UNC Health’s Annabella Cole, CCLS, knew she needed to do something after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, including Avery County, where she grew up.
Cole, an oncology patient navigator at the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital, the clinical home of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, used her training as a child life specialist to focus on the needs of children affected by the storm.
Partnering with the UNC Health oncology patient navigation team and members of the local community, she organized and delivered 150 coping kits to children in Avery County.
Cole went a step further by conducting Heartmath training with local EMS, school guidance counselors and others to assist with providing the children with long-term emotional support. The technique promotes emotional self-regulation and resilience, equipping individuals to navigate the challenges of recovery.
She is also helping fulfill Christmas wish lists organized by the local public health department, using donated funds and presents to bring holiday cheer to families in need.
“This was something that was truly needed,” Cole said. “I feel like it helps the people in my hometown think forward as they get themselves back into a new normal of recovery.”
