John Fitzhugh joins Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte to support Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Program
John Fitzhugh always has been passionate about helping others and channeling his boundless energy to steer many nonprofits. Along the way John has been touched by countless volunteers and organizations who serve the community. However, no person has inspired John more than his wife, Cassell, a two-time breast cancer survivor. Cassell was diagnosed with cancer following the birth of their fourth child. Her fight with breast cancer, coupled with the fear and anxiety that accompanies a life-threatening diagnosis, inspired John to focus on ensuring every individual has access to quality healthcare.
As part of his powerful story, John joined Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation’s board where he currently serves as Board Chair. His hope is that his three daughters and their generation will not have to face the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. John and his family are incredibly grateful for the wonderful care Cassell received at Novant Health. They realize that not everyone has access to the level of healthcare received, and many have no access at all.
John and his wife explain how important this initiative is to their family.
Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte
John and Charlotte Ballet’s Elizabeth Truell.
In Charlotte Ballet’s seventh year of the Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala on March 2, John is dancing to raise funds for Novant Health’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Center. This program provides critical mammography screenings and diagnostic services to underserved and uninsured individuals in Charlotte and the thousands of Carolinians with limited access to healthcare.
John’s positive impact to the early detection programs will yield increased breast health literacy and access to timely breast health care, which is directly associated with breast cancer survival rates.
Not only has he made incredible impact as a Board Chair—he has been a phenomenal friend and mentor to all. He brings exuberance and unstoppable energy, which touches everyone he meets.
Cast your vote below and help John raise funds for this important cause.
Novant Health’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program
Funds raised through Dancing with the Stars will be used to improve access to timely breast healthcare and to reduce breast cancer mortality among low income, under/uninsured, and minority populations in our community. The American Cancer Society states that poverty, education deficiency, and lack of health insurance are associated with lower breast cancer survival rates.
In 2017 Novant Health’s Prevention and Early Detection Program Center provided 650 screening mammograms and 674 diagnostic procedures and diagnosed 26 breast cancers for women who were uninsured in Mecklenburg County. The screenings and subsequent treatment for these patients was completely covered through donations.
As we celebrate National Healthcare Week (which is the name for National Hospital Week here at Novant Health), here are a few stories we are honored to share that illustrate our team members’ compassion and commitment to teamwork and personal excellence:
