"2008 Say It In A Song! Concert CD Has Arrived!!"

How It Got Started

In their fight against cancer, Bill and Barbara Hawthorne bequeathed money to the Johns Foundation to provide a resource center for all cancer patients in the community. Johnston-Willis Medical Center, through a five-year lease, donated space on its campus to house the center.

The Johns Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in the mid-1960s to offer financial and educational support to cancer patients who live in or obtain treatment in the city of Richmond and surrounding counties. CJW Medical Center, a 282-bed medical center in Chesterfield County, provides comprehensive oncology services through its Thomas Johns Cancer Center.

About the Co-Founders

Robin P. Yoder

Hello! My name is Robin Yoder . I am the Co-founder of The Hawthorne, The Cancer Resource Center which is located in the Medical Office Building Complex on the Campus of Johnston-Willis Medical Center. I have been asked to tell you a little bit about myself, so here it goes…I was born and raised in Colonial Heights , Virginia by two wonderful parents. I have one older sister and 3 nephews. I have been married to my husband, Wayne, since 1993. We have a wonderful son, Isaac. I am the human mom to pets mutt Ladybug and The Hawthorne’s Facility Dog Chocolate Lab, Murry.

Education/Life Experience:

In 2001 with the support and backing of The Johns Foundation and CJW Medical Center, I co-founded The Hawthorne along with Melanie Dempsey.I have been employed by CJW Medical Center since December 1990 as the Outpatient Oncology Social Worker.

In 1987, I received my Masters Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University from the Graduate School of Social Work.

From 1985 to 1987, I served in Jamaica , West Indies as a Volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. My volunteer service field was in Remedial Reading. I taught young Jamaican children at Port Antonio Primary School and Titchfield High School both located on the northeast coast of Portland , Jamaica .

In 1984, I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Special Education from East Carolina University ’s School of Education

I am a Survivor of Osteosarcoma diagnosed in 1980.

Recognitions and achievements:

	Co-creator of the annual “Say It In A Song!” workshop program and concert, along with singer/songwriter, Tricia Walker.
	Recipient of the American Cancer Society’s National Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award, 2005
	Was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Richmond as it made its way to the Olympics Stadium in Atlanta, 1996
	Received the Frist Humanitarian Award for CJW Medical Center,1995
	Nation's Triathlon benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training participant, 2008