Southwest Virginia Cancer Center Receives $5,000 In Donations From Schools, Soccer League

Local high school students and community organizations are helping the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center strengthen patients with an infusion of donations to help those receiving care address everyday needs.

Recently, Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Eastside High School in Coeburn, Central High School in Wise and the Dickenson County Soccer League contributed nearly $5,000 to the center, which is part of the Wellmont Cancer Institute.

Specifically, Union High donated $1,800 from the sale of pink T-shirts that were worn at a Nov. 2 football game as part of a collaborative project with Lonesome Pine Hospital. Central High contributed $1,500, which also came from T-shirt sales as well as a volleyball tournament and other fundraisers, in memory of cancer center patient Rita Isaac. All these donations were part of the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Eastside High presented more than $800, raised from a Powder Puff football game in which freshmen and sophomore girls played juniors and seniors. The Dickenson County Soccer League also gave the cancer center $827 during one of its games.

“We appreciate the community spirit exhibited by the high schools and the soccer league because it will mean a great deal to our patients,” said Karla Lane, the cancer center’s director. “Cancer’s reach knows no bounds, but it is reassuring that people support our facility in such a meaningful way.

“Our patients will feel even more hopeful that tomorrow will be bright when they learn their friends and neighbors are ready to help them in their cancer journey.”

Lane said the donated funds will be allocated to the center’s patient care fund, which helps patients with burdensome expenses during their treatments.

“The cancer center performs marvelous work with patients, providing excellent treatment and a comfortable atmosphere that promotes healing,” said William Austin, Union High’s principal. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help patients who might experience some financial challenges as they battle cancer. With community support and the stellar care by the physicians and other caregivers, patients can focus on recovery.”

The cancer center provides a team approach to cancer treatment. Services include medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, research and genetic testing. The center also participates in multidisciplinary tumor conferences and continuing medical education. It is housed in a warm and inviting facility that resembles a ski lodge and promotes emotional and spiritual healing.

Medical oncologists Drs. David Miller, Hayan Moualla and Daryl Pierce; radiation oncologists Drs. Scott Coen and Byron May; and nurse practitioner Kelley Mayden lead the medical staff. All of these physicians are board-certified in their field of specialty.

“The cancer center is a wonderful resource for Southwest Virginia that pairs courageous and determined patients with an excellent staff,” Lane said. “As a nonprofit facility, we are thankful for the generous support our center and patients receive from the community. Together, we are making a tremendous difference in the quality of care and the quality of life in our region.”