CityView Magazine

54 October 2021 Under the umbrella of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, the group has grown to the point that it provided over $122,000 in patient support in 2020. e Friends group helps with everything from mortgage, rent and utility payments for patients to screening mammograms and transportation to appointments. "e foundation is excellent," Kulig said. "ey put our patients first. Without the foundation, there are so many things we wouldn't be able to have for our patients." For nearly two years now, the center has taken on new challenges in the face of COVID. e cancer center is one of the few departments that has continued to remain open throughout the pandemic. e hospital implemented safety procedures, such as state-of-the-art temperature check stations and limiting visitors, but caring for patients continued. "It feels like we got busier," Boyle said. "I'm glad we've had a place for patients to continue to come. I've been grateful that I could come into work every day, and I'm glad I can see my patients every day." e bells mounted on the walls of both the medical and radiation oncology units oen hold a special significance in the journey of cancer patients. Many choose to ring the bell, surrounded by family or friends, aer their final treatments. COVID restrictions made it difficult to share that experience, but members of the cancer center staff adapted. "We've taken that bell off the wall and carried it outside," Boyle said. "Aer all, we know that patients who have a good support system seem to do tremendously better. When you can still celebrate with your friends and family, it makes a huge difference." at final treatment may be a joyous occasion, but Kulig said that feeling is a constant, despite the challenges of treating a daunting disease. "People ask me all the time whether it's sad to work here," she said. "But I tell them that it's the exact opposite. It's the most joyful place you could work and the most meaningful … and the patients give back to you way more than you give to them. We feel like we're a family here." The bells mounted on the walls of both the medical and radiation oncology units often hold a special significance in the journey of cancer patients. Many choose to ring the bell, surrounded by family or friends, after their final treatments.

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