Circle of Hope Society: Improving the Lives of Patients With Cancer

“I am part of something bigger than myself. I made a difference in someone’s life.”

St. Luke’s Circle of Hope Society was established to secure philanthropic funds to support patients and family members during their cancer journey. The first members recently joined the Circle of Hope to improve the lives of patients with cancer and their loved ones. Their generosity will have a direct impact on the more than 2,400 cancer patients St. Luke’s Cancer Center treats each year. These donors understand the fight against cancer is continuous and ongoing and that sustainable support is needed to fund meaningful cancer programs and services.

Induction of First Circle Members
The inaugural gathering of St. Luke’s first Circle of Hope Society was held November 5, 2015 at St. Luke’s Cancer Center – Anderson Campus. That evening, the founding members were inducted into the Circle in recognition of gifts of $1,000 or more made during 2015 to support St. Luke’s Cancer Center programs.

“When a cancer diagnosis is made, a patient’s world is turned upside down,” says Gail Evans, Associate Vice President, Development, St. Luke’s University Health Network. “That’s when St. Luke’s steps in to provide the necessary clinical and psychosocial support our patients require. Under the care of our extraordinarily dedicated and talented team of cancer experts and support staff, patients have access to clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services to help patients navigate through their cancer journey and to develop a roadmap for life-after-cancer through survivorship care plans.”

Cancer survivors, their families and caregivers were on hand for the induction celebrating the Circle’s first donors. Appropriately, the art exhibition “Visions of Hope,” featuring the works of St. Luke’s breast cancer survivor and local artist Susan H. Schaffer, opened that night and created the perfect atmosphere for the induction.

“We are forever grateful for the ongoing generosity of St Luke’s Circle of Hope donors,” says Lee Riley, MD, PhD, FACS, Chairman, Oncology Services, St. Luke’s University Health Network. “This funding helps St. Luke’s provide the care, treatment, support and resources our patients need to live life to the fullest.” To commemorate the occasion and thank donors, Dr. Riley presented each society member with a specially-made glass sand dollar sun catcher.

Members of the Circle of Hope Society will be invited to attend annual meetings to learn more about the activities at St. Luke’s Cancer Center, to meet the clinicians and physicians who are at the heart of cancer advancements and treatment, and to learn what the collective Circle of Hope donations accomplish.

Would you like to join the Circle?
If you would like more information about becoming a Circle of Hope Society member, please contact Gail Evans, Associate Vice President, Development, at 484-526-2640 or gail.evans@sluhn.org or click here to learn more.

Special thanks to our founding St. Luke’s Circle of Hope Society members:

• Mr. & Mrs. Curtis H. Barnette
• Mrs. Marian Beatty
• Mrs. Joseph Beidler
• Mr. & Mrs. John Boyle
• Debbie & Joe Bubba
• Dr. & Mrs. Alok K. Chakrabarti
• Dr. Steven Chen & Dr. Grace Fan
• Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Dixon
• Bill & Cynthia Fisher
• Mrs. Patricia Herman

• Mr. & Mrs. James Karch
• Ms. Clara Ann Kresge
• Dr. & Mrs. Alan N. Morrison
• Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Morrissey
• Mr. Steven Noone
• Ms. Paulette Pruehs
• Susan Lee & Raymond E. Smith
• Dr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Tachovsky
• Malcolm & Sally West
• Dr. & Mrs. Israel Zighelboim

Photo Caption Circle of Hope members received a commemorative sun-catcher at the induction ceremony at the Anderson Cancer Center on November 5, 2015. Shown in the photo (standing) are Debra Bubba, Administrative Director of Oncology, Cindy and Bill Fisher, and Gail Evans, Associate Vice President Development; (seated) Marian Beatty and Jacki Dixon.