A First-Hand Account from Someone Who Knows IHS Well

There is only one totally independent, nonprofit, non-religious, no stock, All volunteer, 501(c)3, public charity which maintains a 24/7 response with The University of Virginia Medical Center Social Workers to assist with meeting immediate unmet needs of long distance indigent and underfunded patients and caregivers when no other opportunities exist. The following letter is one of several letters from a UVA Clinic which was received in the last few months to acknowledge the work of Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS), now in its 7th year of serving the least able among us through the UVA Medical Center Office of Social Work. "As a Clinical Social Worker at the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, I have witnessed the many ways this organization has directly impacted the lives of our patients and their families. The ECCCC serves a wide variety of patients who travel great distances to receive care they couldn't otherwise access. Their treatment often involves 6-7 weeks of daily radiation therapy in combination with weekly chemotherapy. Our patients are typically exhausted, overwhelmed, and fearful of their course. Many of these patients face severe economic and financial distress as a result of their cancer diagnosis. They use every means possible to get to Charlottesville and then learn that they will need to pay for lodging, meals, and gas during their treatment. Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS) has helped alleviate this burden by assisting with our local UVA Hospitality House lodging co-pays and supplying essential food items for unexpected and unplanned events. To say that IHS helps "save lives"  is an understatement. They have added quality, dignity, and hope to the lives of MANY of our patients and their family members. Their meal packets include nutritional products wrapped in a message of faith and support. This gesture not only connects our healthcare team to the community, but allows our patients to feel valued at the highest level. IHS truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients every day. They provide an opportunity and financial means for our patients to succeed in treatment through delivery of specific concrete services such as lodging and food. IHS is vital to our Cancer team particularly as we struggle to meet the growing needs of our patient population with few resources. Allow me to thank you for your wonderful organization." Sincerely, Paula Capobianco, LCSW Clinical Social Worker UVA Health System/Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center Your donation keeps us in rapid response mode! Please remember that all of us at IHS are non-paid volunteers, and we are all donating what we can to IHS personally. Also remember - for transparency we hold the "Gold Seal of Approval" from the Guidestar.org national clearing house. Please do what you can. And, if you would like to donate now to our cause, please click the button below to go to our encrypted secure on-line donation form.    A Sincere Appeal ...T. Wade, Elisheva & Sam                                IHS Founding Officers