Butler Health System | Health Link | Winter 2022

Cancer Support Services It’s a life-altering phrase no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” Families around the world are faced with this challenge every single day. And while the health implications of a cancer diagnosis—hair loss, fatigue, nausea—are evident from the beginning, the financial barrier to cancer treatment can be an even worse surprise to patients and their families. At the BHS Foundation, we strive to ease that bur- den for cancer patients in our communities so they can focus on their journey to wellness. Through generous donations from the community, the BHS Foundation has been able to provide support to cancer patients who visit BHS Cancer Support Ser- vices, located at both the Benbrook and Crossroads clinics. Patient support may include everyday necessi- ties, mortgage payments, utility bills, medications and transportation, and a free hair wig or halo. In the past year, the BHS Foundation has: » Paid $12,400 in bills for patients, ranging from mort- gage payments to utility bills » Purchased more than $11,000 worth of wigs and hair accessories » Funded over $15,000 worth of medical bills, from co-pays to medications to cancer treatments » Covered approximately $9,900 in transportation costs Welcoming a four-legged friend BHS is excited to welcome our newest member of the Cancer Support Services Team—Henrietta, a Golden Doodle therapy dog. Henrietta will live at home with her handler, Stacy Meyer, BHS Oncology Patient Navi- gator, and her family. Henrietta was named in memory of Henry Sinopoli, a spokesperson for the BHS cancer program (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman at Butler Health System), an active participant in the Cancer Support Group as well as a community supporter of the good work being done by the BHS Cancer Support Services team. Many studies have been done through- out the years showing the effectiveness of animal therapy, from easing anxiety to lessening the feelings of loneliness and isolation. One study performed showed that a therapy animal can relax a patient by releasing endorphins and lowering the stress hormone cortisol. The therapy dog was made possible through the generosity of Rosie Hanna, who organized the “Living the Dream” golf tournament, in memory of her husband, John Hanna, who also attended the Cancer Support Group. Over $17,000 was raised for BHS Cancer Support Services. Life-changing GIVING Give in honor of a loved one or in gratitude Scan this QR code to donate to the BHS Foundation. Visit BHS-Foundation.org o r reach out to a staff member at 724- 284-4409 for more information. Henrietta poses for a photo with her handler, Stacy Meyer, BHS Oncology Patient Navigator. ButlerHealthSystem.org | 7