Join us as we reflect upon the holiday season and festivities at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Staff in the Mary Anne Long Patient and Family Resource Center at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital helped spread some holiday cheer to patients and caregivers by providing coffee, tea, hot cocoa and treats in the lobby. “We just wanted to uplift everybody during the holidays,” said Marianne Baskaron, administrative specialist in the Patient and Family Resource Center. This holiday season, patients and their guests were invited to write meaningful messages to those who need a little extra inspiration this time of year. The written notes were placed in ornaments and proudly displayed on the Tree of Hope in the lobby of the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital. Santa made a special stop at the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital’s pediatric clinic Tuesday, Dec. 19, to spread cheer, give small gifts, and visit with patients, their families and clinical staff. David Hill, a patient, broke into a wide smile when Santa entered the playroom. “It brings him a lot of joy, and that just touches my heart because anything that can take away the heartache from his situation is just a blessing,” said Jennifer Green-Hill, David’s mother. Santa, who is the grandfather of a patient, offered his services as a way to give back to the clinic for the care his grandchild has received. The lab of Chuck Perou, PhD, took the top honors for this year’s annual holiday door decoration contest. Runner-ups were the labs of Wendell Yarbrough, MD, MMHC/Natalia Isaeva, PhD, and the Blossom Damania, PhD. The Perou Lab will receive a free lunch for winning the competition. Entrants were instructed to incorporate this year’s theme, “Celebrating Together!” and at least one colored cancer ribbon in their design. There were nine entries, and each demonstrated that the cancer center’s researchers and administrative staff are highly creative. True to their scientific roots, the Perou lab entry included a 13-point figure legend, which explained the design’s elements, such as the pink breast cancer ribbons and ribbons designed with Perou’s favorite tie-dye pattern decorating the trees. Santa Perou also was wearing a tie-dyed hat. Decorated doors: Following an extended “pandemic pause,” the cancer center lobby was once again adorned with festive decorations, including a towering tree that reached the second floor, to celebrate the holiday season. UNC Lineberger colleagues gathered Friday, Dec. 15, to enjoy each other’s company in person, enjoy empanadas and appetizers, and reflect on their collective achievements from the past year. UNC Lineberger Director Shelley Earp, MD, opened his remarks by noting the virtue of being brief in comments, and then shared a few words on how happy he was to have everyone back together and he thanked everyone for their tireless work to support the cancer center’s mission. Jessica Platz and Jason Piper coordinated the holiday party and decoration committee, which included Danette Cousin, Chassidy Dixon and Felicia Champ. The cancer center also held its annual toy drive to support the UNC Pediatric Oncology Program. Employees donated gifts, including toys, books, games and gift cards, that will be given to young patients with cancer to help make this holiday season more special.
Mary Anne Long Patient and Family Resource Center staff spreads cheer and shares treats with patients
Tree of Hope at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital
Santa visits pediatric patients
Perou Lab brings home the door decorating prize
UNC Lineberger holiday party returns
UNC Lineberger celebrates the holidays
