The Mary Anne Long Patient and Family Resource Center at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital hosted its annual Thanksgiving luncheon for patients and caregivers on Nov. 6.
The event offered patients and their families a moment to pause, share a meal and enjoy a sense of community amid the challenges that often accompany cancer treatment and caregiving.
“It feels amazing – having the hospital show care to the caregivers means so much to me, it’s like having a second family,” said Madeline Thomas, caregiver for a patient currently being treated at UNC Health.
It also shined a light on November being National Family Caregivers Month, which honors the care and assistance family members provide loved ones who are being treated for an illness or medical condition.
“It’s nice to have an outlet, to know we have people here,” Thomas added.
The event also featured the Jordan High School jazz band, with a special guest appearance from Jim Ketch, director emeritus of jazz studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and a world-renowned jazz musician.
This year, more than 500 boxed lunches were served to patients and caregivers from Hope Valley Diner and Catering.
“Our cancer caregivers — those who live with, love, and lean into the most important role on their loved ones’ care team — often go unrecognized for the many hats they wear along the journey,” said Linnea Van Pelt, BSN, RN, CMSRN, OCN, LMBT, patient services manager, UNC Oncology Services. “It’s with full hearts and respect that we honor them each year with our Thanksgiving luncheon.”
