with Cancer expanded its art therapy access for both pediatric and adult patients. We also returned to in-person art therapy offerings and creative virtual adaptations

Couples Communicating about Cancer

Life with Cancer recently piloted a brand new program, "Couples Communicating about Cancer" the first of its kind in our region and in the nation. In this fourweek series dedicated to couples impacted by cancer, couples learn skills to improve communication, specifically as it relates to cancer. Throughout the series, couples learn new strategies for navigating tough conversations which helps to cultivate connectedness and intimacy, leading couples to better understand how cancer affects their partner Participants of the program vary in age, type and stage of cancer, as well as how long a couple has been married or in a relationship for. Life with Cancer presented this new program at a national conference and as a result other cancer centers are looking to recreate this model, demonstrating the need and desire for programming focused specifically on couples. Testimonies from couples who completed the series have been incredibly positive.

REPLICATING THE MODEL

The Life with Cancer team has been presenting this piloted program to fellow institutions and gained national interest. Other cancer centers are now starting to recreate this model, which demonstrates the programs effectiveness and need for patients facing cancer and their loved ones.

FROM A COUPLES PARTICIPANT:

"I learned so much about my partner and it's helped us navigate their cancer diagnosis with grace and dignity. It's also improved our relationship!"

Supporting Our Team Members

Inova is committed to caring for its own team members through mindful moments big and small. Whether it's a group yoga class, providing clay for a team member to pause and sculpt throughout their busy day or holding a team meeting outside - our team is creative and strategic about making sure our team members' wellbeing is a priority

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY RETURNS

Life with Cancer facilitates a remembrance ceremony for Inova Schar team members. Patients impact everyone they encounter at Inova, and this ceremony is an opportunity for healing around those memories. This event partners with the Inova Chaplaincy Department and Artistin-Residence program to bring team members together to comfort and support one another, promote healing and honor the memories of our patients.

Community Partnerships

THE LOBSTER EXTRAVAGANZA

This year’s The Lobster Extravaganza raised an incredible $1.2 million for the Inova Life with Cancer program. The Peterson Family remain longtime partners to Life with Cancer and hosts this beloved and entertaining annual celebration.

MANTUA RACCOON RUN

The 21st annual Mantua Raccoon Run 2022 was held on Saturday, May 7 in person again after 2 years of being virtual This local community event supports Life with Cancer and is dedicated to the memory of Roberta Romano and the many who have lost their battles with cancer

Diamonds Direct for hosted their latest grand opening in support of Inova Life with Cancer! In celebration of their new Tysons Corner location, guests were treated to a special evening of shopping with a portion of sales going directly to Life with Cancer

DIAMONDS DIRECT GRAND OPENING

Community Partnerships

On September 17, the 15th Anniversary Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala raised an incredible $1.64 million assisting those living with cancer. Hosted by longtime Inova benefactor, Robert Hisaoka in loving honor of his sister Joan, this event has provided more than $10.8 million to Life with Cancer.

TEAM MATHIAS

The 9th Annual Team Mathias Golf Tournament was a huge success supporting Inova Schar Cancer Institute and families affected by childhood cancer. Team Mathias also gave a special gift of $150,000 in honor of Mathias’ heavenly 21st birthday.

OCTOBER SAVES

Our friends at October Saves held their annual goalie challenge to support Inova Schar Cancer Institute and our Life with Cancer® program. We are so grateful for all the hockey goalies, players, teams, and community members for supporting patients and families facing cancer in our community!

JOAN HISAOKA "MAKE A DIFFERENCE" GALA G.