Together with our donors, we have established several highly impactful funds which aim to ensure everyone has access to life-saving screenings and the support they may need throughout cancer treatment.
We know that access to preventive screening can lead to early cancer detection and greatly increase a person’s chance of survival. Yet, many of our community members are unable to access these vital screenings. We also understand that a cancer diagnosis may significantly impact our patients’ and their families’ physical, financial, and emotional wellness. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offers the strength of two renowned health care leaders and the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options, right here in South Jersey. And through the following philanthropic initiatives, we aim to address the very real issues facing our communities and provide our patients and their families with comfort and support in mind, body, and spirit.
Providing Access, Care, and Support
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Breast Care Comfort Fund
Breast Care Comfort Fund
The Tyanna Barre O’Brien Breast Care Comfort Fund supports breast cancer awareness and education, early detection, and the purchase of care and comfort items for patients and their families. Since 2009, the fund has allocated more than $1 million, supporting patients with prescription and transportation assistance, walkers and shower chairs, lymphedema sleeves and other post-surgical garments, and more.
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Camp Oasis
Camp Oasis
Camp Oasis is a spirit-lifting one-day getaway camp offered twice per year for children and teens who have a parent or loved one battling cancer. Camp Oasis fosters positive connections and friendships, empowers campers with the tools to process and talk about their feelings and fears, and gives them a day to have fun and just be a kid. More than 70 campers attend Camp Oasis’ winter and summer sessions each year.
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Meals that Heal
Meals that Heal
The staff at Virtua Health | Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology have established a special program to provide patients who are food-insecure with a weekly bag of non-perishable foods. These Meals that Heal bags are free-of-charge and are provided to patients in need for the duration of their radiation therapy. Patients work closely with the program’s registered dietitian on meal planning and setting goals for good nutrition. Our team also connects patients to other helpful support services and resources, in hopes of reducing their overall stress. In 2024, our team provided 209 free bags of food and 410 bottles of Ensure to patients undergoing radiation therapy.
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Mobile Health & Cancer Screening Unit
Mobile Health & Cancer Screening Unit
Launched in the spring of 2023, our Mobile Health & Cancer Screening Unit is the newest addition to Virtua’s growing fleet of community programs. This 40-foot unit offers leading-edge 3D mammography, breast and gynecologic exams, pap tests, prostate exams, colorectal screenings, and other health services to people with and without insurance. Through this program, we anticipate providing nearly 6,000 cancer screenings annually to residents of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
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RCCA Hair Boutique
RCCA Hair Boutique
The RCCA Hair Boutique gives patients undergoing cancer treatment a haven to receive professional salon services in a private setting. Located within the Virtua Samson Cancer Center, the boutique’s stylist provides clipper cuts, wig-fittings, headwrap styling, make-up tutorials, and more to Virtua patients, all free of charge. In 2024, the Hair Boutique provided salon services and wigs to more than 160 patients.
Notes of Gratitude
“I consider myself luckier than a lot of people. My breast cancer was caught much sooner thanks to Virtua’s free screening program and community health worker Maria. Maria’s outreach saved my life — she was my angel in disguise!”
— Linda Curlis
Grateful Patient, NJ CEED Program at Virtua
Notes of Gratitude
“When I first learned there was a hair boutique inside the Samson Cancer Center, I was glad I chose Virtua for my cancer treatment. The location is especially convenient, and the boutique is beautiful and private. I left with the confidence to feel comfortable enough to return to work. This is not my mother’s wig – it looks so natural. I am so thankful for this resource!”
— Denise White
Grateful Patient, RCCA Hair Boutique
Get Involved
If you would like to learn about how you or your organization can take part in supporting this impactful initiative, contact us today to speak with a member of our philanthropy team.
Call Us: 856-355-0830
Email Us: gratitude@virtua.org