Michael D. Pavy, M.D.

For all of us at the McLeod Cancer Center, donors to the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund are clearly vital members of our community. I hope as you learn more, this cause will become important to you, too.

HOPE Fund gifts have never been more appreciated than in the last few months.  The COVID-19 healthcare crisis has presented a wide range of struggles for our cancer patients.  With their suppressed immune system, they are considered the most vulnerable members of our population.

My partners and I, along with the brave and dedicated staff, are forever grateful to you and the generous donors who provided a safety net for our patients in this uncertain time.

Every day, our patients deal with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.  Now, they must also fear their susceptibility to this life-threatening virus.

Many have lost their jobs and their insurance coverage, they are fearful of going to the grocery store, and they are unable to visit their loved ones in order to avoid infection.

We see it in their eyes.  Even the masks they must wear do not cover the emotions of these brave patients.

This year, we need you more than ever.  I ask for your continued support and hope that you will once again send your personal gift.

As a valued member of our McLeod family, I would like to share with you the story of one of my patients.  She exemplifies the bravery that often guides a cancer survivor’s journey.

I began seeing her nearly 10 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She and her husband both worked and had insurance to help cover the financial burden of cancer treatment. Then life dealt them another cruel blow.

Her husband had a massive heart attack and lost his job.  She was too sick to work.  Fortunately, McLeod Health offers an established Cancer Clinic that was able to continue her care.

Because of HOPE donors like you, she was able to obtain the necessary pain and nausea medications that she now struggled to afford.

Last year, we found that the cancer had spread to her lungs. Her family’s financial difficulties continued and now their home was threatened.  You stepped in by providing a rent payment that allowed them to stay in their home.

She bravely continues her fight today doing everything she can to stay strong.  And, she has been given hope thanks to a brand-new drug just approved for her specific treatment.

Working through many challenges in addition to the Coronavirus crisis, we often feel overwhelmed when caring for our cancer patients. The financial struggles they face are now magnified as so many have been forced out of work.

Please consider what you can give.  I know many of you make sacrificial gifts to help our patients.  Our donors to the HOPE Fund are of the same mindset; they just want to help. I ask you to join with us once again in this most noble effort.

Sincerely,

 

Michael D. Pavy, M.D.
Co-Medical Director, McLeod Cancer Center

P.S. We are counting on you to be a part of our HOPE Fund family of donors. Please make your gift today.