Sibley Cancer Wellness Fund Meets Initial Goals

Local cancer patients will soon have a new program to support their wellbeing. The Jeri Sibley VCU Health Tappahannock Cancer Wellness Fund has reached its milestone goal of raising $10,000. The fund was established last year after the hospital team lost one of its leaders to cancer in February. Jeri Sibley was a dedicated team member at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital for more than 15 years, where she was seen as a mentor to many and an advocate for her colleagues. When a cancer diagnosis made her a patient, she focused on improving every aspect of the patient experience.

The monies raised will help share Jeri’s fortitude with cancer patients by providing wellness and beauty services such as wigs and/or head coverings. The fundraising milestone means the hospital is ready to launch the program, with a formal opening to follow the move the hospital’s Oncology Center to Pavilion B this month. This move will allow for more space to set up the program and provide patients with pleasing and comfortable aesthetics close to home.

Cancer patients often struggle with confidence as they face a daunting diagnosis, treatments that may leave them feeling tired or run down, and a changing appearance that may come from losing their hair or changes to their complexion.

“Jeri knew that looking good and being put together was an important foundation for success,” says Liz Martin, President of VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. “She was fierce in every sense of the word and even in her own battle with cancer she was an advocate for others. She faced her own daunting diagnosis and treatment regimen in the same way she supported others walking a similar journey – with compassion, sass, humor, the perfect pair of pumps and flawless lipstick.”

This first milestone paves the way for potential ways to provide services to local cancer patients and grow the wellness program. The program will rely on ongoing donations to ensure patients are supported. Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund can visit www.support.vcu.edu/give/MCVF and select Jeri Sibley VCU Tappahannock Cancer Wellness Fund from the drop-down menu.