Buddy Kemp 2020 Impact Report
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation
Helping individuals and families cope with cancer
By all accounts, 2020 was an unprecedented year, and, throughout it all, you stood by our side. For your continued commitment and generosity, we are truly grateful. Your financial support allowed Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center to continue providing patients with special programs and resources, as well as services to empower them as they managed the changes that come after diagnosis. With your gift, our specially trained team of counselors and case managers were able to offer our patients access to support groups, educational programs, financial resource guidance and a resource library. Our Lending Boutique provided beautiful wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemo treatments. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are not able to provide our annual event calendar, but we do look forward to staying in touch with you throughout this year. Your generosity makes our work possible, and we look forward to sharing more about the impact of that work in the months to come.
Our 2020 Update
Hematology social worker Susan Berry, LCSW, was hired to work specifically with hematology patients. Susan assesses potential candidates for transplants in addition to offering all patients psychosocial support, guidance and resources.
Number of individuals we supported: 2,649
Navigating COVID-19
Counseling individuals served virtually:
235 new counseling appointments and 1,608 follow-up sessions
Case management individuals served virtually:
157 new case management clients and 95 follow-up sessions
Case managers connected individuals to the following financial resources:
By the numbers
15 patients
were connected to our food pantries for nutrition assistance
65 patients
were provided with prescription assistance
41 clients
received one or a combination of wigs, hats, scarves, bras or breast prostheses prior to COVID-19 restrictions
10 support groups
were offered virtually
13 active peer members
enrolled in our woman-to-woman peer mentoring program
Special programs
Coping with cancer classes and COVID-19 during the holidays and Caregiver Appreciation
Patient story
Ms. B was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage II in her 30s. She was overwhelmed, fearful and had many questions regarding going through her upcoming chemotherapy. She learned she would no longer be able to have children. She wanted to connect with a Peer Mentor to help answer her many questions and receive support from someone who had been through this cancer prior to having children. Our Peer Mentor was able to connect with her and provide positive support and reassurance on life post-treatment. They kept in touch throughout treatment, and Ms. B describes her support as key to her success in remaining positive. This is just one example of the many positive relationships formed from our Woman-to-Woman connections.
2021 plans
This year, we are hopeful our loyal Buddy Kemp donors can help us update our library material, resume our volunteer program, launch a blood cancer support group or gain our financial navigator certification. To learn more about how you can help make 2021 remarkable for our Buddy Kemp team and patients, contact Tiffany Young at thyoung@novanthealth.org.
Patient feedback
“Your guidance and assistance helped ease my very concerned mind. My breast cancer journey has been challenging, but wonderful people like yourself have made the path easier to navigate.”
“As I struggled to sort through a plethora of confusing emotions during the most diffcult period of my life, you were a beacon— a beaming light who kept me focused on practicalities and assured me of better days ahead. Your guidance and care have left a lasting imprint in my life. Thank you."
Join us today
Your gift today can help us continue the remarkable work with Buddy Kemp Support Center.