The Cancer Foundation Summer 2015 Newsletter

A foundation where donations stay local.

Summer 2015 Newsletter

Patient Profile: LARRY WEHUNT

Larry Wehunt started his fight with prostate and bone cancer in June 2013. In November 2014, Larry decided it was time to ask for help paying bills since the cost of traveling to Athens for treatment had drained his savings, and his family couldn’t help anymore. It was Athens Area Urology RN Clinical Coordinator, Glenda Rampley, who told Larry about The Cancer Foundation and what it could do to help him with emergency financial assistance.

“It was so quick. My sister helped me fill out the application and get it to my doctor, and the next day [Stacey] told me you were giving me a food card, a gas card, and paying my propane bill. My gas tank was sitting on empty and my propane tank for my house was empty, and I was afraid of not getting to treatment or not being warm.

Then, The Cancer Foundation came along and paid that.”

Larry says the hardest part about dealing with his cancer has been accepting the diagnosis. “I’ve always been a do it yourself kind of person. Now, I’m having to accept that I have cancer, I need treatment, and that I can’t do everything myself— sometimes I have to have help. It helped me feel better just knowing The Cancer Foundation was there and willing to help someone like me, and other cancer patients, out.”

About the Tri to Beat Cancer The sixth annual Tri to Beat Cancer sprint triathlon, duathlon, and aqua bike will take place on Sunday, August 23rd at Sandy Creek Park.

E

xpecting 600 – 800 participants and over 150 volunteers, USA Triathlon, the governing body of the triathlon sport, sanctions this event, heightening the participation of more serious and competitive athletes. To sign up for Tri to Beat Cancer, go to cfnega.org. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact tri2beatcancer@ gmail.com. Tri to Beat Cancer is presented by Power Partners.

Tri to Beat Cancer Packet Pick-Up: Endurance House: Wednesday, August 20th, 11:00 am-5:00 pm, 11800 Haynes Bridge Rd. Suite 1, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Georgia Cycle Sport: Thursday, August 21st, 3:30-6:30 pm, 1029 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30606 Holiday Inn: Saturday, August 22nd, 2:00-5:00 pm, 197 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601

Why We Donate

“

One of the partners at Newton Ray Company, Tinker Boatright fought his own battle with cancer. During treatments he came to know people who did not have the necessary financial resources to fight their cancer. He said ‘we can help our neighbors.’ The Cancer Foundation’s Tri to Beat Cancer has been a great partner to help us fulfill that commitment.”

– Butch Bush, Newton Ray Company

Evolution of The Cancer Foundation

Foundation Establishment The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia (CFNEGA) was created in 2005 by the four oncologists of Northeast Georgia Cancer Care (now University Cancer and Blood): Dr. Mark Vrana, Dr. Glen Wiggans, Dr. Jeffrey Thomas, and Dr. Neal Marrano.

Loretta Goodson, practice administrator, was a strong advocate and leader in setting up the foundation. She and the physicians created the foundation to reduce the stress level of their patients by providing financial assistance when needed. Loretta Goodson and the physicians incorporated the foundation and established 501-c3 status in October of 2007. Initial documents stated that they would provide financial assistance to qualifying cancer patients. Early income came from clinic employees and individual donations.

Throughout its existence the Cancer Foundation has received extraordinary financial support and encouragement from the physicians, practice administrator Loretta Goodson, and employees of University Cancer and Blood Center. Their support has allowed the foundation to gain financial stability and to grow in achieving its mission of reducing the stress of local cancer patients in financial crisis. In 2012, 2013, and 2014 the physicians wrote to their patients offering to match $20,000 in patient donations to the foundation – a challenge accepted by patients. In 2012 patients responded by donating $34,000 (one patient donated $20,000) and the physicians matched with $20,000. In 2013 patients donated $24,000 and the doctors matched $20,000. In 2014 patients donated $13,320.

In 2010 board member Brooke Stortz initiated a Cocktails for a Cause silent auction fundraiser at East West Bistro. It netted just over $2000. In 2011-13 the event was held at Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens. In 2015 it raised $27,000.

Nina Mobley, board member and clinic employee, has created a steady stream of foundation income through a variety of creative means. She organized cookouts, cookbook sales, raffles, and t-shirt sales among things. That generated $24,000 in 2015.

The Cancer Foundation was added to the list of charities eligible for Athens Clarke County employees to make donations by payroll deduction in 2010. The same was true for University of Georgia employees in 2013. Northeast GA Cancer Care employees continue to be consistent generous donors through payroll deduction.

In 2013 two new fundraisers were added. Cycle Against Cancer indoor spinning event was held at The Omni Club in Athens. 41 participants raised $12,000. The Omni provided the facility, equipment, and a spinning instructor. The second fundraiser added in 2013 was The Good Hope Classic bike ride in Walton County. 50 bike riders and event sponsors raised $5,000. Thirty volunteers contributed to event success.

In addition to the events organized by the foundation the Cancer Foundation is the beneficiary of a 5K run and discount card sale organized by Tanger Outlets in Commerce ($12,000) and a golf tournament held at The Georgia Club in Barrow County ($10,000).

The Walton Hospital Authority covers the expense of all Walton county patients.

The Athens Area Cancer Auxiliary has consistently been a valuable source of financial support to the foundation.

Grants Kimberly Liebowitz, executive director, has successfully sought grants as a source of support for the foundation’s Financial Assistance Program.

• • • •

2008 – $7,500 2009 – $26,000 2010 – $25,000 2011 – $51,000

• 2012 – $38,000 • 2013 – $69,000 • 2014 – $70,713

Fundraising

The TRI TO BEAT CANCER triathlon is the foundation’s largest fundraiser.

Kelly Girtz, board member and Athens Clarke County commissioner, was instrumental in convincing the park staff, mayor, and commission to allow the foundation to hold a sprint triathlon with an open water swim and 5K run inside the park in conjunction with a bike ride outside the park. In 2010 numerous sponsors, 130 volunteers, and 650 participants plus spectators came together for an event that surpassed all expectations. The net profit was $75,000. Northeast GA Cancer Care was the title sponsor from 2010 to 2014. Power Partners has agreed to be our title sponsor in 2015.

Planned Gifts The Healing Society was established in 2013 to promote bequests in support of the foundation’s mission. Procedures were developed to handle such gifts.

Founding Board of Directors Members 2005-2008 • Marilyn Hill, President • Barry “Tinker” Boatright

• Ray “Butch” Bush (2005-Present)

• Kelly Girtz

• Jayne Bailey • Jessica Nickelsen

Transition Clinics The Cancer Foundation and Tri Coach Georgia (tricoachgeorgia.com) are teaming up to once again offer FREE transition clinics and swim practice Tri to Beat Cancer!

Held at Sandy Creek Park in Athens, the clinics begin at 7:30 am with an informal talk, where questions and concerns are addressed. We then proceed to practicing what we’ve learned. Equipment, safety and technique will all be covered to help you get comfortable with triathlon challenges. For the swim portion, the boundary rope will stay up and participants will have to cross. All attendees are eligible to receive a FREE training plan from Tri Coach Georgia!

All experience levels are welcome to attend. Contact Ryan Wolfe (ryan@tricoachgeorgia.com) or Harvey Gayer (slayer@tricoachgeorgia. com) with any questions.

Date: August 16th, 7:30-9:30 am. This clinic will offer a guided run with Fleet Feet Athens on the Tri to Beat Cancer run course after the swim portion.

Ryan Wolfe of TriCoach Georgia give transitions tips at Sandy Creek Park

Fire & Ice Gala: Saturday, December 12th at the Cotton Press Gymdogs United: Join The Cancer Foundation and University of Georgia Gymdogs for a 2016 season sneak peek on Saturday, December

19th at Stegeman Coliseum! In attendance will be past and present Gymdogs, Head Coach Danna Durante, and legendary Gymdog coach Suzanne Yoculan.

Tanger Outlet Partnership

Pink Partin FASHION GALA

benefiting

The Cancer Foundation is excited to partner once again with Tanger Outlets as beneficiary of their successful Fit for a Cure 5K! In addition to the popular 5K, this year Tanger Outlets Center in Commerce, GA is adding a Pink Partini fashion show and silent auction. Tanger is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer, as well as raising funds for local cancer patients. The 5K and Pink Partini are great ways to bring our community together for a great cause during October, which has come to be known as breast cancer awareness month.

Pink Partini is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at the Jefferson Civic Center and will feature a silent auction and fall fashion show. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by contacting Haley Avery at havery@cfnega.org or 706-255-7669.

Fit for a Cure 5K is on Saturday, October 7th at Tanger Outlets in Commerce. The run/walk is $20 if you pre-register, and $25 to register race day.

Visit tangeroutlet.com/race for more information!

Why We Donate

“

Marlo and I support Tri to Beat Cancer/Cancer Foundation because we strongly believe in its mission to

support cancer patients who are in a financial crisis and in need of help. By providing assistance to patients we are hopeful that they may continue with their needed treatments and not have to make a choice between buying groceries and continuing therapy.

Over the last seven years we are very pleased that our support, along with that of many other individuals and businesses has helped to alleviate the financial stress of cancer patients in the local area.”

– Glen and Marlo Wiggans

Thank You to Our Donors In memory of Reba Hutchins Aaron FIS Global Marie H. Storey Elaine Wright

In memory of Virginia Clark Mac and Susie Freeman In memory of Carolyn Dehring Jackie Hammersley

In honor of Lanell Bowers Michael Felton

In honor of George Dougherty, Sr. Bill and Barbara Cabaniss Blanca Katsura

In memory of Nancy Bruce Richard Bruce Daniel and Mary Colley Bernard and Martha Kacmar Diane and Francis Klonowski In honor of J.J. Brueshaber Shirley Smith In honor of Paige Campbell and Betsy Pless Bert and Marie Ballard-Myer In memory of Pat Cardin and Marge Schneider Catherine Slaughter

In memory of Sybil Dull Abie and Doris Harris In honor of MaryLynn Lane and Dr. George Dougherty, Sr. Tony and Betsy Komac In memory of Kay Glenn Robert Burton In honor of Dr. Petros Nikolinakos Deckris Leonia Bone In memory of Mary Ann Okrasinski Jane Okrasinski

In memory of James Carlyle Robert and Annette Milford Yargo Elementary School

In memory of John Hamilton Pass Bill Pass

In honor of Judy Carpenter Scott and Heather Kleiner

In honor of Teresa Schultz Bill Pass

In memory of Mrs. Peggy R. Shubert Timothy and Gina Powell In memory of Mimi Moreland Smith Thomas Smith In memory of James Mercer Treadwell, Jr. Gina Dicamillo In honor of Dr. Glen and Marlo Wiggans Karen Kassinger Leonard and Eileen Sapera

General Donations

Athens Area Cancer Auxiliary Donnie and Reba Conner Steve and Meg Cramer Rebecca David Thomas and Rita Hollingsworth Dr. Farris T. Johnson, Jr. Christine Morris Oglethorpe County Board of Education Jim and Donna Smith Taylor Tuttle University Cancer and Blood Center Mid-Levels and Staff

Grants

Walmart Walton County Healthcare Foundation

The Cancer Foundation is excited to partner once again with Tanger Outlets as beneficiary of their successful Fit for a Cure 5K! In addition to the popular 5K, this year Tanger Outlets Center in Commerce, GA is adding a Pink Partini fashion show and silent auction.

Tanger is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer, as well as raising funds for local cancer patients. The 5K and Pink Partini are great ways to bring our community together for a great cause during October, which has come to be known as breast cancer awareness month.

Pink Partini is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at the Jefferson Civic Center and will feature a silent auction and fall fashion show. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by contacting Haley Avery at havery@cfnega.org or 706-255-7669.

Fit for a Cure 5K is on Saturday, October 7th at Tanger Outlets in Commerce. The run/walk is $20 if you pre-register, and $25 to register race day.

Visit tangeroutlet.com/race for more information!

Keep in Touch!

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Enclosed is my tax deductible donation of $ ________________________ Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________ State _________________________________ Zip __________________ Email _________________________________ Phone _______________ This donation is in honor [ ] or memory [ ] of: ____________________ ____________________________________________________________

Mail completed form to: CFNEGA P. O. Box 49309 Athens, GA 30604

Cancer Auxiliary Gives $29,000 to Foundation The Cancer Foundation was presented with a check for $29,000 from the Athens Area Cancer Auxiliary on May 21st. Pictured Left to Right: Lindsey McKinney, AACA Past President, Haley Avery, TCF Special Event and Communications Coordinator, April Pilcher, current AACA President.

The Cancer Foundation Unveils New Logo You may have noticed that we have a new logo being used on the masthead of this web site. The new logo was designed by local design and marketing firm, The Adsmith, with input and feedback from the board of The Cancer Foundation. The new logo, evocative of both a heart & flower in appearance, is a vibrant new take on the foundation’s prior logo, and will help further establish the foundation as a top-tier non-profit. Big thanks to the Adsmith for donating their expertise and hard work. We are thrilled about the direction our foundation is taking.