Meet Robin
The
Hawthorne Center
Robin Yoder, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C
Co-Founder / Director
The Hawthorne Cancer Center
Hello! My name is Robin Yoder. I am the Co-Founder of The Hawthorne, The Cancer Resource Center which is located on the first floor of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute on the campus of Johnston-Willis Hospital.
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In 2001 with the support and backing of the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation and CJW Medical Center, I co-founded The Hawthorne. I have been employed at Johnston-Willis as the outpatient Oncology Social Worker since December 1991. Meeting with me at The Hawthorne we will discuss the supportive and educational cancer related resources that are available to you and your family through The Hawthorne as well as in the community. I will also make you aware of the specific Cancer Support and Educational Groups that are available to help you and your family cope through distressing times. I will also discuss with you any concerns or questions you may have about adapting to any challenges that may arise as a result of your cancer.
Professional Experience & Education
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1991 to present Outpatient Oncology Social Worker
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1992 to present Facilitator to multiple Ongoing Cancer Support Groups
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Co-Founder The Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center
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Virginia Commonwealth University: Master of Social Work
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East Carolina University: Bachelor of Science Education
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Chairperson American Cancer Society’s Chesterfield Relay For Life: 10 years
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Association Oncology Social Work (AOSW): Certification: AOSW-C
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Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) State of Virginia
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Multidisciplinary Oncology Team Member
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Breast Oncology Leadership Team Member
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1985-1987 United States Peace Corps Volunteer, Jamaica: Literacy
Recognitions & Accomplishments
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2021 National Recipient Employee HCA Frist Humanitarian Award
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2019 Circle of Care Social Work Legacy Award Commonwealth of Virginia
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2019 US Department of State Delegate Member Sports Diplomacy: Turkmenistan Central Asia
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2018 Founder Discover Your Possible: 1 Day Skills & Activity Clinic for Lower Limb Amputees
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2021 Concept 2 Women’s World Record Holder: 5000 Meters Adaptive Single-Leg Rower
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2018 Concept 2 Women’s World Record Holder: 1000 Meters Adaptive Single-Leg Rower
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2000-2012 Co-Founder Say It In A Song! Songwriting Workshop in Partnership with Singer/Songwriter Tricia Walker
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2005 National Recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Lane. W. Adams Quality of Life Humanitarian Award
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1999 Recipient Epsilon Sigma Alpha Diana Award of Exceptional Service To Humanity
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1995 Local Recipient Frist Humanitarian Award
Boards and Community Service
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Mission Gait Foundation www.missiongaitfoundation.org
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The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation www.thehawthorne.org
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Sportable Athlete Advisory Council www.Sportable.org
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Peer Mentor: Amputee Coalition of America
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Partnership & Annual Guest Speaker: Monacan High School Health Occupations Specialty Center & Clover Hill Technical Center
On a personal note, I am a 2-time Cancer Survivor. On August 5, 2010, my right leg was amputated above the knee as a result of a cancer diagnosis. This cancer (a soft tissue sarcoma) appears to have been caused by the radiation therapy treatments that cured me from a bone cancer (osteosarcoma) that I was diagnosed with in 1980 when I was 18 years old. My leg was saved from an amputation during that time but due to many contributing factors, it could not be saved with this current set of circumstances. I am an athlete, a paratriathlete to be specific, (swim, bike, and run). I am affiliated with Sportable, a recreation and Paralympic sports club located in Richmond for people with physical disabilities. I love to challenge myself and my physical skills as an amputee. I love training and setting goals and the rush that comes with accomplishment in sports from my hard work. I have recently been introduced to Pickleball. I love interacting with all types of people and challenging them to work hard and to see them meet their goals. I participate in all kinds of events and causes raising awareness and hope for people with all sorts of life challenges.
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I married my husband Wayne in 1993 and we have a wonderful son, Isaac. My husband is an Accountant and is a Retired US Navy. Isaac is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitative Medicine Prosthetics and Orthotics Graduate Program. He is currently living in Scottsdale, Arizona fulfilling a 2-year Residency requirement in Prosthetics. I love to travel and I love to travel with my son. We are both very adventurous and he loves to show off my prosthetic gait skills. He and I have traveled and hiked through the Rainforest of Costa Rica, the mountains of North Carolina, and most recently, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and various points of interest in Sedona, Arizona. I love to travel off the beaten path meeting local people, sampling the cuisine, and tasting the spirits from local hangouts. I love music with an Island beat. I have a sweet 15-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Murry. I will accept almost any challenge. And, I am grateful to the many people who have supported me along the way.
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I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you at any time. It has been difficult during this pandemic but slowly we are coming back together. It is an honor to be on the journey with so many wonderful patients and family members.
Together, we gain strength!
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Robin