Allison and Bill Morrisette

After a breast cancer diagnosis, countless emotional and physical challenges quickly loom large. The unknowns loom even larger as treatments begin and the road to recovery seems far from straightforward. Allison Morrisette of Greensboro found  help on that journey from the medical and support staff at the Regional Cancer Center.

However, for Allison and her husband Bill, the crowded waiting rooms and lack of privacy added unnecessary angst during these difficult times. One of the benefits of the expanded Regional Cancer Center is less crowding and additional privacy.

"It only takes one look around the crowded waiting room at the Regional Cancer Center to truly appreciate the importance of providing each and every person the same extraordinary level of care and support close to home," Allison says.

To help future cancer patients, the Morrisettes made a generous gift to name the reception/waiting area in the new Breast Cancer Center.

Speaking about their decision to make this gift, Allison says, "We look forward to knowing soon that each breast cancer patient and her family will have extra space and a lot more privacy."

Charitable gift support for Making Room for Hope continues. During the past 18 months, several very generous families and businesses have chosen recognition in the form of a named space. A complete list of all donors with commitments of at least $5,000 will be unveiled at the October groundbreaking.

Naming opportunities still available include:

Main Reception and Waiting Area                     $500,000

High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Suite                $300,000

Outside Walkway to the Labyrinth                    $100,000

Roof Garden                                                 $100,000

Chemotherapy Lab                                        $  75,000

Chemotherapy Pharmacy                                $  50,000

Classrooms                             $30,000 to $50,000 each

Exam Rooms and Offices                           $20,000 each

A $35,000 grant from the N.C. Triad Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure is helping the Moses Cone Regional Cancer Center strengthen its support for underserved breast cancer patients. The grant will fund a new "patient navigator" - a part-time nurse who will help uninsured, underinsured and minority patients with breast cancer navigate the healthcare system.

The Regional Cancer Center averages more than 530 breast cancer patients annually. It is estimated that nearly four out of 10 lack a sufficient understanding of the medical process to make sound decisions and get the care they need. 

"Patients who are financially stressed or have little formal education can be overwhelmed by their diagnosis and the treatment decisions they need to make," says Tami Knutson, RN, Breast Program Coordinator. "This new member of our team will serve as an advocate and educator who can help women access medical care and the support services available to them."

The new nurse will serve as a liaison with clinicians, financial specialists, mental health counselors and other experts to remove barriers and make the treatment experience as understandable and straightforward as possible.