Beebe Medical Foundation and Jean & Joan Cancer Fund Announce 2014 Tunnell Cancer Center Service Appreciation Award

The Beebe Medical Foundation and the Jean & Joan Cancer Fund announce that Kathy Cook, MSN, RN, nurse navigator for the Beebe Healthcare Breast Health Program,HeH is to be honored for her dedication and commitment to providing exceptional care to her patients.

Mrs. Cook will be presented with the 2014 Tunnell Cancer Center Service Appreciation Award on Monday, September 29, at the Jean & Joan Cancer Fund Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Kings Creek Country Club.

 “It is fitting for this award to be given to one of Tunnell’s front line treatment and advocacy nurse,” says James Martin, President and Founder of the Jean & Joan Cancer Fund. “As a nurse navigator for the Breast Health Program, Kathy supports women at one of the most difficult times of their lives, guiding them through the many phases of their treatment and being there to answer their questions and to give them a helping hand. She embodies the qualities of excellence that this Service Appreciation Award is designed to recognize and honor.”

Mrs. Cook is the fourth recipient in the award’s 15-year history. The other recipients were: Cherrie Rich, RN, Executive Director of Oncology Services, Srihari Peri, MD, medical oncologist and Medical Director of Medical Oncology at Beebe Healthcare, and the Tunnell family.

The Jean and Joan Fund was founded in 1999 in memory of two local women, Jean James and Mr. Martin’s wife Joan. Both of these women died from the ravages of cancer, but benefited from an extensive network of local friends and family to support them financially and spiritually in their times of need.  The Fund was created to provide assistance to cancer patients and their families who do not have the extended family care and support that Jean and Joan’s families were able to provide. The Fund donated the first proceeds to initiate the Cancer Patients Special Needs Fund, which has helped hundreds of Tunnell Cancer patients with immediate needs.

The annual golf tournament is the only fundraiser for the Jean & Joan Fund, and all funds benefit cancer patients treated at Tunnell Cancer Center.  Last year, after the tournament, the Fund made a $25,000 donation for cancer patient care, and $22,000 was donated after the 2012 event because of the Jean & Joan Fund. With the funds, $90,000 was used to purchase infusion recliners and new computer Work Stations on Wheels. Since its founding, the Fund has donated more than $380,000 to give direct assistance to Tunnell Cancer Center patients.

 “The contributions that the Jean & Joan Cancer Fund makes to the Tunnell Cancer Center through its charity golf tournament provides valuable support and helps us provide quality services to cancer patients and their families in Sussex County,” says Judy Aliquo, President and CEO of Beebe Medical Foundation. “Thus, we recognize the importance of the Jean & Joan Golf Tournament by choosing it as the venue for awarding this Service Award recognizing excellence and achievement at the Center.”

Vicki Tull, who is co-chairing this year’s golf tournament with Mr. Martin, said that she and the nomination committee, made up of representatives from Jean & Joan and Beebe, are proud to present the award to Mrs. Cook. “Kathy is someone who has gone above and beyond to provide truly exceptional care.”

Mrs. Cook was surprised and honored when she learned about the award. “I do what I do,” she said. “I care for people in the manner in which I would want them to do for me.”

An experienced nurse, Mrs. Cook joined Beebe Healthcare in 2010 as the cancer screening nurse navigator. Her role was to educate people and encourage them to have cancer screenings. She reached individuals through partnerships with various community organizations, schools and churches. She also spearheaded the “Early Detection Connection” campaign that reached out to physicians to offer case management services to their patients who were in need of screening but who could not afford to pay.

In 2012, when Beebe Health initiated its new Breast Health Program, Mrs. Cook was named the program’s nurse navigator. In 2013, the program was the first in Delaware to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Mrs. Cook’s role is a critical part of an accredited program as she helps patients who have had an abnormal mammogram to navigate the care pathway.

 “What is unique about this Jean & Joan Cancer Fund charity event is that it is a local tournament, run by local volunteers, with proceeds benefitting local cancer patients here at home at the Tunnell Cancer Center,” Mr. Martin said.  He encouraged local businesses and professionals to sign up for the September 29 event as event or hole sponsors, and individuals to sign up to play the four-person scramble event. 

Registration includes green and cart fees, lunch, a memorial gift and a post-tournament cocktail hour and dinner, with silent and live auctions. Individuals can also sign up for just the post-tournament cocktail hour, dinner and auctions.  For further information and to register for the tournament, visit the website www.jeanandjoanfund.org, or call the Kings Creek Golf Shop at 302-227-8953.

 Beebe Medical Foundation was established in 1989 with the sole mission to raise philanthropic support for Beebe Medical Center.  The Foundation is located at 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Visit us online at www.beebemedicalfoundation.org.

 Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. It offers services throughout Southern Delaware including a 210-licensed-bed hospital, a cancer center, and outpatient facilities at multiple sites providing walk-in care, lab, imaging, and physical rehab services.  For more information, please visit us online at www.beebehealthcare.org.