Romain Subaru presents: What Inspires You?

ROMAIN SUBARU PRESENTS:

Subaru is much more than just a car company. In addition to building great, longlasting vehicles designed to keep you and your family safe, they are focused on making the world a better place through the SUBARU LOVE PROMISE. It's a simple but impactful vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. With the help of retailers like Romain, the company is setting an example for others to follow, partnering to address pressing issues including the environment, the health and wellness of our communities, world hunger, the pursuit of knowledge and the safety and health of all animals.

Romain Subaru is pleased to present the fourth in a series of local profiles focused on community leaders who are a positive force and a prime example of what can be achieved when everyone works together for the common good.

SUBARU LOVES TO CARE

featuring Melanie Atwood

Executive Director, Cancer Pathways Midwest

Like so many people in the community, Melanie Atwood has seen the impact of cancer firsthand, having lost family members and friends to the disease and witnessed the toll it takes on everyone involved. So when the opportunity arose to step into the role of Executive Director at Cancer Pathways Midwest (formerly Gilda's Club Evansville) back in 2013, she didn't hesitate to get on board and work to develop a program that would "deliver individual support and resources right where they need it," including social connections, educational workshops, emotional health and nutrition. Most importantly, all of the organization's services are offered free of charge to persons with cancer, their caregivers, family and friends.

What inspires you to be a part of Cancer Pathways Midwest?

Every day you get to see a transformation that happens - people walk through our door and they have more questions than answers. And when they walk out the door, their shoulders are straighter, their smile is on and they're walking out empowered and they're ready to face the challenge and the challenges that cancer brings. Every day we are fueled and inspired by the courage and the grit that they have and it's an amazing place to be a part of and share that journey with them.

Can you share an example of how someone has benefited from the organization's services?

We have a family with two young kids that lost their dad and lost their husband. Mom was kind of encouraged to get out of their living place so we were able to get a couple of places in town to go box up their belongings and get them moved, no cost to them. And they're here as part of our support and part of our family, finding ways to continue to walk forward in strength.

How can the community help to further the mission of Cancer Pathways Midwest?

We are always looking for volunteers - both from individuals and corporations. That's how we survive and how we thrive. Taking sunshine baskets to the porches; coming in and preparing meals or serving meals; answering the phone - all are ways that people can help. In addition, funding - sponsoring an individual or a family, for example.

What excites you about the future of Cancer Pathways Midwest?

We are excited to expand the programs and services we have beyond our little footprint here in Evansville - so we're going to Jasper, Henderson, Princeton, Owensboro and potentially even El Dorado. Some people in these places work here; some get treatment here. They want the program that we offer, so we're on the go in places you know.

For more info, visit romainsubaru.com. To support Cancer Pathways Midwest, visit cancerpathwaysmidwest.org or call 812-402-8667.