2021 Gratitude Report
Together,we are grateful
Your support makes the difference. In 2021, you and your fellow supporters collectively contributed a remarkable $17.2 million to advance Inova Schar Cancer Institute’s care services, research and programs across the region. Because of you, every patient and family who walks into Inova Schar Cancer Institute immediately knows they are in the right place and in the best hands.
Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center . . . . . . . . . . 4 Advanced Treatments and Top Talent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Life with Cancer® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Arts and Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Patient Financial Assistance . . . 40 The Power of Philanthropy . . . . 46
We help people understand their risk of cancer, reduce that risk and get the right screenings at the right time. We connect patients and families with expert oncology nurse navigators who guide them from diagnosis through treatment. We provide access to the nation’s best care providers from different specialties in one place and at one time. We give patients and caregivers what they need to build mental resilience, lessen treatment side effects and strengthen their bodies through nutrition and exercise. And we stand by our patients when their treatments end and they continue to feel the aftereffects of cancer on their lives. 2
177,610
OUTPATIENT VISITS IN 2021
285 210 189
CLINIC VISITS PER DAY
INFUSION PATIENTS PER DAY
As our regional population grows — and grows older — the need for the Inova Schar model of cancer care grows even more urgent. Through your generosity, we were able to help more people than ever in 2021.
RADIATION ONCOLOGY TREATMENTS PER DAY
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
3
INOVA SAVILLE CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION CENTER
Together, 4
we empower more people to reduce their cancer risk. 5
INOVA SAVILLE CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION CENTER
1 in 2 women
WILL DEVELOP CANCER OVER THE COURSE OF A LIFETIME IN THE U.S.
1 in 3 men
CANCER TOUCHES ALL OF US.
6
“Together with our supporters, we are building a nationally recognized program and working around the clock to bring down the cancer curve as much as we can.” —JOHN DEEKEN, MD PRESIDENT INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE
7
INOVA SAVILLE CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION CENTER
The Saville Center A New Home for Prevention and Early Diagnosis Everyone deserves access to the latest science-backed guidance and tools for lowering cancer risk and finding cancer early, when it is most treatable. In spring 2022, thanks to the generosity of Paul and Linda Saville and other donors, Inova Schar Cancer Institute completed a landmark project in Fairfax: the 26,000-square-foot Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, the first of its kind in the region.
40%
OF CANCERS ARE LINKED TO LIFESTYLE FACTORS WE CAN INFLUENCE 8
$20M TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT TO ESTABLISH THE SAVILLE CENTER
“ When Linda and I learned about the vision to build a comprehensive cancer screening and prevention program and how our investment could help bring this life-saving vision to our community, we were inspired to lead this effort. We know the Inova Saville Center will serve as a model for best practices in cancer prevention on a regional and national level.” —PAUL SAVILLE INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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INOVA SAVILLE CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION CENTER
Empowerment and Equity in the Fight Against Cancer “ Many times, I’ve sat across the table from a patient with breast cancer who didn’t know she had inherited a mutation that put her at high risk. Even if she was aware of her family’s cancer history, she might not have received guidance about what to do about it. Now she also faces fear and confusion about what this means for her sisters, daughters and other relatives. In the Saville Center, we will improve people’s access to recommended cancer screenings and address any fears they may have, whether they are at low, moderate or high risk. We will reach out to people who are underinsured or uninsured and make sure they have equal opportunities for prevention and screening. Our goal is to make a measurable impact on cancer control in the D.C. metro area and beyond. Having this opportunity through the Saville family to put effort into prevention programs — helping more people exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol and eat healthier — is truly groundbreaking. This is the power of a gift.” —REBECCA KALTMAN, MD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ENDOWED CHAIR, SAVILLE CENTER
10
5-10%
Advising Families at High Risk Tiffani DeMarco, MS, CGC, Director of the Cancer Genetics Program, leads a team of five genetic counselors across Inova who help patients understand their family’s cancer history and navigate the complexities of genetic testing and what to do with the results. Tiffani shares, “We will be ingrained in the Saville Center’s programs, providing these specialized resources to patients at the same time they are getting their screenings — and working closely with other members of the genetics team. Together, we will help people make more informed decisions about their health and, ultimately, save more lives.”
OF CANCERS ARE DUE TO GENE MUTATIONS PASSED THROUGH FAMILIES
“We lost our father, Alan Kimmel, to cancer in 1995, but it feels like yesterday. There have been so many advances in screening and prevention since then. We are supporting the Saville Center in his memory to help other families avoid losing loved ones to cancer.” —DEBORAH KIMMEL
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
Together, 12
we connect patients with unparalleled care teams and cancer treatments.
13
ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
$1.66M GIVING TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP TALENT IN 2021
14
“With the assistance and care that is available through Inova Schar — I believe that’s the best shot people have for hope. Why would I want to go someplace else, when I’ve received such professional care and attention from a team that is just so good?” –INOVA SCHAR PATIENT
15
ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
The Best Teams, The Most Advanced Tools
The Hematology Oncology Fellowship led by Dr. Wadlow enrolled its first two fellows in 2021 and will add two more in 2022, with a total enrollment of six by 2023. We are grateful to donors Sandi and Jerry Croan for their support of this program.
“ My mother’s diagnosis with pancreatic cancer played a major role in my decision to become a gastrointestinal oncologist. She died of this disease at just 54 years old, and thousands of families share a similar story. Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths by 2030, second only to lung cancer. Inova Schar recently joined the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium, or PRECEDE, led by New York University Langone Health. Together, we aim to increase the survival of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from 10% to 50% over the next 10 years.” —RAYMOND WADLOW, MD
16
THROUGH YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT, WE ARE ABLE TO BRING THE MOST TALENTED AND WELL-TRAINED CANCER EXPERTS TO INOVA SCHAR AND EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CANCER EXPERTS.
31
SPECIALIZED ADULT MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS AND HEMATOLOGISTS
70
CANCER SPECIALISTS AT INOVA SCHAR (9 NEW HIRES IN 2021)
“ I trust Dr. Weyant with my life. Not only is he a compassionate and dedicated surgeon, but he’s also so passionate about his commitment to advances in thoracic surgery and lung cancer research. I am and always will be a huge supporter of Dr. Weyant.”
Investing in Our Nurses In 2021, philanthropy helped Inova Schar provide 75 of our nurses with an oncology certification review course so they could attain certification through the Oncology Nursing Society. Scientific and technological advances in cancer care happen every day, and our nurses need the most current knowledge to provide the best care to patients. Being an Oncology Certified Nurse, or OCN, signifies their mastery of this knowledge. Inova Schar Cancer Institute Clinical Team Members
—PAMELA KALSTROM, DR. WEYANT’S PATIENT
In 2021, Michael J. Weyant, MD, FACS, joined Inova Schar Cancer Institute as the Moran Chair, Thoracic Oncology and Director of the Thoracic Surgery Program. He completed his fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and is a nationally recognized leader in thoracic robotic surgery. Right now, 96% of lung cancer resections are performed robotically at Inova, versus the national average of 38%.
“If not for those nurses, our family might not have had Diane or Lee for the last 20 years. We give because we want to help them, so they can continue to help others who need it, like our family.” —LEONARD BROWN CREATED DIANE RAY BROWN ONCOLOGY NURSING EDUCATION FUND IN HONOR OF HIS WIFE, WHO WAS TREATED AT INOVA SCHAR. TWENTY YEARS EARLIER, HIS SON, LEE, WAS BORN PREMATURELY AND ALSO RECEIVED CARE AT INOVA.
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
17
ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
Inova Mather Proton Therapy Center
Marking Two Years of Impact When the Inova Mather Proton Therapy Center opened in March 2020, it allowed people in our region to receive one of the most advanced methods of radiation treatment available. Proton therapy targets cancer with pinpoint accuracy and avoids surrounding healthy tissue in ways that aren’t possible with traditional radiation. Inova Mather Proton Therapy Center is the only cancer center in Northern Virginia to offer proton therapy. Avani Rao, MD, is Director of Research for the Department of Advanced Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy, a position funded by a generous gift from Dr. Gary Mather and Christina Co Mather. Your support, combined with the Mather’s foundational gifts, makes all of this possible.
“ I benefited from proton therapy during my cancer treatments, but I had to travel to Baltimore, which was a burden. The people at Inova have become part of our family, and being able to support our family and community in such a personal way is very meaningful to both of us.” —DR. GARY MATHER, PICTURED HERE WITH WIFE CHRISTINA CO MATHER
18
“Proton therapy remains a very cuttingedge technology. What this treatment option will mean for our patients in the next ten to 20 years is being defined by the studies and clinical trials that are underway right now. Without active participation in national, prospective clinical trials, we won’t be able to harness the true potential of proton therapy across many different disease sites. In her new role, Dr. Avani Rao will have dedicated time to oversee and guide our entire Radiation Oncology clinical research team, helping identify the studies that are most important to our patients while enhancing access to these trials. With the Mather’s generous support of Dr. Rao’s focus on this priority, we will now be able to take our research efforts to the next level.”
350+ PATIENTS TREATED WITH PROTON THERAPY SINCE OPENING
—ASHISH K. CHAWLA, MD, CHAIRMAN AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ADVANCED RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND PROTON THERAPY INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
Research and Innovation: Transforming Care, One Patient at a Time
YOU FUEL THE RESEARCH THAT TRANSFORMS HOW WE CARE FOR PATIENTS.
“ Imagine being just 49 years old, in the prime of life, and facing a diagnosis of metastatic rectal cancer that requires rigorous chemotherapy you can no longer tolerate. We recently had such a patient — and with DNA sequencing, we found she had an incredibly rare gene fusion of a gene called ROS-1. Through a clinical trial, we had access to a pill that targets this mutation in lung cancer, as it is virtually unheard of in other cancers. Within a few months of starting the treatment, this patient’s scans showed a favorable response, and she has maintained remission since then. You’re helping us personalize treatment so we can give patients an option beyond the traditional therapies that don’t always work for them — while also advancing cancer therapies for all.” —TIMOTHY CANNON, MD, SHERIDAN DIRECTOR, MOLECULAR TUMOR BOARD
20
Molecular Tumor Board In 2021, Win Sheridan, co-founder of APEX Systems, endowed the director position held by Dr. Cannon. This endowed fund — along with the support of other donors such as the ExxonMobil Spouses Club — builds the resources that enable the Molecular Tumor Board to help even more patients who face hard-to-treat cancers.
$1M GIFT TO ENDOW THE ROLE OF SHERIDAN DIRECTOR, MOLECULAR TUMOR BOARD
“ I’m proud to invest in the powerful work being done by Dr. Cannon and the Molecular Tumor Board. Their innovations in precision medicine bring hope to so many patients who are battling rare and advanced cancers.” —WIN SHERIDAN (RIGHT) WITH DR. CANNON
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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ADVANCED TREATMENTS AND TOP TALENT
The Most Advanced and Innovative Therapies, Close to Home
Clinical Trials For many people with cancer, a clinical trial can be the best way to gain access to the most promising new therapies — and to advance care for patients who will face a similar diagnosis. However, the need to travel to gain access to a trial presents a major barrier to participation. With your support, Inova Schar continued to expand our clinical trial offerings in 2021, making it easier for patients to enroll close to home — at a cancer center they already know well — and avoid the added costs of travel, missed time at work and the need for childcare.
$1.75M IN GIFTS TO SUPPORT CLINICAL TRIALS AND BIO-BANKING CORE IN 2021
395
PATIENTS ENROLLED TO CLINICAL RESEARCH
22
40 NEW STUDIES ACTIVATED
650
CASES OF RARE OR RECURRENT ADVANCED CANCERS REVIEWED BY THE MOLECULAR TUMOR BOARD
87
TOTAL INVESTIGATORS IN 2021
Survivorship: Helping People Live Better After Cancer Treatment INOVA SCHAR’S GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE THROUGH EVERY PHASE OF THE CANCER EXPERIENCE — FROM PREVENTION AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS THROUGH SURVIVORSHIP. We are grateful to the D’Aniello family for their generous support for cancer survivorship services at Inova Schar, including a Breast Cancer Survivorship Pilot. This program will convene an expert team of physicians, nurses, researchers, nutritionists and therapists to walk side by side with patients after their treatments end.
Prevention
Screening
Diagnosis
Treatment
Survivorship INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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LIFE WITH CANCER®
Together, 24
we help
people live better with — and beyond — cancer. 25
LIFE WITH CANCER
$3M
GIFTS TO LIFE WITH CANCER IN 2021
26
“These patients become our family members while they’re here. We want everyone we encounter to know they’re not going through this alone.” —JENNIFER BIRES, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LIFE WITH CANCER AND PATIENT EXPERIENCE AT INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE
27
LIFE WITH CANCER
Life with Cancer THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY, WE CAN ENSURE THAT ALL PATIENTS AND FAMILIES FACING CANCER CAN ACCESS LIFE WITH CANCER’S SUPPORT SERVICES, AT NO COST.
—KATRECE NOLEN, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR (RIGHT), WITH CHRISTINE STONE RN, MSN, OCN, CELEBRATING EIGHT YEARS SINCE COMPLETING HER CANCER TREATMENT
28
“ I took advantage of a lot of services offered through Life with Cancer. I attended support group regularly, exercise classes when I could, and massage services. When it comes to treatment, you’re worried about so many different things, and sometimes it’s that psychosocial support that really impacts your ability to heal.”
47,184 PARTICIPANTS IN LIFE WITH CANCER PROGRAMS
3,864 PEDIATRIC PATIENT ENCOUNTERS
1,671
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES, GROUPS AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES
Milt Peterson passed away in May 2021, but his legacy lives on through Life with Cancer. More than 30 years ago, he and his wife, Carolyn, stepped forward to help create the program, and they have continued to hold an annual Lobster Extravaganza to sustain and grow its offerings. Over the years, they have given more than $20 million for numerous efforts at Inova, most notably Life with Cancer and Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
“ What Dad started and instilled in us is that we need to be in the community doing as much as we can.” –LAUREN PETERSON (THIRD FROM THE RIGHT)
Milton Peterson (1936-2021) The Peterson Family
2021 Additions to Life with Cancer Thanks to your generosity, we were able to add several new programs and groups in 2021: • COVID and Cancer • Clinical Trials and Colorectal Cancers • Young Adult Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group • Virtual Group for Tweens (whose parents have cancer) • Caregiver Connection • Couples Communicating About Cancer The NVO Foundation and Casagrande Family, longtime supporters of Inova Schar Cancer Institute, stepped up again in 2021 to fund a new position for a pediatric oncology clinical therapist for the Life with Cancer program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute-Loudoun.
Robert G. Hisaoka started the annual Joan Hisaoka “Make A Difference” Gala in 2008 to honor the legacy of his sister, Joan. Funds from the Gala have provided critical support for Life with Cancer programs over the years, with a special focus on support for children and teens. The 2021 Hisaoka Gala raised nearly $1.5 million for Life with Cancer.
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
29
LIFE WITH CANCER
Treating the Whole Person, Not Just the Cancer “ With my cancer and my uncle’s cancer, and the brain fog and fatigue — it felt like a tornado, and I couldn’t get out of it. Life with Cancer helped a lot with my recovery, including therapy, and especially the art therapy with Jane Woo. She helped me get over the fear of anything new, and it’s helped me with interviewing for jobs, returning to my life. My paintings are a way to express how I feel, my experience going through treatment and the transformations that came along with it. I’m a different person than I was two years ago. And I’m still painting!”
31
NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS BY LIFE WITH CANCER STAFF
—ART THERAPY PARTICIPANT
Life with Cancer’s Mindfulness in Motion class
30
Workshop participants developing meal plans based on cancer riskreduction guidelines
Eat to Thrive Workshop for Women One of the biggest challenges cancer survivors face is understanding correctly interpreted nutrition science, and then putting this information into practice in their daily lives. Thanks to the generosity of the D’Aniello family, Life with Cancer offered a day-long workshop, “Eat to Thrive: Making Nutrition Your Ally,” in September 2021. The 330 attendees included women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer or other forms of cancer and were seeking concrete, science-backed ways to improve their eating habits and patterns.
“My son has been more comfortable now that he understands what cancer is and the ways it’s treated. He also seems lighter after he attends the program, because he is with other people who know what’s going on and understand what it’s like.”
Curious about Cancer Life with Cancer’s “Curious about Cancer” is a five-week program for kids ages 7 to 11 who have a family member with cancer. Through this program, children learn about cancer in an age-appropriate way, develop and share coping skills, and support their peers with similar experiences.
—PARENT OF A PARTICIPANT IN CURIOUS ABOUT CANCER, A SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Curious about Cancer facilitators Jane Woo, MA, ATR-BC, Oncology Art Therapist, and Guin Parise, MPsy, Med, Psychology Extern
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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ARTS AND HEALING
Together, 32
we ease
the stress of cancer, promote healing and build resilience. 33
ARTS AND HEALING
$2.65M TOTAL GIFTS TO ARTS AND HEALING IN 2021
34
“Science shows that when you integrate art into healing, the restorative power for patients and families is even greater — whether that means gaining support through the myriad emotions a diagnosis evokes, feeling more relaxed, or creating distraction from cancer and its treatments.” —SAGE BOLTE, PHD, LCSW, CST CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER AND PRESIDENT INOVA HEALTH FOUNDATION 35
ARTS AND HEALING
Arts and Healing: The Power of Healing Through Art, Music and Words
“ We all know how difficult cancer is, and finding ways to bring hope and healing to those in need is the very epitome of philanthropy.” —ROBERT G. HISAOKA, CHAIR, INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE ADVISORY BOARD
Embracing Our Patients and Team Members
“The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery is a sanctuary for staff. Knowing the space is there for us, even just for a few minutes during our busy days, is a treasure.” —INOVA SCHAR TEAM MEMBER
36
The Arts and Healing program is like a comforting embrace at a time of crisis, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world beyond an allconsuming diagnosis. Together, we’ve built a program that features a permanent art collection, rotating exhibits, performing arts events, and a team of artists-in-residence who bring the healing power of the arts to patients, families and staff. In 2021, thanks to the support of Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, Inova Schar expanded the Artist-in-Residence program beyond our flagship location in Fairfax to patients and families at Fair Oaks and Alexandria, with plans for further expansion to Inova Schar Loudoun in 2022. Artists-in-residence are also working with Inova Schar team members through the Staff-Care Series, using the arts as a vehicle for mindfulness and stress reduction.
100% ARTS AND HEALING IS
FUNDED BY PHILANTHROPY
Wordfall Wordfall is the newest installation at Inova Schar Cancer Institute-Fairfax. The artists conceived it as a tribute to the life and legacy of young writer Brendan Ogg. Wordfall also honors Mathias Giordano, a beloved member of our Inova community who was passionate about making a difference for young people facing cancer. Inova Schar patients, caregivers, team members and the families and friends of Brendan and Mathias — including Team Mathias and Northern Virginia Orthodontics — hand wrapped and linked more than 80,000 paperclips with multicolored abstracted words of Brendan’s poetry and the number “12” on orange paper representing Mathias’ soccer jersey. The result is an artwork that reflects the healing power of community. INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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ARTS AND HEALING
What is a Schar Cancer Institute Artist-in-Residence? Artists-in-residence are local professional artists from the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts — including storytellers, musicians, poets, dancers, knitters and visual artists — who visit Inova Schar’s facilities to help patients, caregivers and Inova team members experience healing through artistic expression.
15,360 INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE AND PATIENTS IN 2021
Moments of Connection
Frankie Abralind, artist-in-residence, listener poet with The Good Listening Project
38
Listener poets invite patients and team members to share their stories and then transform these reflections into poems, capturing each individual’s experience. These moments of connection strengthen resilience and overall well-being. A recent patient said, “I heard once that the stories we tell ourselves in the seconds after an accident or traumatic event help to determine the trajectory of our recovery and of the narrative that we created around the event itself. My experience with the listener poet helped me to frame a narrative around my difficult news and to direct my focus in a healthy, constructive way. I am grateful for this experience and for the keepsake of the poem.”
Time for Three: Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals) ABOVE:
BELOW: Caleb
Hacker, artist-in-residence, guitarist
The Power of Healing Spaces
“As a photographer and a former patient myself, I know how powerful the arts are in providing inspiration and hope to those facing a life-changing illness.” —SANDI CROAN, WHO ALONG WITH HER HUSBAND, JERRY, SUPPORTS ARTS AND HEALING AT INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE
Your generosity allows us to surround patients and families with artworks that have been thoughtfully chosen to impart a sense of calm and contemplation during a tumultuous time. Inova Schar’s Art Selection Committee — which includes team members, supporters, patients and caregivers — carefully reviews each proposed piece of art to ensure that it contributes to a healing environment. Most have been created by local artists, and the collection features a range of mediums, styles and cultural influences.
Shanti Norris, lead consultant, Inova Schar Cancer Institute Arts and Healing program, with “Totem” by Alan Binstock TOP:
“Private Domain” by Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann ABOVE:
“Concerto in 3 Movements” by Wendy Ross LEFT:
2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Together, 40
we heal
by making sure that patients can focus on treatment rather than finances. 41
PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
$306K PATIENT ASSISTANCE TOTAL FOR 2021
42
“Knowing that patients and families will have a place to turn in their most difficult days is what inspires my giving to Inova.” —PETER WENTZ, SUPPORTER OF LIFE WITH CANCER AND INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE-FAIR OAKS PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUND
43
PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Hisaoka Cancer Patient Assistance Fund
Supporting Healing by Providing Greater Peace of Mind Named for founding donor Robert G. Hisaoka, the Hisaoka Cancer Patient Assistance Fund is a critical lifeline for patients and families facing the steep and unanticipated costs of cancer. These include medications and copays, transportation and childcare for appointments, and loss of income that leads to difficulties paying for housing, utilities and groceries. Thanks to donors like you, Inova Schar helps patients in need stay on track with treatment without fearing the financial repercussions.
“ Because of this assistance, you have allowed us to stay in our home with our lights on. My children can sleep in their own beds tonight.” —INOVA SCHAR PATIENT
807 TOTAL PATIENTS ASSISTED
75+
PATIENTS ASSISTED WITH TAXI AND LYFT RIDES 44
30
FAMILIES ASSISTED WITH THE EVERYDAY COSTS OF LIVING
1 in 3
PATIENTS EXPERIENCE CANCERRELATED FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS —AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
700+ PATIENTS ASSISTED WITH DRUG COSTS
Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C; Jasmine McLaughlin, RN; Danielle DiNardo, MSW; Dr. Fertikh; Sarah Fertikh (daughter); Durene LeFlouria, LCSW; Alexandra Nelson, FNP LEFT TO RIGHT:
“Not everyone has easy access to healthcare and treatment. As a physician, I am very fortunate to have these at my disposal. It means the world A Physician’s Commitment to me to be able to When Inova neuroradiologist Djamil Fertikh, MD make a difference in (above, blue hat), was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2021, he and his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, someone else’s life.” Sarah, decided to help others facing a similar diagnosis. They rallied friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to contribute more than $30,000 to the Hisaoka Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.
—DJAMIL FERTIKH, MD
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY IN 2021
Together, 46
there is no limit
to what we can do for patients and families facing cancer. 47
THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY IN 2021
$17.2M IN PHILANTHROPIC GIFTS
48
“I give because I believe that Inova is positioned to be among the leading healthcare systems in the country. If my gift can inspire that same confidence in others, that kind of impact can be felt for generations to come.” —DR. GARY MATHER
49
THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY IN 2021
Expanding the Inova Schar Vision Growing Our Programs and Teams We advanced our work to bring the Inova Schar model of care to patients at all of our locations. This includes hiring new physicians (with nine added in 2021 alone), expanding our facilities and technology, and incorporating Life with Cancer and Arts and Healing at other facilities. We won’t rest until we make sure that everyone in our community can easily access the Inova Schar level of care, close to where they live and work.
2021 ACCREDITATIONS
50
TOGETHER, WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY TO CREATING ONE OF THE BEST CANCER INSTITUTES IN THE NATION.
Inova Schar Cancer Institute is More Than a Building It is the embodiment of Inova’s commitment to providing a distinctive model of cancer care for our neighbors, colleagues, friends and relatives throughout this region. Inova Schar’s model creates a multidisciplinary team around each patient, personalizes the most advanced therapies to their individual cancer, and intentionally gives patients and families support services and a healing environment to enhance their recovery.
UDOU DO LOUDOUN
Maryland Virginia
AIRF FA FAIRFAX
Loudoun
Fairfax
celebrated, in 2021, the second anniversary of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute’s flagship facility, a center that is as technologically advanced as it is warm and welcoming. It has driven our momentum in advancing cancer care throughout Inova.
Washington, D.C.
FAIR R OA OAKS
Inova Schar Cancer Institute at: is housed in a new 17,000-square-foot cancer treatment facility that is bringing our model of fully integrated cancer care to Loudoun County. Patients receive coordinated care from multidisciplinary teams, led by subspecialists in a wide range of cancers: breast, colorectal, gastrointestinal, head and neck, blood, melanoma, gynecologic, lung and prostate. The new center opened in February 2022 and features adult clinics, clinical trial options and Life with Cancer programs.
INOVA SCHAR’S MOMENTUM, POWERED BY YOU
XAND XA ALEXANDRIA
Fair Oaks
is building new surgical oncology offices and expanded infusion space, which are expected to open in late 2022.
Alexandria
added a new patient coordinator, a Life with Cancer therapist, case manager, dietician and financial navigator, as well as the Artist-in-Residence program. This site will take a giant step forward in a few years with the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot, 230-bed hospital with all private rooms. It will include a full-service Inova Schar cancer center with multidisciplinary specialists, radiation, infusion and Life with Cancer programs. INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY IN 2021
2021 Philanthropy Snapshot
$17.2M Innovation
$3.5M CANCER SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAM
RAISED FOR CANCER INITIATIVES ACROSS THE SYSTEM
Life with Cancer
$3M Top Talent
$1M
SHERIDAN DIRECTOR, MOLECULAR TUMOR BOARD
Research
$1.75M BIO-BANKING CORE AND CLINICAL TRIALS
$2.5M $500K $500K CARDIO-ONCOLOGY PROGRAM
RESEARCH DIRECTOR, RADIATION/ MATHER PROTON THERAPY
CANCER RESEARCH DATA ANALYTICS PROGRAM
$160K
$290K
BREAST SURGERY FELLOW
52
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AND EDUCATION
CANCER RESEARCH
Financial Assistance
$306K
PATIENT ASSISTANCE
Legacy Giving
$2.8M
PLANNED ESTATE GIVING
Thank you for stepping up to support Inova Schar Cancer Institute in 2021. We hope this report has offered you a glimpse of what your generosity made possible over the past year. We are so grateful for your partnership during an especially challenging time in healthcare. As we’ve often said, “Cancer didn’t stop for COVID, and neither did we.” And neither did you. With your support, Inova Schar is realizing our vision of building a model of cancer care like no other. Your partnership means the world to us — but even more importantly, it means the world to our patients and families. With you by our side, Inova Schar will continue reaching new milestones in our vision of providing cancer care that addresses the needs of each person and each family.
TOGETHER, WE ARE EXCITED FOR WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.
Inova Schar Cancer Institute Leadership
Inova Schar Cancer Institute Philanthropy Team
Inova Schar Cancer Institute Advisory Board
John Deeken, MD, President
Steven Norris, Vice President of Philanthropy
Robert G. Hisaoka, Chair
Nancy Bowles, BSN, RN, MHA, OCN®, CRNI, NEA-BC, CPC–A, Vice President, Nursing
Amy Richards, Executive Director of Philanthropy
Sandi J. Croan
Laura Matthews, MBA, MPH, Vice President and Administrator
Nick Daly, Director of Philanthropy
Windsor W. Demaine
Abby O’Connor, Director of Philanthropy
Lara D. Hopewell
Kristen Bentivegna, Associate Director of Philanthropy
Mark C. Lowham Dick Patterson Lauren Peterson Michael P. Proctor Jeffrey E. Veatch
inovacancer.org/donate INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | 2021 GRATITUDE REPORT
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“For me, giving back to Inova is a meager, modest way of saying thank you, for everything. It barely scratches the surface of reflecting the depth of my gratitude, and my wife’s gratitude. In monetary terms, I always wish it could be more … but in emotional terms, it truly is.” —INOVA SCHAR PATIENT
INOVA SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE IS A DEPARTMENT OF INOVA FAIRFAX HOSPITAL.
