BOUTIQUE Generously Supported by The Youtsey and Halloran Family A bright light for the women who visit the Boutique, the Youtsey and Halloran Family supported the Cancer Center to celebrate the dedicated work of “CHICK” Youtsey Halloran. NURSE NAVIGATION PROGRAM Generously Supported In Honor of Fred and Karen Y. Burns In October 2020, Tonya Burns-Gerakos' father, Fred, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. He was referred to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center for treatment and was quickly paired with nurse navigator Karen Burke. “We didn’t know anything about cancer or how to maneuver through that world,” said Tonya. “But when we got paired with Karen, it was like a light switched on in a dark room. Every question we had, Karen was there.” Tonya soon learned that not every patient was paired with a nurse navigator. “I realized there was a need there, and I wanted to help,” explained Tonya. “My parents have taught me by example the importance of living generously. But they’ve always remained so humble. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to honor them.” So, last December, Tonya and her husband, Dean Gerakos, donated $500,000 to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center Nurse Navigation Program in honor of her parents Fred and Karen Y. Burns. “I could not wait to write that check,” recalled Tonya. “These nurse navigators are so passionate about their purpose, and they really do make a difference — I don’t think we could have gotten through this without Karen. But there just aren’t enough to meet the need. I hope, with this gift, St. Elizabeth can grow the program and bring a guiding light like Karen to every family embarking on the cancer journey.” 12 CANCER CENTER CAMPAIGN REPORT
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