“Often, we have patients who are on our unit for months. During these extended stays, patients and their families struggle with the burden of multiple unforeseen costs, such as transportation, parking, food, medication, hotel stays. These expenses cause a lot of stress in an already stressful and upsetting situation. Seeing people suffer every day, not only physically, but financially it is hard……when there is nothing you think you can do to help.”

Nicole Riverso, BSN, RN, and nurse practitioner Mia Burgess, MSN, APRN, AOCNP, spearheaded "The Helping Hands Fund.” This program was established to raise money for patients to offset the financial burden associated with hospitalization. Nicole took it upon herself to organize a fundraiser-- sold tickets, found a hall, hired a DJ, had people make baskets to auction, advertised the event, decorated and the list goes on and on. The 3 West staff all got behind this event and contributed to its outstanding success.

The unit’s clinical nurse specialist wrote, “The event that Nicole spearheaded for the "Helping Hands" fund for oncology patients was not only a huge success but made close to $8000 in one night for the fund!”

Families of patients attended the event and were in awe at how successful and beautiful the event was! The fundraiser went off without a hitch! It brought the nurses together in celebration and boosted morale, while providing patients with “a helping hand.”