As gas prices soared this summer, the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund transportation budget was completely overwhelmed. But compassionate donors, like you, were there for our patients. You ensured they could continue their to fight to survive by providing individualized assistance with not only transportation but nutrition, medication, rent and many additional financial needs.

Clyde Davis, a 76-year-old gentleman from Cheraw is one of the many patients you have helped.

Clyde is single and lives at an assisted living facility in Cheraw. A motorcycle accident in 1978 resulted in Clyde’s leg being amputated. The accident left him disabled and unable to drive.

Last year, Clyde was concerned when he felt an unusual lump which led him to see his primary care physician in Cheraw. He was then referred to McLeod Oncologist Dr. Ravneet Bajwa, who diagnosed Clyde with a hip sarcoma. Dr. Bajwa arranged an appointment for Clyde with a McLeod Surgeon to have the tumor removed.

After the surgery, Clyde learned that he would have to travel to the McLeod Cancer Center in Florence every day for six weeks of radiation treatment to ensure all the cancer cells were eradicated. However, Clyde did not have anyone who could make the commitment to drive him day in and day out. He did not know where to turn for help.

You can imagine Clyde’s relief when he learned from McLeod Cancer Center Social Worker Raquel Serrano that because of HOPE Fund donors, his transportation would be provided.

“My life has been complicated by my accident,” explained Clyde. “But when I had nowhere to turn, I learned of the wonderful people who had given to help me. I can never thank you enough for allowing me to receive my lifesaving treatments.” Your generous response to help with ongoing transportation struggles during the gas price crisis has given hope to patients in their battle to survive. On behalf of Clyde and so many others, thank you.

Dr. Nehru now gives selflessly of her time, skills and gifts as the newest Oncologist at McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates in Florence.

Dr. Nehru is already much loved by her patients, whose extraordinary empathy is demonstrated by her deep concern for their well-being.

“When you are treating a patient, you are not just treating the disease, you are treating the whole person,” Dr. Nehru explained. “You must also take care of the other things that are going on in their life. It is important to lend a helping hand so they can concentrate on the most important thing — actually fighting their cancer.”

Shortly after her arrival, Dr. Nehru was pleased to learn of the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund. The HOPE Fund was established to assist cancer patients with immediate and urgent needs. Through it, her patients have received assistance for basic financial struggles like transportation, rent, nutrition and supplies.

Following in the example of her father, Dr. Nehru wanted to personally support the HOPE Fund. She decided to make a generous commitment to the HOPE Fund Endowment, which will help ensure critical funding for patients in the years to come.

“I believe that those who have much are under an obligation to help,” Dr. Nehru shared. “We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers. We owe it to people who are less fortunate.”

Through the HOPE Fund Endowment, Dr. Nehru ensures her father’s legacy of giving continues.

“I just think of my dad, my role model,” Dr. Nehru said. “He did so much. I now must do my own part to help.”