UNC Health Foundation, encompassing the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals, works to affect the future of health care at every level, from life-saving research to life-changing scholarships.
By Mary Erskine Chris Hall, 22, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, has taken a low point in his life and turned it into something positive, all in memory of his mother, Lynn, who died of triple negative breast cancer in … Continued
In his first emergency medicine attending position, Leon Adelman, MD ‘08, developed an interest in managing systems of care delivery, in addition to caring for individual patients. “I really enjoyed designing processes to make sure that all patients coming through … Continued
By Mark Kimmel, UNC Health Foundation “The ability to hear is one of those senses that’s critical to our success.” Those are the words of Linda Cook, who knows first-hand how the ability to hear can shape a person’s quality … Continued
UNC Children’s physician-in-chief Stephanie Duggins Davis, MD, along with members of the UNC Children’s development team and Child Life, distributed teddy bears to patients at the N.C. Children’s Hospital in December. “A hospital bed is never where a child wants … Continued
by Mary Erskine What began as a simple freckle ended up costing one man his life and his family a life without him. But despite the devastating outcome, Linda Murray and her daughter, Emily Murray, have found a way to … Continued
Donors Vaughn and Nancy Bryson have funded a new program for research and treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses at the UNC School of Medicine and will name the program in honor of Joseph Muenzer, MD, PhD, Bryson Distinguished Professor in Pediatrics. Longtime … Continued
As December winds down, the historic and record-breaking Campaign for Carolina might be expected to coast to a close. Instead, our amazing donors continue to give in diverse and impactful ways, making the year’s end a final sprint for the … Continued
Afrim Hasanaj – Always there to support our One Great Team Afrim Hasanaj, RN, may be a Care Coordinator at UNC Health Rockingham, but the Surgery Department is not the only place you will find him. Afrim helps support a … Continued
Since receiving a stage IV cancer diagnosis in 2019, it’s an understatement to say that Jennifer Kroll has experienced ups and downs. But through every aspect of her journey one idea was constant: Jennifer wanted to lift. As an avid … Continued
Jerri Ellington is a Nursing Assistant II at the UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care where she has worked for more than 11 years. Jerri has been nominated by her colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Barton, as someone who demonstrates each of our … Continued
Dear friends of the Lee Fitch Fund, Over the past year, Mack and I have enjoyed seeing all of you come forward to help raise awareness and funding for the Fitch Family Comprehensive Pediatric Rehabilitation Program at UNC Children’s. You … Continued
It’s been an exciting year of fundraising, planning and growth for the Fitch Family Comprehensive Pediatric Rehabilitation Program Fund. Thanks to the generosity of Roku and other generous donors, we’ve been able to raise funds to support many of our … Continued
Family of former cancer patient continues to raise funds at Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival to help families of pediatric cancer patients at UNC Project-Malawi California’s Bay Area boasts one of the more vibrant music scenes in our country. … Continued
On Saturday, October 8, UNC’s swimming and diving teams hosted Swim Across America at Koury Natatorium. Relay teams of all ages and skill levels swam for 60 minutes as part of a charity swim to benefit UNC Lineberger’s Adolescent and … Continued
For Deven Patel and Vinay Chaudhry, MD, what began as a professional relationship built around a shared background as well as shared values has blossomed into a friendship that helped motivate a generous show of support for the UNC Department … Continued
UNC Children’s recently held a dedication for the Reelin’ for Research Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic. Established in 2009 in memory of Tony Montana, Reelin’ for Research has raised millions for pediatric cancer research at UNC. The group presented a check … Continued
Autumn Lewis – Leading the Way by Learning from Others Starting a new job is never easy – especially when the position is in a different specialty. After 11 years as a nurse in the emergency department (ED) and four … Continued
Breast cancer is a known enemy in Peggy Morrell’s family. It’s the devil they knew, until they didn’t. When Morrell’s daughter, Tracey Roberson, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, it brought with it a change in outcome, a deviation … Continued
Transformational gift seeks to reduce the morbidity and mortality of suicide in patients seen across the UNC Health system and beyond. Please note that this article includes discussion of issues related to mental health and suicide. CHAPEL HILL — William … Continued
Third-annual event raises funds and support for women’s cancer experts at UNC Lineberger. Lisa Milligan once dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. While she never reached the highest levels of the sport, her love and passion for golf has never … Continued
In the fall of 2021, following the loss of his partner of nearly five decades, Bob Miesionczek decided to make a gift to honor his wife Kathleen’s life and generous spirit. His initial idea of a flower garden at UNC … Continued
UNC School of Medicine’s Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program aims to bring more primary care physicians to rural and urban areas in North Carolina by exposing medical students to what primary care looks like in underserved communities and inspiring … Continued
A visit to a hospital can be scary, unexpected and confusing. Patient Engagement Navigators help make your hospital stay easier. It’s their job to make you feel heard, help you understand hospital processes and help ensure a well-coordinated experience. “We … Continued
Now entering its 11th year, the Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program gives medical students diverse training experiences in rural and urban areas of the state. With primary care shortages in all rural North Carolina counties, the program’s goal is … Continued
In June, the UNC Family Medicine Center lobby in Chapel Hill was renamed “The Longiotti Family Lobby” in recognition of a generous gift from Mr. Samuel Longiotti to honor his father, Nazzareno Longiotti. This gift’s endowment will strive to honor … Continued
A beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Marshall Insley lost his two-year battle with colon cancer last October. Marshall’s quiet strength, loyalty and easy smile will be missed by all who knew him, but certainly never forgotten. In honor … Continued
UNC Children’s has been ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals 2021-2022, released in June. UNC Children’s is nationally ranked in seven pediatric subspecialties, including 16th in the nation for … Continued
by Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Since it was established in 1994, the Rex Hospital Open has been a highlight of the Triangle sports calendar and a consistent source of financial support for the patients, programs and services at UNC … Continued
Leading the Way Through Exceptional Care The UNC Rex Rehabilitation & Nursing Care Center in Apex (RRNCC) provides care to patients who require around-the-clock oversight and treatment, which can only be given by licensed nurses. These patients may come to … Continued
At the end of June, Georgette Dent, MD, will retire as Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the UNC School of Medicine. In her 24 years in this role, Dr. Dent has mentored and inspired countless medical students. Her enthusiasm … Continued
Tom and Nancy Chewning have experienced cancer on a personal level, helping their daughter through a bout with breast cancer, as well as other family members and friends that have had the disease. They relied on UNC Lineberger for their … Continued
UNC roots run deep in many families, but one UNC School of Medicine family has a unique connection to the institution, boasting three generations of physicians – all women – who received their medical education at UNC. Marianne Bonanno, MD … Continued
For the next three years, a part-time music therapist will work with patients at UNC Children’s, thanks to the generosity of two families. The Schmonsees and Reed families of Chapel Hill have combined gifts to support this three-year position. “At … Continued
Dan Frodyma: Compassionate Care Starts with Me A mental breakdown. A physical assault. An anxiety attack. When patients are at their lowest, who picks up the pieces? In these emergencies, patients rely on teammates in the Psychiatric Emergency Department (ED) … Continued
For Tracy Carroll, MSN, RN, and nursing director at UNC Hospitals, caring for patients across the continuum of care is a hallmark of Carolina Care. Caring holistically for patients means understanding what each individual really needs to become healthy. For … Continued
Fast. Stunning. Amazing. A miracle. Those are just a few of the words Mella Pool uses to describe her experience in 2020, when a genetic condition led to the sudden need for a liver transplant. After feeling sick and visiting … Continued
The Kenan Primary Care Medical Scholars program honored its current students and celebrated 10 years of serving rural and urban communities across North Carolina with a reception Tuesday evening at the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Cristy Page, MD, … Continued
Pam Stanley – I Stand by It Starts With Me Recognizing the needs of your teammates and jumping in to offer assistance – without hesitation – is the epitome of UNC Health’s value, It Starts With Me. Pam Stanley, a … Continued
For four years, students at the UNC School of Medicine have worked toward Match Day — the day they learn where they will work as resident physicians for the next several years, honing their specialized medical skills. On March 18, … Continued
Onslow Memorial Hospital Nursery/NICU Night Shift Nurses – One Great Team dedicated to our tiniest patients Even though expectant parents are given a due date, we all know that a baby’s arrival time can be a bit unpredictable. It’s hard … Continued
With a successful medical career in the North Carolina mountains behind him, Frank Moretz, MD ’75, isn’t resting on his laurels. His legacy gift aims to build the medical pipeline and close the care gap in western North Carolina (WNC). … Continued
Leading the Way by Weaving a Tapestry of Care Laurie O’Bryan helps manage a team of more than 65 registered nurses in the Nurse Connect Department (also known as HealthLink), who provide telehealth triage assessments and care advice to patients … Continued
New Partnership Expands Reach UNC Rex Healthcare has served the people of Wake County and the surrounding area for more than 125 years, offering expert care and a commitment to meeting the community’s needs for generations. And for more than … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation It was a particularly long and cold midwestern winter that brought Ginny and Doug Ware to North Carolina. Visiting the state during a college tour with their daughter, the Indiana natives made the decision … Continued
Kathleen “Kathy” Swendiman’s career spanned 40 years in the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress. Now, the library at N.C. Children’s Hospital will forever reflect her love of books and learning through the Kathy’s Korner Library Endowment. Alan Swendiman’s … Continued
Our commitment to a mission of service here in North Carolina and around the world is only sustainable thanks to your enthusiastic partnership and ongoing support. Enjoy these stories of impact from a record-setting year. Download a PDF version of … Continued
Crowdfunding uses the power of social networking and the internet to impact causes that people care about. For the UNC wrestling team, helping patients and families who get treatment at UNC Children’s is a cause they care about, with crowdfunding … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation For more than 50 years, UNC’s Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) has provided free health services to uninsured and underinsured families seeking care. In addition to providing clinical care for the local community, SHAC … Continued
We know Thanksgiving was last month, but we are still full – full of gratitude for generous donors like YOU! Thank you for showing your support on #TarHealTuesday for causes across UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine that are close to your heart. … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Caldwell Health Information Management (HIM) – Coming Together With Our Communities On December 29, 2020, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positivity rates were high across the country, and numbers were continuing to climb quickly. With increasing hospitalizations, hospital beds were … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Bethany Jellicorse – Care Without Boundaries The hallmarks of Carolina Care are excellence and empathy. Teammates and patients alike see these qualities demonstrated every day – sometimes in unexpected ways – when they encounter nurse manager Bethany Jellicorse. Multiple … Continued
RALEIGH, CARY, WAKE FOREST, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, GOLDSBORO, FAYETTEVILLE and WILMINGTON, N.C. — Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza is asking pizza lovers to join them in raising money for a good cause this holiday season. By partnering with UNC Children’s … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Saymla Badweh – Healing Through Prayer and a Personal Touch A prayer and a handwritten note both have the power to help patients heal. For Shelly Strickland, it was these gestures from housekeeper Saymla Badweh that recently provided much … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Dr. Shelley Ashcroft – Taking Care of Her Own As she frequently does, Dr. Shelley Ashcroft, took a moment to check on a member of her team at the end of a long day. It was then that … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars Yuri Jean-Baptiste – Making Your Day Better Yuri Jean-Baptiste, a certified athletic trainer, is an expert at improving the day of those around him and that is why he stands out as one of UNC Health’s #ValuesSuperStars. In 2015, … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Ashly Wilson – Rising to the Occasion As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have taken on new responsibilities outside of our typical roles or departments. Ashly Wilson, Corporate and Community Relations Administrative Coordinator, is one … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars Larry Harralson – Called to Care Many healthcare professionals feel called to serve. For Larry Harralson, the call began with his father’s cancer diagnosis. “I felt like God pulled me in this direction, and ever since then, I feel … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Latisha Johnson – Leading through Example and Empathy Each of us has a teammate who sets the standard in connecting with everyone they touch in the special ways the moment demands. Clinical Support Tech Latisha (“Tish”) Johnson is this … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Dr. Alyssa Flippo – Leading the Way Wherever, Whenever Needed Over the last couple years, the story of audiologist Dr. Alyssa Flippo has become both familiar and special. Her story provides yet another example of Leading the Way across … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Matt Gitzinger – Doing What’s Best for the People of North Carolina Each of us has a personal connection with UNC Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians. For one of our #ValuesSuperStars Matt Gitzinger … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Elizabeth and Trevor Casey met in 2012 and began dating soon after. The couple got married while in graduate school in 2016 and knew that they wanted to start a family as soon as … Continued
At UNC Health, our more than 40,000 doctors, nurses, clinicians, researchers and staff members are committed to serving the people of North Carolina, improving health outcomes both here in our state and around the world. And that commitment extends beyond … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Jessi Stark – Helping A New Teammate Feel Valued It is always tough being the new person, but it helps to have someone on the team who is looking out for you while also looking out for UNC Health’s … Continued
#ValuesSuperStars: Daya Watelski – The Joy In Her Heart Brings Light to All If you’ve met Daya Watelski, chances are that she has made an impression on you. It seems everyone she touches is thankful for the joy she brings … Continued
Earlier this month, the UNC School of Medicine Class of 2025 took the next step in its journey toward becoming our future healthcare professionals with the beginning of the fall semester. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this class is … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Jenni Shafer, PhD, has dedicated her career to helping others. In addition to academic accomplishments that include earning her PhD from the UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences and a … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Research evolves quickly and does not always follow a grand plan. For Aadra Bhatt, this flexibility led to finding her career passion. An assistant professor in UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology and … Continued
Six years ago, Beth Silverstein took charge of her destiny. After consulting with an interdisciplinary team from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Charlotte resident decided to have a bilateral mastectomy on Feb. 3, 2015, and a Salpingo-oophorectomy to remove … Continued
UNC Children’s is ecstatic to be the selected charity benefitting from Gladwell Orthodontics’ Charity Café for the entire third quarter! From July-September, you can visit any of their three locations in the Triangle–Wake Forest, Raleigh and Downtown Raleigh–for a FREE … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Patti Brenton had an infectious personality. When it came time to create a slideshow of photos to celebrate Patti’s life earlier this year, the funeral director in charge found the task of culling the … Continued
Triangle area Chick-fil-A locations will be supporting UNC Children’s and other local children’s hospitals May 31 through June 5! Purchase Chocolate Chunk Cookies (6-count) at any of the following Greater Triangle area Chick-fil-A restaurants and Chick-fil-A will donate 25% of … Continued
For Debra Bynum, MD, her position as director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UNC School of Medicine is deeply personal. Originally hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina, and being the first in her family to finish high school, lifelong … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Celia Mizelle has never experienced “normal” medical school. The first-year Lucius Blanchard Carolina Family Scholarship recipient from Chapel Hill came to the UNC School of Medicine last fall after spending a year working and … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as increasing numbers of patients dealing with acute infections were being treated across the UNC Health system, doctors in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine and … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Thanks to the advocacy of a Carolina alumnus, UNC Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund has surpassed $2 million in gifts less than one year after its introduction. UnitedHealthcare has donated $50,000 to support UNC … Continued
UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine are committed to health equity for all. In an effort to identify and address systemic disparities that have prevented equitable access to healthcare in the past, a number of new and existing … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine’s top physicians and researchers have worked tirelessly to find answers, notably through vaccine research and therapeutic development. While these discoveries have brought … Continued
By Claudis Polk, O’Rese Knight, Neva Howard and Beat Steiner We want to share with you an exciting and powerful innovation aimed at narrowing persistent and severe health disparities in our state and in our country. In 1969, students started … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation It was a happy coincidence in the midst of tragedy that brought Dr. Tracy Manuck and her team into the lives of Mike and Holly Overman. Born and raised in Virginia, the Overmans found … Continued
Blossom Damania, PhD, is Vice Dean for Research in the UNC School of Medicine and the Boshamer Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. How did the Moderna trials come to be at UNC Health? UNC School … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation In the midst of a public health crisis centered around a virus that attacks the lungs, asthma continues to be of great concern to Stephen Tilley, MD, and his team. A life-long Tar Heel … Continued
If you ask Kelly Barris about her experience working as an outreach nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, she’ll tell you it’s not as simple as just calling patients. On the morning of June 10, Barris was speaking with a COVID-positive … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation The story of UNC Lineberger’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program started with a single spark. A spark in the form of Sophie Steiner, a teen cancer patient who saw what others hadn’t … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation “Healing doesn’t start with your hands in the clinic or your head in the classroom – it starts with your heart in the community.” Claudis Polk, Director of Scholastic Enrichment and Equity at UNC … Continued
For most of his life, Zachary Woodard was confined to a wheelchair and needed help with basic tasks. But that didn’t stop him from being active. He loved music and participating in dance parties. He loved being with his family … Continued
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2016, 11-year-old Dylan Thomas fought for two years through bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy treatments and relapses before he succumbed to the disease in 2018. Before this courageous young man passed, he wanted his … Continued
UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally hosted the 2020 Ladies Virtual Football Clinic online this August, raising more than $12,000 for the “Say Yes” fund, benefitting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Coach Brown spoke about … Continued
The UNC Children’s fundraising campaign for the UNC Hospital School’s reached its goal of raising more than $25,000 to purchase iPads and school project kits, which have become essential in continuing the school’s mission of educating patients during the pandemic. … Continued
Game Changers is back and better than ever! Game Changers is a virtual series of conversations with the expert physicians, researchers and faculty who make UNC Health a global leader in the fight to keep us all healthy and safe. … Continued
By Bobby Hundley Christian Lawrence, MD, is a difference maker. A former chief resident who now serves as a pediatric hospitalist at the UNC Medical Center, Lawrence spent his formative years as a doctor taking on a critical problem for … Continued
RALEIGH, CARY, WAKE FOREST, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, GOLDSBORO, FAYETTEVILLE, and WILMINGTON, NC – Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza is asking pizza lovers to join them in raising money for a good cause to kick off a summer of giving. By … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation For millions across the nation, summer means sunshine, cookouts and outdoor activities (from a safe distance, of course). However, increased time spent outdoors means potential exposure to bites from harmful insects such as ticks. … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation While the coronavirus has been devastating for many North Carolinians, underserved communities across the state are feeling an outsized impact from the outbreak. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted disparities in access to care and … Continued
By Stephen Roney I was 10 hours into a 30-hour drive from Connecticut to San Antonio when my cell phone rang. It was Dr. David Gerber from UNC Health. “Stephen, I know you and your family have been through a … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation As a clinical care and NICU night shift nurse at the UNC REX Women’s Center, Nicole Proctor has seen firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her patients and their families. She’s also experienced … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation With the countless disruptions and uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many UNC Health employees have gone above and beyond their job duties to ensure their colleagues are prepared and cared for during … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation As officials across the UNC Health system began mobilizing to confront a potential outbreak of the novel coronavirus in late February and early March, one of the earliest changes to system policy was … Continued
Finding out that your unborn child might have birth defects is difficult for any expecting parent to hear. But that’s the situation Kristen Gavalier found herself in seven years ago, during a routine pre-natal test with her unborn daughter Tenley. … Continued
