photo by: Emma Delk

Reynolds Memorial Hospital and WVU Cancer Institute staff gathered to commemorate their fundraising efforts. From left, Nurse Manager Brenda Hillberry, Radiology Director Shelley Snyder, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital Douglass Harrison, Supervisor of Radiology Kyle Johnson, Medical Director of the WVU Cancer Institute Dr. Nabiel Alkhouri, Chief Operating Officer of WVU Medicine Tony Martinelli and Lead Mammogram Technologist Jackie Johnston.

A large check was signed for the WVU Medicine Cancer Institute provided by fundraising efforts of staff at WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, who raised $4,030 to provide transportation funds for patients.

The donations were collected through a T-shirt sale spearheaded by Radiology Director Shelley Snyder. To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the fundraiser’s pink shirts can be spotted on staff every Friday in October.

After raising more than $900 in last year’s sale, Snyder decided to go all-in on fundraising efforts this year. Snyder described working with the marketing team at WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial to create the pink T-shirt logo on top of getting the word out to the entire hospital for the two-week T-shirt sale.

“We sent forms to all the floors, did email blasts to all the departments, whatever it took to get everyone involved,” added Snyder.

Snyder’s and the rest of the staff’s efforts paid off, as in just two weeks, 403 shirts were sold. On the overwhelming turnout, Snyder noted the staff always supported their effort but was amazed at the amount raised this year.

The proceeds will pay for gas cards that patients who have difficulty paying for transportation to the treatment center use.

“The cost of transportation for patients traveling in from rural areas often adds up,” explained Nurse Manager Brenda Hillberry. “To be able to help them in this way is amazing.”

Adding that transportation cost is sometimes overlooked, Snyder noted that there is a misconception that “any patient can make it here for treatments.”

“On top of sometimes having to travel from a far distance, there are other financial costs that come with having cancer that can make travel costs hurt even more,” said Snyder. “Especially if a patient doesn’t have insurance, it can all add up.”

For Snyder, being able to offset care costs is another way to care for a patient population that she is “very passionate about.”

“It just makes you feel so good to be able to give back and to help the patients that need it,” added Snyder.

After this year’s fundraising success, Snyder already has her sights set on reaching $5,000 in donations next year.

Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial and Wheeling hospitals, applauded the staff’s fundraising efforts.

“I’m very proud of the team, and this was an excellent example of our employee base and how they come together for a cause,” said Harrison. “This is a great example of the care and compassion they have for the patients.”