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I think it’s a wonderful thing. A lot of places don’t
offer this kind of day for a child,
‘‘
Jennifer Fletcher
Despite the tremendous impact of CampOasis on cancer
patients and their families, many such support programs
aren’t coveredby health insurance; it’s fully fundedby
philanthropy. Children attend for free, thanks to Virtua
Foundation donors, includingmore than 100 individuals
whomade donations onGiving Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, to
support the 2016CampOasis. AndVirtua oncology
nurses likeMiller -- the same nurse navigators who care
for the kids’ parents -- generously volunteer their time.
Community supporters also host special events
throughout the year to raise funds for Virtua cancer
programs. The Tyanna BarreO’Brien Foundation, Virtua’s
leading oncology supporter, has raised $128,000 so far
for the Tyanna BarreO’Brien Breast CareComfort Fund,
largely through their signature celebration, Breastfest.
Foundedby theO’Brien sisters – Anne, Megan, Bridget,
Katie, and Sarah -- and named in honor of their late
mother, Tyanna, the fundprovides resources for breast
cancer education and early detection, including genetic
counseling for those at a higher risk, as well as comfort
items for Virtua patients in treatment.
“Our goal is patient care, andVirtua Foundation has
taken the time to create programs that we can really get
behind,” says SaraO’Brien. “They arewilling towork
with us tomake sure the funds we raise are allotted to the
programs we believe in.”
Another major supporter of theComfort Fund is Smash
Breast Cancer. Establishedbymembers of theMedford
VillageCountry Club andGreen Valley Tennis Club in