2011 Cancer Program - Augusta Health

WAYNESBORO
EXTRAVAGANZA
5K/10K RACE/WALK
w.augustahealth.com
18
In 2011, the City of Waynesboro once again chose The Augusta
Health Cancer Center’s Bridge Fund as the recipient
of the proceeds from its Extravaganza 5K/10K Race/Walk.
Augusta Health Cancer Center appreciates the generosity
of the City and was honored to be the selected charity.
Donations totaling $7240.00 were raised and given to the
“Bridge Fund”, then used to help patients at the Augusta
Health Cancer
Center cope
with the fi nancial
diffi culties
that can come
with a cancer
diagnosis.
The awards ceremony
for the
race was held
at The Serenity
Garden, a
cancer memorial
garden at
Ben Lancaster – City of Waynesboro
Karen Robertson – Radiation Oncology
Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro. Brad Johnson, Director of
the Augusta Health Cancer Center, thanked everyone for
their participation, gave a brief overview of the “Bridge
Fund” and explained some of the possible uses for the
money that was raised. Awards were then presented by
gender to each age group.
The 5K/10K (3.1/6.2 miles) Race/Walk had 227 participants
this year. Next year, plans are to encourage more families,
friends and co-workers of current cancer patients, cancer
survivors or those who have lost their fi ght to see the
event as a way to honor or remember those who have
bravely fought this disease.
The event is possible through the generosity of volunteers,
especially those who support the event as Title
Sponsors. Many local businesses and individuals also
contributed to the event at the Silver and Bronze levels by
donating door prizes, refreshments and monetary contri-
butions. Additionally more than 30 hospital employees and community members volunteered their time to make this
event a success.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PROGRAM AT THE LIFETIME FITNESS CENTER
Augusta Health’s Lifetime Fitness Center off ers a
wide variety of classes for people who suff er from
chronic ailments or diseases. One specifi c to cancer
patients is the Tai Chi Class for Cancer Recovery. This
class meets at 6:45pm on Tuesday evenings in the
Lifetime Center. The Augusta Health Cancer Center
sponsors this free class.
There are also several Monitored Medical Programs
to aid in overcoming obstacles and helping patients
reach their goals:
• Personal water and land exercise programs are offered
to help reduce symptoms of chronic ailments
or conditions like cancer. This program is perfect for
anyone who needs a small progression through supervised
exercise. These programs include four oneon-one
sessions with an Exercise Physiologist. These
programs encourage clients to workout at their own
paces.
• Client Training Plus is a one-on-one supervised exercise
program for individuals with medical conditions
or individuals who may not be able to exercise
on their own. This program off ers a “helping hand” to
assist with set up of equipment, transporting, or any
other tasks the client may need assistance with.
MASSAGE
Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, pain, nausea and fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment. It can
be a simple, yet eff ective way to alleviate discomfort while allowing the patient to experience a sense of physical and
emotional wellbeing. Massage therapists are available at the Augusta Health Cancer Center Monday through Friday
from 9:30am-3:00pm. Hand, foot, shoulder and chair massages can be done before, during and after treatment.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ACTIVITIES
Look Good…Feel Better was re-started at Augusta Health in 2011 and is now held on a monthly basis. This program for
radiation therapy and chemotherapy patients includes a skin care and make-up consult as well as a demonstration on
how to use wigs, turbans and hats. The program has been received with enthusiasm by the participants who appreciate
help with restoring the challenges from side-eff ects and issues with self-image.
Man-to-Man also began anew in 2011 and is off ered on a quarterly basis. This program for prostate patients and their
families gives opportunities to hear topics and trends related to screening, diagnostics, treatment and survivorship.
American Cancer Society Resource Days is a brand new program that is co-sponsored with Augusta Health. This is an
information resource area located within the Cancer Center comprised of books, brochures and CDs along with access to
computer web content. Six volunteers were trained with assistance coverage Wednesday and Thursday mornings. More
than fi fty patients have been served through October 2011. The material and internet web access are available Monday
through Friday, from 8 am-5 pm. For 2012, the goal is to increase volunteer assistance coverage to a full fi ve days.
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
19