The Jefferson Cary Cancer Center has received a donation in the amount of $6,000 for Brian’s Ride, a fund designed to assist cancer patients who are experiencing financial challenges with their cancer journey.
Brian’s Ride was established in 2015 in memory of Brian Caldwell, who died from cancer. His family watched Brian struggle with the high costs associated with his treatment, including travel to specialists, medicines and routine costs of living. His sister Pamela, along with the Caldwell family and friends, decided to create a fund to help individuals with cancer who faced similar challenges.
“Losing Brian was a very painful experience,” said Pamela Caldwell. “It was also painful to watch his struggle managing the costs of his treatment and other expenses. He was fortunate that he had support from his family, but this is not always the case. That is why we created Brian’s Ride.
“We are so grateful to the many, many family members, friends, businesses and people who never even knew Brian for their generous support of our special events that helped to make this donation possible,” she said.
The fund is managed by the Jefferson Cary Foundation. Staff in the Cancer Center, along with members of the Caldwell family, have established guidelines that are used to provide support to patients. Kaitlyn Umphrey, RN, oncology nurse at Cary, said the fund has already helped a number of patients.
“It is so rewarding to be able to assist patients and their families as they cope with their diagnosis, the difficult treatment and all the related expenses,” said Umphrey. “We are very thankful to the Caldwell family and all those who have helped to make this fund a reality.”
More than $25,000 has been raised for Brian’s Ride in the past year. The most recent projects were a motorcycle ride and a ‘Vendor Blender’ event. The motorcycle event was the second annual ride, and the family hopes to make this a major fundraiser every year.
For more information on Brian’s Ride, contact Umphrey at the Cancer Center.
