Michael Parrish, Pancreatic Cancer Patient, Grateful Patient
Almost five years ago, Michael Parrish had the first of what would be many conversations with oncology nurse navigator Holly Griffith. Like most newly diagnosed cancer patients, Michael arrived to that appointment feeling scared and uncertain; just weeks earlier, a trip to Fairfield Medical Center’s Emergency Department for severe stomach pain had led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and Michael had a lot of questions about what his future looked like in terms of treatment.
“I didn’t know a lot about the role of an oncology nurse navigator, so I was completely surprised with how immediately invested Holly was in my care from that very first visit,” Michael said. “One of the first things she did was give me her contact information so I could get in touch with her whenever I had a question. That simple gesture alone immediately made me feel like I was cared for and in good hands.”
Holly is one of two caregivers at Fairfield Medical Center’s Cancer Care and Infusion Center who has been by Michael’s side from the very beginning to guide him down the long, uncertain road of cancer treatment. Rhesa Guess, an infusion nurse who frequently administers Michael’s treatments and has seen him through both good days and bad, has also been one of his strongest supporters.
Cath Lab Team Cuts the Ribbon on Renovation
On June 9, FMC cut the ribbon on its newly renovated cath lab, a project made possible thanks to a $1 million donation from the FMC Foundation.
TWIG 7 Supports Continuity of Care Clinic
On May 13, the Frank S. Benson TWIG 7 celebrated their 75th anniversary with a luncheon attended by members of TWIG 7, the Inter-TWIG Council, and the FMC and FMC Foundation leadership teams. The luncheon included a presentation of TWIG 7’s history and legacy of support and concluded with a check presentation for $10,000 that was dedicated by TWIG 7 to support the FMC Continuity of Care Clinic.
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
Who are the people in blue smocks who help give our patients, visitors and staff a great experience? It’s elementary, my dear Watson! Fairfield Medical Center’s volunteers are truly clued in to caring, and we are honored to call them members of our team.
TWIG One Presents Cancer Care Run Check to FMC Foundation
On Tuesday, March 25, TWIG One presented a check for $10,000 – proceeds from its 2024 Cancer Care Run – to the FMC Foundation.
Strike Out Breast Cancer Donates $20,000 to FMC Foundation
The Southeastern Ohio United States Bowling Congress (USBC) #80771 recently presented a check for $20,000 to the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, which supports patients receiving cancer treatment at FMC. The money was raised through a single event called Strike Out Breast Cancer, which is hosted by the Southeastern Ohio USBC and held every October at Tiki Lanes in Lancaster.
Grateful Hearts of Patients
When FMC staff member Susan Lane stepped in to help Jeani Shopel and her mother, Juanita Spangler, navigate a difficult situation, Jeani knew a simple “thank you” wasn’t nearly enough to show her appreciation.
Aces Against Cancer Donates $10,000
Aces Against Cancer (AAC) is Amanda Clearcreek School’s community effort to “support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken, and never, ever give up hope” of finding a cure for cancer. This year, they raised almost $25,000 and over the past 9 years, this initiative has raised over $164,000 toward cancer research and patient care!
