Join The Cancer Foundation and University of Georgia Gymdogs for a 2016 Sneak Peek on Friday, December 18th at the Suzanne Yoculan Gymnastics Center! Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7:00 PM.

Gymdogs Sneak Peak

The fashion gala and silent auction, held during Tanger Outlets’ month-long “The Power of Pink”

celebration, “exceeded the expectations with the crowd filling the Jefferson Civic Center with guests eager to take part in the social interaction and come together for a good cause,” said Tricia Massey, director of outreach for Northridge Medical Center.

There was a great mix of people attending to enjoy Beef O’Brady’s heavy hors d’ouerves and designer cocktails in

keeping with the pink theme symbolizing breast cancer awareness. They also got a look at fall fashions available at Tanger Outlets stores.

The fashion gala was made more special as five local ladies who have faced cancer took to the runway to show off their style. The special models received several standing ovations from the crowd and Mark Valentine of Tanger Outlets presented each with a bouquet of pink roses at the conclusion of the event.

The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia will be the beneficiary of approximately $5,100 raised at the Oct. 1 Pink Partini Fashion Gala presented by Tanger Outlets and Northridge Medical Center.“Em’s Kitchen & Hawthorne Drugs

proudly sponsor The Cancer Foundation in celebration of all the people and families who benefit from their work in our community. Without the Cancer Foundation, so many people would not be able to afford their medical care. We look forward to the Triathlon every year because it’s such an important fundraiser for the Foundation’s mission. We enjoy helping in any way that we can!”

– Emily Ullrich, Em’s Kitchen

A foundation where donations stay local.

Fall 2015 Newsletter

Keep in Touch!I want to receive the newsletter via email at:___________________________________________________________

I want to receive the mailed newsletter. Enclosed is my tax deductible donation of $ ________________________

Name ______________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________________________

State _________________________________ Zip __________________

Email _________________________________ Phone _______________

This donation is in honor [ ] or memory [ ] of: ____________________

____________________________________________________________

Mail completed form to: CFNEGA P. O. Box 49309 Athens, GA 30604

Why We Donate

You may have noticed that we have a new logo being used on the masthead of this web site. The new logo was designed by local design and marketing firm, The Adsmith, with input and feedback from the board of The Cancer Foundation. The new logo, evocative of both a heart & flower in appearance, is a vibrant new take on the foundation’s prior logo, and will help further establish the foundation as a top-tier non-profit. Big thanks to the Adsmith for donating their expertise and hard work. We are thrilled about the direction our foundation is taking.

The Cancer Foundation Unveils New Logo

All donations made at the door go to The Cancer Foundation!

Tri to Beat Cancer Raises Over $100,000 to Benefit The Cancer Foundation

How Two Friends from Med School Created the Cancer Foundation

1) How long have you been an oncologist in Athens?

Vrana: “Thirty-four years. I came here from Eugene, Oregon (originally from Ithaca, NY) looking for a job. A friend at Emory University told me about this opportunity at Athens Regional Medical Center. I knew nothing about the South at the time, but we immediately loved it here. I started in the basement of Athens Regional with only two exam rooms, and, at that time, was the only oncologist in north Georgia who was not located in Atlanta. Back then, I believe we had maybe 15 different drugs to treat cancer. Now we have well over 300. Both cancer medication and cancer treatment have improved dramatically during my career.”

Wiggans: “I was an oncologist here for 25 years, though I am now retired. Mark recruited me to Athens after he had been here for a few years. He and I had first met in Medical School in Anatomy class when we were “cadaver partners.” At the time he called me about the position, I was practicing oncology in New Haven, CT. My wife and I came here for a visit and it was one of those perfect fall days in Athens. We’ve loved it ever since.”

2) What inspired you to create the Cancer Foundation?

Wiggans: “It’s a known fact that cancer treatment can create serious financial toxicity for patients and caregivers. At our offices, we could see that we were helping people medically, but many were suffering from the financial strain – even electing to skip treatment in some cases. We were able to get the Foundation started in 2008 – but it was just baby steps at first.”

Vrana: “At our clinic, University Cancer & Blood Center, we continually saw how much of a financial impact cancer treatment had on patients and their families. People were struggling not only with their health, but the stress of the financial burden was often devastating for many of them. For example, people were having to choose between the heating bill and the cost of their treatment. Or, if they lived in another town, such as Greensboro or Jefferson, just the cost of traveling this far so many times a week would become a burden.”

Dr. Mark Vrana and Dr. Glen Wiggans met at Cornell University Medical School and became good friends. Their careers brought them both to Athens where Mark was the first oncologist in North Georgia outside of the Atlanta area. In 2008, they formed the Cancer Foundation. We sat down with them to find out where they want to take the Foundation.

Oncologist Dr. Glen Wiggans (far left) and Dr. Mark Vrana (far right) started the Cancer Foundation seven years ago. Friends since Medical School, they are pictured here on a trip out west with Dr. Jeffrey Urman (in yellow jacket).

3) What are you most proud of about the Foundation to-date?

Wiggans: “The way that it has expanded and that we have been able to help so many people in the community already. I am also very proud of the fact that University Cancer & Blood Center has been such a huge supporter from the beginning.”

Vrana: “I agree with Glen and I’ll add that by next year the foundation will have provided more than $1 million in financial support to people in their service area. That’s something I am very proud of – and that happened in only seven years. I’m also proud of the fact that all of this is happening through local support – our community has worked together to help others within our community. The foundation is enabling people to help friends and neighbors get through tough times.”

4) What have been the biggest challenges or frustrations about getting the Foundation going?

Wiggans: “The most frustrating thing is how difficult it’s been to inform the population that needs our help that we are here to help. Realistically,

we knew that would be a challenge - but we’ve found it is a constant challenge. I think our future challenges will also involve how we expand our services into other areas.”

Vrana: “Gaining visibility and recognition in the community for what the foundation does. It’s been difficult to reach the people that need support so that they know the foundation is there to help. And its been difficult letting the community know that they can help others through the foundation.”

5) What do you see as the ultimate goal for the Foundation?

Vrana: “I’d love to see this go state-wide, and then, ultimately, go national. So far it has proven to be a great way for communities to help each other - keeping the money local to help their friends and neighbors. As far as we know there is only one other foundation that is similar and it is in Colorado. Of course, that’s all down the road - but we see the need and we see how much it helps.”

Wiggans: “I’d love to see us service the entire state of Georgia - and then take it nationwide.”

IDONIA DERRICO

Idonia Derrico was diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma on October 22, 2014, after a flu shot injection site became painful with no relief. After a biopsy by Dr. Claude

Sportes in Augusta, her cancer diagnosis was confirmed. He recommended an intensive and financially exhaustive treatment regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. Idonia’s daughter, Shirley Fortson, decided to have some of her mother’s treatments in

Patient ProfileAthens and was contacted by Athens Regional Health System social worker, Lisa Riley, about their need for financial assistance to help complete Idonia’s treatment.

Since applying and being approved for assistance, Shirley said her mother “has not missed a single appointment and some of her tumors have even shrunk. We were struggling and The Cancer Foundation stepped up to help my mother get to treatment. You are helping the less fortunate.”

Idonia is deaf and Shirley has carefully handled all appointments, checkups, and medications for the past year for her mother. “After talking with Stacey at The Cancer Foundation I realized that we are not alone. You are truly here to help.” To The Cancer Foundation’s donors, Shirley says, “You are making a difference in someone’s life this way. My mother is the sweetest soul, our family backbone, and would quite literally give you the shirt off her back.”

Without The Cancer Foundation, Shirley says this past year would have looked very different. “If not for you I would have had to pick up more shifts from work which would mean my mother would have missed treatment. Because of you, she was at every appointment.”

“After talking with Stacey at The Cancer Foundation I realized that we are not alone. You are truly here to help. You are making a difference in someone’s life this way.”

How Two Friends from Med School Created the Cancer Foundation

1) How long have you been an oncologist in Athens?

Vrana: “Thirty-four years. I came here from Eugene, Oregon (originally from Ithaca, NY) looking for a job. A friend at Emory University told me about this opportunity at Athens Regional Medical Center. I knew nothing about the South at the time, but we immediately loved it here. I started in the basement of Athens Regional with only two exam rooms, and, at that time, was the only oncologist in north Georgia who was not located in Atlanta. Back then, I believe we had maybe 15 different drugs to treat cancer. Now we have well over 300. Both cancer medication and cancer treatment have improved dramatically during my career.”

Wiggans: “I was an oncologist here for 25 years, though I am now retired. Mark recruited me to Athens after he had been here for a few years. He and I had first met in Medical School in Anatomy class when we were “cadaver partners.” At the time he called me about the position, I was practicing oncology in New Haven, CT. My wife and I came here for a visit and it was one of those perfect fall days in Athens. We’ve loved it ever since.”

2) What inspired you to create the Cancer Foundation?

Wiggans: “It’s a known fact that cancer treatment can create serious financial toxicity for patients and caregivers. At our offices, we could see that we were helping people medically, but many were suffering from the financial strain – even electing to skip treatment in some cases. We were able to get the Foundation started in 2008 – but it was just baby steps at first.”

Vrana: “At our clinic, University Cancer & Blood Center, we continually saw how much of a financial impact cancer treatment had on patients and their families. People were struggling not only with their health, but the stress of the financial burden was often devastating for many of them. For example, people were having to choose between the heating bill and the cost of their treatment. Or, if they lived in another town, such as Greensboro or Jefferson, just the cost of traveling this far so many times a week would become a burden.”

Dr. Mark Vrana and Dr. Glen Wiggans met at Cornell University Medical School and became good friends. Their careers brought them both to Athens where Mark was the first oncologist in North Georgia outside of the Atlanta area. In 2008, they formed the Cancer Foundation. We sat down with them to find out where they want to take the Foundation.

Oncologist Dr. Glen Wiggans (far left) and Dr. Mark Vrana (far right) started the Cancer Foundation seven years ago. Friends since Medical School, they are pictured here on a trip out west with Dr. Jeffrey Urman (in yellow jacket).

3) What are you most proud of about the Foundation to-date?

Wiggans: “The way that it has expanded and that we have been able to help so many people in the community already. I am also very proud of the fact that University Cancer & Blood Center has been such a huge supporter from the beginning.”

Vrana: “I agree with Glen and I’ll add that by next year the foundation will have provided more than $1 million in financial support to people in their service area. That’s something I am very proud of – and that happened in only seven years. I’m also proud of the fact that all of this is happening through local support – our community has worked together to help others within our community. The foundation is enabling people to help friends and neighbors get through tough times.”

4) What have been the biggest challenges or frustrations about getting the Foundation going?

Wiggans: “The most frustrating thing is how difficult it’s been to inform the population that needs our help that we are here to help. Realistically,

we knew that would be a challenge - but we’ve found it is a constant challenge. I think our future challenges will also involve how we expand our services into other areas.”

Vrana: “Gaining visibility and recognition in the community for what the foundation does. It’s been difficult to reach the people that need support so that they know the foundation is there to help. And its been difficult letting the community know that they can help others through the foundation.”

5) What do you see as the ultimate goal for the Foundation?

Vrana: “I’d love to see this go state-wide, and then, ultimately, go national. So far it has proven to be a great way for communities to help each other - keeping the money local to help their friends and neighbors. As far as we know there is only one other foundation that is similar and it is in Colorado. Of course, that’s all down the road - but we see the need and we see how much it helps.”

Wiggans: “I’d love to see us service the entire state of Georgia - and then take it nationwide.”

IDONIA DERRICO

Idonia Derrico was diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma on October 22, 2014, after a flu shot injection site became painful with no relief. After a biopsy by Dr. Claude

Sportes in Augusta, her cancer diagnosis was confirmed. He recommended an intensive and financially exhaustive treatment regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. Idonia’s daughter, Shirley Fortson, decided to have some of her mother’s treatments in

Patient ProfileAthens and was contacted by Athens Regional Health System social worker, Lisa Riley, about their need for financial assistance to help complete Idonia’s treatment.

Since applying and being approved for assistance, Shirley said her mother “has not missed a single appointment and some of her tumors have even shrunk. We were struggling and The Cancer Foundation stepped up to help my mother get to treatment. You are helping the less fortunate.”

Idonia is deaf and Shirley has carefully handled all appointments, checkups, and medications for the past year for her mother. “After talking with Stacey at The Cancer Foundation I realized that we are not alone. You are truly here to help.” To The Cancer Foundation’s donors, Shirley says, “You are making a difference in someone’s life this way. My mother is the sweetest soul, our family backbone, and would quite literally give you the shirt off her back.”

Without The Cancer Foundation, Shirley says this past year would have looked very different. “If not for you I would have had to pick up more shifts from work which would mean my mother would have missed treatment. Because of you, she was at every appointment.”

“After talking with Stacey at The Cancer Foundation I realized that we are not alone. You are truly here to help. You are making a difference in someone’s life this way.”

July- September Donations:In honor of Sonia Beal

Lily and Oliver Beal

In memory of R. Edward Brown, Jr.

William and Martha Givan

In memory of Nancy Bruce

Martin and Sharon Bauer

Richard Bruce

Ruby Fuller

In memory of Juanita Dooley

Mary and Aubrey Garrison

Wilbur and Susan Mull

In honor of George Dougherty

John Workman and Jeannine

Collins

Aubrey and Katherine Finch

In honor of Lincoln Gray Zielinski and Barbara Hollis Fisher

Sylvia Zielinski

In honor of Mike Graham

Nancy Graham

In memory of Jacob Hollis

Deborah Durand

In memory of Gail Lester

Mary and Aubrey Garrison

Cynthia and Wayne Lester

Wilbur and Susan Mull

David and Julianne Phlegar

In memory of Barry Mobley

Judy Adams

The Adsmith

Teresa and Gary Bradley

Ben and Carolyn Briscoe

Bethlehem Floor Supply

Linda Chandler and Lou Cabe

Sue Crowe

Janice Fairburn

Ryan and Kimberly Liebowitz

Ronny and Penny Maxwell

John and Jackie Palmer

Terry and Emily Phillips

Timothy and Gina Powell

John and Terri Reeck

Avanelle Shepherd

Andy and Debbie Ullrich

University Cancer & Blood Center

Albert and Margie Ward

Glen and Marlo Wiggans

Alan and Laci Zielinski

In memory of Carol S. Nobles

Claire Swann

In memory of Mary Ann Okrasinski

Jane Okrasinski

In honor of Rebecca Peppers

Angela Young

In memory of Carol Pulcifer

Leslie McDaniel

In memory of David Seymour

Jack Seymour

In honor of Dr. Brian Mitchell and Dr. Cynthia Shepherd

James and Carole Ford

In honor of Robert Skelton

Carol Blackwell

All UCBC and TCF Staff

Augustus and Patricia Ayers

In memory of Curtis E. Tate

Mary Tate

General DonationsLewis and JoBeth Allen

American Legion Auxiliary

Sandra Frasqueri

Marziyeh Haghighat

Robert Jones

Steve Kassay

Dr. Daniel J. and Beverly King

Laura Mallard

Lisa Mount

Albert and Margie Ward

Sylvanus Turner

UCBC Mid-Levels and Staff

Joel Siebentritt and Carter Vest

GrantsLuther and Susie Harrison

Foundation

Hart EMC Operation Round Up

It’s the Journey

Walton EMC Operation Round Up

Thank You to Our Donors

July- September Donations:In honor of Sonia Beal

Lily and Oliver Beal

In memory of R. Edward Brown, Jr.

William and Martha Givan

In memory of Nancy Bruce

Martin and Sharon Bauer

Richard Bruce

Ruby Fuller

In memory of Juanita Dooley

Mary and Aubrey Garrison

Wilbur and Susan Mull

In honor of George Dougherty

John Workman and Jeannine

Collins

Aubrey and Katherine Finch

In honor of Lincoln Gray Zielinski and Barbara Hollis Fisher

Sylvia Zielinski

In honor of Mike Graham

Nancy Graham

In memory of Jacob Hollis

Deborah Durand

In memory of Gail Lester

Mary and Aubrey Garrison

Cynthia and Wayne Lester

Wilbur and Susan Mull

David and Julianne Phlegar

In memory of Barry Mobley

Judy Adams

The Adsmith

Teresa and Gary Bradley

Ben and Carolyn Briscoe

Bethlehem Floor Supply

Linda Chandler and Lou Cabe

Sue Crowe

Janice Fairburn

Ryan and Kimberly Liebowitz

Ronny and Penny Maxwell

John and Jackie Palmer

Terry and Emily Phillips

Timothy and Gina Powell

John and Terri Reeck

Avanelle Shepherd

Andy and Debbie Ullrich

University Cancer & Blood Center

Albert and Margie Ward

Glen and Marlo Wiggans

Alan and Laci Zielinski

In memory of Carol S. Nobles

Claire Swann

In memory of Mary Ann Okrasinski

Jane Okrasinski

In honor of Rebecca Peppers

Angela Young

In memory of Carol Pulcifer

Leslie McDaniel

In memory of David Seymour

Jack Seymour

In honor of Dr. Brian Mitchell and Dr. Cynthia Shepherd

James and Carole Ford

In honor of Robert Skelton

Carol Blackwell

All UCBC and TCF Staff

Augustus and Patricia Ayers

In memory of Curtis E. Tate

Mary Tate

General DonationsLewis and JoBeth Allen

American Legion Auxiliary

Sandra Frasqueri

Marziyeh Haghighat

Robert Jones

Steve Kassay

Dr. Daniel J. and Beverly King

Laura Mallard

Lisa Mount

Albert and Margie Ward

Sylvanus Turner

UCBC Mid-Levels and Staff

Joel Siebentritt and Carter Vest

GrantsLuther and Susie Harrison

Foundation

Hart EMC Operation Round Up

It’s the Journey

Walton EMC Operation Round Up

Thank You to Our Donors

Join The Cancer Foundation and University of Georgia Gymdogs for a 2016 Sneak Peek on Friday, December 18th at the Suzanne Yoculan Gymnastics Center! Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7:00 PM.

Gymdogs Sneak Peak

The fashion gala and silent auction, held during Tanger Outlets’ month-long “The Power of Pink”

celebration, “exceeded the expectations with the crowd filling the Jefferson Civic Center with guests eager to take part in the social interaction and come together for a good cause,” said Tricia Massey, director of outreach for Northridge Medical Center.

There was a great mix of people attending to enjoy Beef O’Brady’s heavy hors d’ouerves and designer cocktails in

keeping with the pink theme symbolizing breast cancer awareness. They also got a look at fall fashions available at Tanger Outlets stores.

The fashion gala was made more special as five local ladies who have faced cancer took to the runway to show off their style. The special models received several standing ovations from the crowd and Mark Valentine of Tanger Outlets presented each with a bouquet of pink roses at the conclusion of the event.

The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia will be the beneficiary of approximately $5,100 raised at the Oct. 1 Pink Partini Fashion Gala presented by Tanger Outlets and Northridge Medical Center.“Em’s Kitchen & Hawthorne Drugs

proudly sponsor The Cancer Foundation in celebration of all the people and families who benefit from their work in our community. Without the Cancer Foundation, so many people would not be able to afford their medical care. We look forward to the Triathlon every year because it’s such an important fundraiser for the Foundation’s mission. We enjoy helping in any way that we can!”

– Emily Ullrich, Em’s Kitchen

A foundation where donations stay local.

Fall 2015 Newsletter

Keep in Touch!I want to receive the newsletter via email at:___________________________________________________________

I want to receive the mailed newsletter. Enclosed is my tax deductible donation of $ ________________________

Name ______________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________________________

State _________________________________ Zip __________________

Email _________________________________ Phone _______________

This donation is in honor [ ] or memory [ ] of: ____________________

____________________________________________________________

Mail completed form to: CFNEGA P. O. Box 49309 Athens, GA 30604

Why We Donate

You may have noticed that we have a new logo being used on the masthead of this web site. The new logo was designed by local design and marketing firm, The Adsmith, with input and feedback from the board of The Cancer Foundation. The new logo, evocative of both a heart & flower in appearance, is a vibrant new take on the foundation’s prior logo, and will help further establish the foundation as a top-tier non-profit. Big thanks to the Adsmith for donating their expertise and hard work. We are thrilled about the direction our foundation is taking.

The Cancer Foundation Unveils New Logo

All donations made at the door go to The Cancer Foundation!

Tri to Beat Cancer Raises Over $100,000 to Benefit The Cancer Foundation

NON PROFITU.S. Postage

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1736332ATHENS, GA