Supporting Cancer Patients Through The HOPE Fund

A Letter from Dr. Kerolos Rizk

It has been an exciting year for cancer care in our region with the opening of the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research in Horry County. In both my role as a medical oncologist and as a donor to the McLeod Health Foundation, I am excited to be a part of such an amazing evolution of cancer services for patients in our region.

Historic numbers of generous donors to the McLeod Foundation helped make this dream a reality by raising funds to purchase the new PET/CT scanner which is conveniently located in our comprehensive cancer center.       

My wife, Amanda, and I are natives of North Carolina, and have fond memories of vacations in Horry County. We saw the growth of the area and knew it would be a great place to raise our two sons and four doodles. We are excited that South Carolina is our home.

I’m proud to be part of the first comprehensive cancer center in the Grand Strand, where all cancer services are conveniently located under one roof. When asked to author the first call for support letter specifically for the coastal region on behalf of the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund I was honored to be a part of this opportunity.

The HOPE Fund means a great deal to me. I worked at numerous medical facilities throughout my training and have never known of a fund which directly helps cancer patients with their critical personal financial needs. This is a wonderful opportunity for donors like you to have a direct impact to a struggling patient’s journey to survivorship. 

As a physician, I am honored to be able to be an advocate for my patients during their cancer journey -- from start to finish. Building relationships with my patients is important to me, and I love making them smile, even when they are experiencing their worst day.

Just yesterday, I met with a young woman in distress. She had survived colon cancer surgery two years ago but the cancer has returned. She now faces additional treatment, and she didn’t know how she could afford to live. I assured her that she does not have to face this alone.

I explained that we are blessed to have generous members of our community who invest in the HOPE Fund. “Our social worker, Jennifer, is available to help find the resources you will need.”

Through her tears, a smile appeared.

Donors to the HOPE Fund extended help to launch our specialized Oncology Social Worker program. Fully integrated into patient care, Social Worker Jennifer Meter is a blessing to our patients who are struggling. She seems to work miracles to meet the individual needs of each patient.

I reach out to you today to commit to “doing this together.” Through your support of the HOPE Fund, you will join our family of donors who make miracles possible.

Please make your personal meaningful gift to the HOPE Fund and help me turn tears into smiles. We’re relying on your support. Together, we can make this possible.

Gratefully yours,

Dr. Kerolos G. Rizk
McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates at Seacoast

P.S. The need is great and your help today will benefit many patients in need. Giving generously of yourself to help others is easy. Simply click here to donate.