Threads of Strength Raises $370,000 for Cancer Care Supportive Services
Premier Health’s four hospital Foundations hosted the Threads of Strength oncology fashion show to shine a spotlight on the remarkable resilience of cancer patients and their caregivers on Nov. 17 at the Dayton Arcade.
More than 500 people attended the event that featured dinner, a silent auction, fashion show, live music, and an after party in The Tank that raised more than $370,000.
In partnership with Atrium Medical Center Foundation; Good Samaritan Foundation-Dayton; Miami Valley Hospital Foundation; and Upper Valley Medical Center Foundation, the fundraiser aimed to raise vital support for cancer care and wellness across Premier Health. The event benefitted the advancement of integrative therapies and the development of new oncology nutritional clinics and counseling at Atrium Medical Center, Miami Valley Hospital North, Miami Valley Hospital South, and Upper Valley Medical Center.
The urgency for nutritional clinics arises from a nationwide gap in access to nutritional counseling and monitoring for oncology patients. Research has revealed that a staggering 80% of cancer patients experience malnutrition during their treatment journey.
Most outpatient cancer centers, including those within Premier Health, are unable to bill for nutrition consult services due to a lack of reimbursement options through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers. This leaves patients with out-of-pocket expenses at a time when they are already grappling with financial burdens caused by their cancer diagnoses.
“Premier Health’s commitment to delivering the best care extends to creating specialized services to support our patients,” said Amanda Musser, MSN, RN, system vice president of oncology operations at Premier Health. “We recognize the need for ongoing monitoring and dietary adjustments for specific tumor sites, which can greatly improve the patient’s ability to tolerate treatment. Support from the Threads of Strength is helping us offer patients personalized nutritional guidance, which we believe is an integral part of their battle against cancer.”
The evening’s highlights included awe-inspiring custom outfits created by world-renowned Indian designer Shravan Kummar. Well-known for his heirloom ensembles, vintage-inspired embroideries and research-driven patterns, Kummar has designed outfits for the Met Gala in New York City and many red carpet events.
“As we count on the courage and draw inspiration from the cancer fights of nearly 40 patients and dedicated caregivers, we were thrilled to have them don unique ensembles personally crafted by Shravan Kummar,” said Jhansi Koduri, MD, a board-certified oncologist at Miami Valley Hospital and chair of the Threads of Strength event. “Each outfit featured colors representing the specific cancer ribbon associated with each model’s journey. Shravan’s generous donation included dozens of custom-designed garments, an invaluable contribution in our mission to support our cancer patients and their families.”
Threads of Strength concluded with a text-to-give opportunity for guests to honor their loved ones with a gift to the cause. Within 15 minutes, more than $270,000 was raised to support development of new oncology nutritional clinics and counseling across the health system and the continuance of integrative therapies.