Providing Care Through the Simple Act of Sharing a Meal

Day by day, the urology nurse navigators of Fox Chase Cancer Center offer a reassuring voice on the phone lines and a steady presence for patients preparing to receive care in one of the cancer center’s busiest clinical areas. 

But, one evening in early April, they wrapped up the work day at Fox Chase’s Huntingdon Pike location to take an even more personal approach to the care they provide. They traveled down the road to Hope Lodge, where they volunteered their time and resources to host an impressive dinner spread for 60 people. 

The AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society is situated on Laurel Ave. in Cheltenham, Pa., just minutes from Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus. The lodge provides free overnight accommodations for patients and caregivers receiving cancer care anywhere in the Greater Philadelphia region. 

“This was our second year serving dinner to guests at the lodge,” said Monica Scanlan, BSN, RN, who organized the effort. “I put the call out and everyone pitched in to make it a special evening.” 

From nursing staff to physicians, physician assistants, and administrative and clinical support staff, the whole team—known affectionately as the Urology Army—banded together to provide monetary donations, bake homemade desserts, and craft beautiful centerpieces with flowers and mason jars. 

Vincent’s Pizza on Huntingdon Pike prepared chicken parmesan, baked ziti, tossed salad, and more that the group picked up on their way. 

“They even threw in extra portions, and they were so nice to work with,” noted Scanlan. 

The group of volunteers managed everything from set-up to clean-up, relishing the time in between to spend with guests. 

Special personal connections were discovered that evening as Bridget Fonash, BSN, RN, OCN, met a family member of a patient who she helped navigate prior to undergoing surgery at Fox Chase. In addition, Scanlan saw someone she remembered from last year’s dinner who had returned to the area for additional treatment. 

“Being able to share in someone’s cancer journey is a very humbling experience,” she said, noting that the dinner will continue to be an annual tradition. 

“Teamwork and the Urology Army’s generosity made it all possible,” said Jill McKenna, BSN, RN, CRN, the newest nurse navigator to Urology. “It was a privilege to serve these patients and their families and alleviate some of their daily burden during their treatment journey.” 

“It’s why we all went into nursing,” added Scanlan. “To help other people, even through the simple act of sharing a meal.” 

Since opening in May 2009 on land donated by Fox Chase Cancer Center, Hope Lodge has served as a vital community resource for thousands of cancer patients and their families receiving care throughout the region. 

To learn how you and your team can volunteer to prepare and serve a meal at Hope Lodge, please go to: Meals For AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Philadelphia via Take Them A Meal.