Because of You, Anna Had the Support She Needed to Keep Going

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At Novant Health we care for patients, families and each other. Through the Giving. Serving. Together. campaign, team member giving supports the Employee Emergency Fund, offering help when life brings the unexpected. 

Anna Graves, a surgical technologist at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and single mom to 5-year-old Kanai, never imagined she would need that support. In 2024, after a history of precancerous cells and preventive hysterectomy, Anna was diagnosed with metastatic cervical cancer. She needed emergency surgery followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 

While navigating treatment, Anna was also caring for her young son and her mother, who had recently suffered a stroke and moved into her home to recover. “It all happened so fast,” Anna said. “The weight of everything didn’t hit me until my third or fourth round of chemo. I didn’t have time to feel anything. I just used my resources the best I could.” 

Out of work for several months due to severe neuropathy in her feet, Anna turned to the Novant Health Foundation Employee Emergency Fund. “It helped me pay for rent and other bills,” she said. “Novant Health really lived out their cause statement with me. I’m grateful for the nurses, the cancer team and the nurse navigators who helped me stay hopeful and keep moving forward. If nobody was giving or donating, I wouldn’t be here today.” 

Today, Anna is in remission and continuing maintenance therapy. She is also back at work full time and beginning a new chapter as a student at North Carolina A&T State University, working toward a degree in liberal studies (applied cultural thought). 

“My message to all women is that we are here for a reason,” Anna said. “Even when you think for a slight second that you can’t, that’s when you can.” 

When remarkable care is part of your calling, it can feel unexpected to find yourself in need of it. At Novant Health, the Employee Emergency Fund is ready for team members when life takes an unplanned turn. 

Your gift through Giving. Serving. Together. helps patients, strengthens communities and cares for fellow team members. 

If you’re able to give, thank you. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the employee emergency fund (EEF) for financial support or the Team Member Well-being Hub for mental health and well-being support.      

Together, we can lift others.  

When you support through Giving. Serving. Together., you help patients access life-changing care, lift team members and build healthier communities for all of us.  

There are so many ways to make a difference. Whether you give or volunteer, your compassion moves our mission forward.  

Get involved:   

• Give today, visit: Giving. Serving. Together. – Novant Health Foundation  
• Serve with us, volunteer through: Login | Novant Health Cares