Page 10 - Impact-Report-2019-Northridge-Foundation

COMFORTING PATIENTS
Massages Enhance Treatment for Cancer Patients
The Angie’s Spa Cancer Foundation is named after Angie Levy, a young cancer patient who succumbed to her disease after a decade-long battle. The organization provides free in-hospital massages for cancer patients, which are proven to decrease stress and alleviate some side effects of treatment.
In 2018, the Northridge Hospital Foundation received a continuing grant of $36,000 from Angie’s Spa. In addition, Angie’s Spa provided a Matching Grant of up to $2,070. Motivated by this challenge, the Leavey Cancer Center Staff and patients held a bake sale to raise matching
funds totaling $2,070. We also received a $1,500 grant from the Vons Foundation in addition to other private donations and tributes totaling $1,285.99. This ensured that Northridge Hospital exceeded the challenge by raising $4,994.64 for a combined total of $42,994.64—enough to fund 1,520 patient massages.
“My treatment requires that I extend my left arm
over my head for an extended period. A long-ago shoulder injury makes this painful, but I know relief is around the corner from the massage therapist who is always available after my procedure.”
– Grateful Patient
Leavey Cancer Center staff and patients held a bake sale to fund massages for cancer patients.
Grants Improve Care for Chronic Disease Patients
FY 2019 marked the third year that Cardinal Health Foundation E3 Patient Safety Grant supported our Chronic Disease Transitional Care Program (CDTC). By providing $50,000 per year/$150,000 over three years, a part-time pharmacist was added to the CDTC team to facilitate weekend coverage
for medication reconciliation and patient education. The CDTC serves moderate to high risk adult chronic disease patients with congestive heart failure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal failure, and frailty. The program is improving the patient experience and decreasing avoidable 30-day chronic disease readmission rates.
Quilts Made with Love
Mrs. DeAnn Lueken dedicated over 100 hours making beautiful handmade quilts for our Cancer Center patients. “I want patients to feel warm and have something to hold while they are in treatment,” she shares. “My hope is that for one moment, they don’t feel like they are ‘getting treatment’ but instead feel cozy comfort.”
Taking her philanthropy one step further, DeAnn also inspired her company, Bank of America, to donate $500 to the Northridge Hospital Foundation.