Transformative Journeys: Inspiring Women's Health
2023 Impact Report
The Women's Committee
Transformative Journeys: Inspiring women's Health
In 2023, The Women's Committee raised more than $185,000 for life-saving programs and services helping women fight cancer, support mothers and babies, and promote clinical excellence. The following are a few highlights of the impacts your support made possible last year:
Advancing Nursing Excellence
"We often see people on the worst days of their life. I love being able to help." Jenna Vitolo, SMJH Emergency Department nurse and scholarship recipient
Through the generosity of a grateful community, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation annually awards more than $300,000 toward scholarships, awards, and certifications to support nurses and clinical staff. Nurses pursue advanced degrees and deepen their expertise by attending national symposiums in advanced practice areas. Earn-to-learn programs help community members access the leader of opportunity in the healthcare fields while providing income for their families. Community support also enables the purchase of educational equipment for our teams. Learn more about the Haden Nursing Institute.
Spring Fly Fling
2023 marked the 15th anniversary of the Spring Fly Fling, which combines the physical therapy of fly-casting with the emotional healing of community support. More than 150 women have participated to date, with many faithfully returning as part of the army of volunteers who make the free event possible. "It's a really powerful experience," recalls TWC member and breast cancer survivor Susan Kreiner. "Someone would tell a story, and I'd break down while they were talking because I would think "I totally understand that"."
Palliative Care
TWC supports the women in our community who are bearing the burden of caregiving for their loved ones and family members. In 2023, the SMJH palliative care team supported approximately 1,000 patients; 10% of all patients admitted to the hospital. Yet only 20% of the costs for this service are billable to insurance. TWC's support helps to ensure that this essential service remains available for the most vulnerable patients and families in the hospital and the oncology clinic.
Free Breast Health Screening Days
TWC volunteers organize and support three free Breast Health Screening Days annually enabling 200 women to proactively manage their health at no cost. this $100,000 initiative resulted in 17 women receiving callbacks for additional testing and one patient requiring a biopsy. Thankfully, no one was diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer Survivorship Programs
From a 12-week program to support cancer survivors to a broad range of long-term clinical monitoring, support groups, nutritional counseling, and exercise classes, survivorship resources help hundreds of people every year manage the challenges of rebuilding their lives after cancer treatment. In 2023, more than 300 people participated in exercise classes, visited our clinics, and received nutritional counseling.
Mother-Baby Programs
TWC supports women's health from beginning to end. More than 1,200 babies are born at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital every year. New families access neonatal resources and new patient support groups providing a strong network of support to thrive. In 2023, TWC support provided enough yarn for our army of volunteer knitters to create over 1,100 baby caps and patient shawls. In 2024, your generosity will help new families transition into parenthood welcomed by the special LOVE swaddle blanket and accompanying LovEntourage App, which offers a private and supportive postpartum community.