View photos from the event here: Cathy Bessant establishes Novant Health Endowed Chair for Breast Health (hightail.com) access code: NovantHealth3192024!
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A journey that began with a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010 came full circle today for Cathy Bessant. In a surprise event, she announced the establishment of the Novant Health Catherine P. Bessant Endowed Chair - Breast Health and recognized Dr. Peter Turk, the surgeon she credits with saving her life, as the inaugural appointee.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc. granted Bessant a $1 million donation to a charity of her choice in honor of her remarkable service after 40 years with the company. Today, Bessant directed the gift to the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation to establish the endowed fund to give back to current and future cancer patients.
“When I received my breast cancer diagnosis, after doing research, I had no doubt that I could receive incredible, expert care right here in Charlotte at Novant Health. I didn’t think twice about going anywhere else,” said Bessant, president and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas. “What I didn’t realize was how truly remarkable the care would be – including the guidance I received through the Buddy Kemp Support Center – and how dedicated my care team was. Dr. Turk has built an amazing team that provides leading cancer treatment and of equal importance, truly cares about each patient. I am excited for the potential of the endowed chair and the additional lives we can impact through this generous donation from Bank of America.”
The endowed fund will support four major transformative initiatives:
- Top-level training and education for Novant Health clinical leaders.
- Acquisition of state-of-the-art, lifesaving equipment and technology for oncology care.
- Research and innovation to include clinical trials and leading-edge research, ensuring patient access to emerging therapies.
- Holistic patient care and outreach.
“I’m incredibly honored to be the inaugural endowed chair for breast health,” Turk said. “Through this endowed fund, we are excited to further grow access to the leading care we provide at the Novant Health Cancer Institute. We look forward to having an even larger impact, proactively improving outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.”
As an extension of the gift and in recognition of Bessant, the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation changed the name of the Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center to the Novant Health Cancer Institute Kemp Bessant Support Center. The Center provides on-site services and programs to support patients and their families before, during and after cancer treatment in a comfortable, home-like setting close to the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center campus. A team of counselors and case managers who are specially trained to treat cancer provide the services at the Center, including counseling, support groups, educational programs, financial resource guidance and a lending boutique, including items such as wigs.
Another full circle moment: The Center was originally named in honor of Charlotte banker Buddy Kemp, former president of North Carolina National Bank (NCNB), who passed away of brain cancer in 1990 and who Cathy worked with early in her career. NCNB formed the core of what today is Bank of America.
“We should all be inspired by Cathy’s strength, courage and legacy of service at Bank of America,” said Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte. “She is truly committed to improving access to quality healthcare here in the Charlotte community and beyond.”
“We are amazed at Cathy’s leadership and dedication to ensuring others have the same healing journey she has had,” said Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, senior vice president and president, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health’s greater Charlotte market. “We hope Cathy and Bank of America’s vision inspire other philanthropic partners to contribute to the incredible work Dr. Turk and our care teams are offering. This gift and continued stewardship will enhance Novant Health’s Cancer Institute and available resources at the Kemp Bessant Support Center to ensure others have access to leading cancer care close to home.”
Novant Health offers world-class cancer care with more than 106 specialty-trained physicians across 51 clinic locations. The Cancer Institute treats more than 100 different types of cancer with an aggressive, leading-edge approach focused on the patient’s physical and emotional needs. Learn more about Novant Health’s advanced cancer care and cancer treatment.
For more information about the Novant Health Foundation and to donate, visit NH.team/KempBessantSupportCenter.
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