Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HAWTHORNE?
The HAWTHORNE, The Cancer Resource Center is unique in that is provides a
single location in the metropolitan Richmond, area for all cancer patients,
their families and friends to gather to gain social and emotional support as
well as to receive extensive cancer education and resource material.
Workshops and social events in a homelike setting, all free of charge.
WHO IS THE HAWTHORNE CENTER NAMED FOR?
THE HAWTHORNE, The Cancer Resource Center is named in memory of Bill &
Barbara Hawthorne, who died of advanced cancers as patients in the HCA Hospice
Program. Bill & Barbara bequeathed money to THE JOHNS FOUNDATION (currently
called 'The Johns Cancer Foundation') to provide
a resource center for all cancer patients in the community.
WHAT IS THE JOHNS CANCER FOUNDATION?
THE JOHNS CANCER FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization established in the mid-1960’s
by Doctor William A. Johns, and named in honor of his uncle, Doctor Frank S.
Johns to offer financial and educational support to cancer patients who live in
or obtain treatment in the city of Richmond. Johnston-Willis Medical Center,
home of THE THOMAS N. P. JOHNS RADIATION ONCOLOGY CENTER, contributes office
space and support to THE JOHNS CANCER FOUNDATION.
WHAT IS JOHNSTON-WILLIS MEDICAL CENTER’S ROLE IN THE HAWTHORNE?
Johnston-Willis Medical Center’s role in this project is the donation of
the 1,800 square feet of office space on its campus to house the center.
WHO FOUNDED THE HAWTHORNE, THE CANCER RESOURCE CENTER?
The Johns Foundation Board of Directors along with advisors Robin Yoder,
Oncology Social Worker at the Virginia Cancer Treatment Center at
Johnston-Willis Medical Center and Melanie Dempsey, Department Manager and
Medical Dosimetrist at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital Radiation Oncology Center,
both friends of Bill & Barbara.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE HAWTHORNE?
Anyone living with and/or impacted by the diagnosis of cancer can meet to
learn how to live with cancer, whatever the outcome.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE?
Support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events along
with a wide variety of cancer related resources.
IS THERE ANY CHARGE FOR PARTICIPATING?
No, everything is absolutely free of charge.
IS THE HAWTHORNE MODELED AFTER ANY EXISTING CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAM?
The Gilda Club, Inc influences THE HAWTHORNE "idea". (Gilda Radner,
who died from ovarian cancer in 1989. Gilda is best known for her work on NBC’s
Saturday Night Live.) However, THE HAWTHORNE will have its own uniqueness in the
variety of programs and activities offered.
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING RESOURCE IN RICHMOND?
You can become of vital part of this resource by volunteering your
time, knowledge and skills.
For example, you can offer a workshop, give a lecture, offer a support group
etc…
***There are several groups already utilizing the facility and LOVING
IT!!!!!!
HOW WILL THE HAWTHORNE BE STAFFED?
On a volunteer basis. If you are interested or know someone interested in
volunteering a couple hours a week or a month, please have them contact me,
Robin Yoder, MSW 330-2180.
CAN ANY OTHER WORTHY NON-CANCER GROUPS USE THE HAWTHORNE?
NO. It is not part of our mission to serve people with other diseases,
however worthy they might be.
CAN MY ORGANIZATION RESERVE THE MEETING ROOM?
A specific cancer organization can reserve the meeting room for the
sole purpose of a cancer-related function. For example, Relay For Life Planning
meetings, Reach –To-Recover Trainings,
Look Good/Feel Better Programs etc…
HOW DO I RESERVE THE MEETING ROOM?
In letter format, write to me your request with the dates and times. Include
Name of the organization, purpose of the meeting and a contact person.
My address is:
Robin Yoder, MSW
Radiation Oncology Center
1401 Johnston-Willis Drive
Richmond, VA 23235
***Remember, Cancer Support Groups will always take priority when requests of
meeting are granted.
WILL THERE BE WEEKEND HOURS?
That will be dependent on our
volunteers and their availability.
CAN PEOPLE MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HAWTHORNE?
