Novant Health Foundation

Today, as so many of us gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the dedication of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to care for others throughout the day and evening shifts - often missing moments many of us take for granted. Thanks to a thoughtful gift from an anonymous supporter, the Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Emergency Department team now has two picnic tables where they can sit together, share a meal and recharge. For a team of over 400 who care for more than 78,000 patients each year in one of North Carolina’s busiest emergency departments, these tables offer a much-needed space for connection and respite during their demanding shifts. This gift is a testament to the power of community and the importance of wellness for those who care for us all. For over 60 years, Forsyth Medical Center has been a cornerstone of care, and this meaningful gift reflects the ongoing support of our philanthropic community. We are deeply thankful for your generosity. It’s because of partners like you that we can provide for those who dedicate their lives to caring for our community ?? #novanthealth #philanthropy #emergencycare #novanthealthfoundation | Heather Norman | Joy Brown | Michaela Catlett | Christine Roberts | Kyla Anderson | Alisha Hutchens | Laura Holby | Liz Welborn | Tyler Beyea | Heather Egan, CFRE | Melissa Thompson | Sharon Carr Harrington, JD, CFRE | Kevin Smith | Cristy Rizos | Chuck Fitzgerald | Kendrea Chappell | Josh Wolfe | Emileigh Johnson | Allison Hyatt | Ashley Stoltzfus | Kristen Riddle

As we observe National Caregiver Month this November, we pause to honor the incredible impact caregivers have on the lives of our patients. Caregivers are an essential extension of our care teams, and their dedication is vital in the overall care of patients. Often, they face physical, emotional and financial challenges, all while providing the compassionate support needed by their loved ones. Due to the burdens of these tasks, many caregivers express feelings of isolation and lack of support. Team members on our oncology psychosocial team in Winston-Salem identified the need for supporting these essential individuals and collaborated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation to create and distribute 800 caregiver bags- above and beyond their original goal. Thank you, Jeremy Fox and Sara Bridges, for all your hard work in making sure our caregivers feel appreciated and supported. So, what’s in the bag? ?? An instructional handout to encourage mindfulness and self-care ?? A tea bag and honey stick for a calming moment ?? A "worry stone" for grounding ? A minute timer to inspire intentional slowing down Designed to provide comfort, encouragement and tangible expressions of gratitude- these thoughtful bags have been delivered to caregivers at Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Institute, the hematology clinic, in-patient oncology unit, and six satellite offices in the surrounding areas. As we close out this month, we invite you to celebrate with us and uplift the contributions of caregivers everywhere. Tag your favorite caregiver(s) in the comments to say “thank-you” ?? If you’re interested in supporting initiatives like this for cancer patients and their families, consider giving today ?? https://lnkd.in/ewzunNNK #caregiverappreciationmonth #novanthealth #cancercare #novanthealthfoundation | Jeremy Fox MS, EdS, LCMHCS, NCC | Kate Hughes | Betsy Johnson | Kelli Purvis, MBA/MHA | David Rizzieri | Paula Bird | Alisha Hutchens | Heather Egan, CFRE | Jermaine Burns | Andrea Mitchell | Dr. Garrett Sherwood | Gwen Ainsworth

In 2022, with support through a grant provided by the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board’s Community Health & Wellness Grant Program, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (NHPMC) added a peer support specialist position to the inpatient medical units to increase patients’ access to pre-crisis intervention and reduce emergency department and behavioral health admissions. We’re so honored that for the second consecutive year, NHPMC Foundation received a $40,000 renewal grant from the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) Health and Wellness Renewal Grant Program to continue to provide peer support services for patients experiencing substance use disorder (SUD). Thanks to this grant, over the past year, the clinical team supported over 200 patients through SUD and peer support services. NHPMC early intervention services continue to reduce hospital readmissions and provide seamless support for SUD treatment for Mecklenburg County residents. Since 1947, the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control has played a vital role and?has been a?driving force through its statutory distribution of profits to the community and non-profit organizations that benefit the citizens of Mecklenburg County. In the ABC Board’s 76-year history, over $118,000,000 has been distributed to agencies that assist those in need. Want to learn more about the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Community Health & Wellness Grant Program? Visit?www.meckabc.com. #recovery #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE | Susan Gary | Jennifer (Jenny) Wright | Paula Bird | Randy Brantley | Thea Walsh, M.S. | Amy Costliow McKinney, CFRE

Continuing with our attitude of gratitude for the month of November, we are so happy to spotlight Dr. Raymond Thertulien and his remarkable dedication to his patients and their families ?? Dr. Thertulien’s work as system director of multiple myeloma & plasma cell disorders for the Novant Health Cancer Institute has impacted the lives of so many people. He acknowledges that the recent decreasing death rates of these disorders are directly related to the development of new drugs and regimens,?including the use of autologous?stem cell transplantation - developments that couldn’t happen without the funded research to work toward a cure. Kim Henderson, Novant Health Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, recognized Dr. Thertulien on Thursday with a Guardian Angel pinning ceremony as a thank-you for his work. If you’d like to say an extra special thank-you to a Novant Health team member, honor them through our Guardian Angel program. It’s a meaningful way for patients, caregivers and colleagues to express gratitude while supporting initiatives that create healthier futures and elevate care in our communities ?? https://lnkd.in/gw3wvVdt #gratitude #novanthealthfoundation #novanthealth #NHguardianangel #guardianangel #healthcare | Jennifer Clifford | Howard L. Haronian MD FACC | David Rizzieri | Amy Costliow McKinney, CFRE | Sharon Carr Harrington, JD, CFRE | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE

This week, we were joined by our friends at Dunkin' as they stopped by to celebrate the awarded Novant Health Midtown Surgery Center’s Dunkin Iced Coffee Grant, a grant from their 2024 Iced Coffee Day campaign! Thanks to the generosity of Dunkin' customers, we're thrilled to announce this grant will provide support for the creation of a sensory space used by our Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital outpatient surgical patients. This special area will provide our littlest patients a colorful and fun environment to explore as they wait for surgery—offering a comforting alternative to the typical hospital waiting room. By prioritizing patient well-being, this space will enhance the experience for both children and their families, easing anxieties and making their time with us a bit brighter. We’re grateful to Dunkin’ for their dedication to making a difference, to all the customers who make this possible and to all our Novant Health team members caring for patients in remarkable ways every day. Together, we’re transforming care for our smallest patients! ????? #NovantHealthFoundation #HembyChildrensHospital #DunkinIcedCoffeeDay #PatientWellBeing #CommunitySupport | Scott Painter | Catherine Ohmstede | Virginia Stora | Danielle Smith | Amy Costliow McKinney, CFRE | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE | George Ross | Emilly Bartels | Sharon Breeding | Glenn Mauney

Today’s the day that Team Hemby tackles the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in honor of our littlest patients at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. This year, marathoners are running for the Meaningful Mile patients Crosby, Jimmy, Luke, KamiSoko, and Sophie - and every kid of Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital - when they run through Miles 2, 11, 12, 13, and 26. ?? Crosby was born prematurely at 29 weeks and 3 days. As a NICU Graduate, he’s now 5 and he dreams of becoming a police officer. ?? 10-year-old Jimmy was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last year. Now, he’s an active athlete on football, basketball, and golf teams who dreams of being an example to other kids with Type 1 Diabetes that they can achieve anything. ?? Luke was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma one month after he turned 3 years old. Now 6, he’s in remission and loves Legos, basketball, golf, trains, and music. ?? KamiSoko was diagnosed with leukemia in October of 2022 at the age of 6 months. KamiSoko is now 2 years old and he loves dance, music, and his brothers. ?? Right after turning 5 years old, Sophie and her family found out that she had a Wilms tumor – a rare form of kidney cancer. Now 11, she is cancer-free, and she loves to dance, sing, play soccer, and play the guitar. We are grateful to share these stories of hope and healing with the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon runners. If you didn't lace up your running shoes this morning but would still like to support ???https://lnkd.in/eQ7rf2c2 #charlottemarathon #novanthealth #novanthealthfoundation #teamhemby | Sarah Grace Burton, MHA | Amy Costliow McKinney, CFRE | Katie Boylan | Jamie Feinour, MHA, MLS (ASCP), FACHE | Michael Vaccaro | Sidney Fletcher, M. D., FACEP | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE | DC Lucchesi | Anthony Sereno | Tim Rhodes | Alaina williams

Celebrating our team members' remarkable contributions is a cornerstone of our attitude of gratitude and appreciation, and the Novant Health Foundation Guardian Angel ceremony is one of the many ways we’re able to do just that ?? This week, during the Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation board meeting, Kim Henderson, Novant Health Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, recognized Dr. Navin Bhojwani, MD, FACOG with a Guardian Angel pinning ceremony. Dr. Bhojwani exemplifies the very best of Novant Health. His commitment to delivering exceptional care, coupled with his strong, compassionate leadership, inspires both his patients and team members. His dedication reminds us of the profound impact one individual can have in fostering a culture of care and excellence. We are sincerely grateful for Dr. Bhojwani and all our team members who go above and beyond to create remarkable experiences for those we serve. If you’d like to honor a Novant Health team member, maybe someone who took special care of you or a loved one, consider honoring them through our Guardian Angel program. It’s a meaningful way for patients, caregivers and colleagues to express gratitude while supporting initiatives that create healthier futures and elevate care in our communities. Visit https://lnkd.in/gw3wvVdt to learn more today. #gratitude #novanthealthfoundation #novanthealth #NHguardianangel #guardianangel #healthcare | Jennifer Clifford | Amy Costliow McKinney, CFRE | Katie Boylan | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE | Joy Greear | Sidney Fletcher, M. D., FACEP | Zack Landry, FACHE | Tiffani Jones, MD

Yesterday marked our 16th annual Women’s Council meeting, where we not only announced our 2025 philanthropy project, but also celebrated the impact had throughout the past 16 years. Beth Bealle, CFRE, chair of the Philanthropy Committee, announced the 2025 project selected by Women's Council members will be a $40k commitment to providing cancer patients with access to the Novant Health Cancer Wellness & Integrative Medicine programs ?? Over the past 16 years: ?? The 2024 project provided $80k for an ultrasound machine for the Novant Health Today’s Woman OB/Gyn Clinic, which has provided ultrasounds for over 200 women since launching in June. ??In 2023, they gave $100k to bring on and launch the High-Risk Maternity Navigator position, supporting expecting mothers in the community. ?? Since 2008, breast health with access to mammograms and MRI's has been a focus of Women's Council, with over $560k of funding provided to patients with barriers to access to early detection screenings. ?? The council has provided over $1.3M in funding, raised through collective giving, that has supported projects that help improve women's health in our community. We would like to extend a special thank you to our guest speakers Brandy Whitaker, Lauren Gibbs, and Caroline Hanes for sharing the remarkable impact of past projects supported by Women's Council members; and a special thank you to Jan Wagoner, Suanna Glover, and Dr. Rachel Baldwin for joining us to share about these programs and the impact this 2025 project gift will have for patients. There is so much power in philanthropy - through connectedness and generosity, it saves lives and has a direct line to impact and community support. If you’re interested in learning how you can join this dynamic group of change makers, visit the Women's Council page today: https://lnkd.in/g3t6dbjE #womenscouncil #novanthealthfoundation #philanthropy | Melissa Thompson | Nicole Brenner, MBA | Pamela Oliver, MD | Heather Egan, CFRE | Amy Maher | Sharon Carr Harrington, JD, CFRE | Ashley Park-Rich, MA | Barbara Roole | Brittney Albert | Katherine Caster | Renae Caldwell | Rashawn Grissom Meekins | Jessica Thornton MSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM | Rebecca Essick, MPA | Shawn Klein | Annie Sims | Abby Monclova, MSHR, SHRM-SCP, SPHR | Amanda Dezarn | Carolyn Crosby | Liz Welborn | Ellen Richardson | Eva Wu | Ginger Sims | Joyce Mounce | Kathryn Briggs | Martha Logemann | Michelle Speas, MA CFRE | Michelle Cook | Nancy Young

Our communities make miracles happen - Courtney Mosser of Black Mountain, North Carolina, can attest to that. When Hurricane Helene hit, she was 40 weeks pregnant and scheduled to have a C-section for her (firmly) breech baby. After she and her family ended up trapped on Black Mountain, someone was able to find a satellite phone by talking with neighbors. They knew they had to get word out that swift help was needed. Dr. CJ Atkinson, Novant Health doctor and former Army surgeon, flew in on a helicopter to get Courtney to the hospital. They were on their second landing of the day in their search for her, and the window of time for them to fly out safely was fast approaching. Beyond the community coming together wholeheartedly to support Courtney in delivering her baby, this is where remarkable happened. Dr. Atkinson’s care went far beyond the ability to practice medicine to save lives - his empathy and compassion is what made the real difference for Courtney. ?? “I think what stands out is that (when they met) that was the point where I was the most panicked,” Courtney said. “He did put me at ease so much, which made a lot easier… he was saying, ‘I know what it's like to leave your children behind (for deployments) when you don't want to.’ So it was nice, because he validated that it was hard and acknowledged that and said, I understand it. And then my rational brain could kind of kick back on, and I got out of that panic.” She waved goodbye to her husband and son as the chopper lifted away. Dr. Atkinson’s care showed just how much more there is to medicine than clinics and treatment. With help from the support of our philanthropic partners, our team members are enabled and empowered to make a profound difference on lives. Programs like the Disaster Relief Fund, established to support the organization's response to critical needs in times of crisis or natural disaster, support Novant Health teams on the ground as they partner with local organizations to address community needs. It also provides meals for Novant Health team members volunteering their time to assist in recovery efforts in western North Carolina communities. You can add your support for ongoing recovery efforts here ?? https://lnkd.in/dFrK_jMi #hurricanehelene #hurricanerelief #wnc #westernnorthcarolina #novanthealth #novanthealthfoundation | John Mann, MD | Roland Wilkerson

When Keith Ashe was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, his primary care doctor and best friend of over 20 years knew that he needed the best care. That’s why he referred Keith to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center - he knew he needed to get to a place that offered top-notch, specialty care. Dr. Mahar expanded on his reasoning to send Keith to Presbyterian Medical Center, saying, “I think it’s a hospital system that listens. A system that really wants to put the people first.” And that’s what the Novant Health care team did - Keith ended up with a team of more than 5 doctors to ensure that every aspect of his case was well-reviewed and nothing was missed. His journey highlights the critical role of expert care for patients, and we at Novant Health Foundation are proud to support life-saving action like this. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can continue to provide vital care and support to patients like Keith, and to the dedicated care teams providing compassionate and thoughtful care. Together, we’re making a difference in the fight against cancer. Learn more about how you can get involved ?? https://lnkd.in/ewzunNNK #novanthealthfoundation #novanthealth #cancerawareness | David Rizzieri | Andrea Flynn | Matt McDonald, MD | Barbara LiPira | Julie Denning | Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE | Katie Boylan