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Whitfield Healthcare Foundation to Host 28th Annual Golf Invitational

October 7, 2020

The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation will host its 28^th annual Golf Invitational on Monday, October 19, at The Farm. Proceeds from the tournament will be designated for Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute to support the PAXMAN Scalp Cooling System, an innovative patient support service which greatly reduces or prevents hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Since the hair loss prevention services are not covered by insurance, the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation is committing funds from the Golf Invitational to Peeples Cancer Institute so that all patients can receive the Paxman services, regardless of their ability to cover costs. Peeples Cancer Institute is the only cancer center in the region, including the Chattanooga market, to offer the Paxman Scalp Cooling System to patients receiving chemotherapy.

Brad Townsend, Doug Enck, Bob Chandler and Pete Sigmon enjoying the 2019 Golf Invitational. For more information, call 706-272-6128 or visit HamiltonHealth.com/golfinvitational. — Brad Townsend, Doug Enck, Bob Chandler and Pete Sigmon enjoying the 2019 Golf Invitational.

As the non-profit fundraising entity of Hamilton Health Care System, the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation is strongly committed to investing in capital projects, community health initiatives, technological advancements, and innovative programs and services which advance healthcare in our region.

Our commitment to helping fund Paxman services for patients perfectly aligns with our Foundation’s mission to provide excellence in healthcare, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. We are here to support smart advancements like the Paxman system, which gives patients an amazing option to help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy.Jane Snipes, Foundation Executive Director

The Golf Invitational serves as one of the Foundation’s primary fundraisers. Sign-ups are underway, and team entry forms and a variety of sponsorship opportunities can be accessed on the Foundation’s website at HamiltonHealth.com/golfinvitational or by phone at 706.272.6128.

All sponsors will receive promotion on the Foundation’s website and event sponsor banner, as well as publication in the Foundation’s Annual Report. Cart sponsors will have on-course cart signage while hole sponsors will have their name featured on specific holes. The Foundation is hosting a silent auction, and area businesses, retailers and restaurants are encouraged to donate silent auction gifts to enhance fundraising efforts for patients being served in Peeples Cancer Institute. Silent auction donors will receive promotion at the event and online through a virtual bidding platform. The deadline for sponsorships and silent auction donations is October 9.

“With the opening of Peeples Cancer Institute earlier this year, the Foundation remains strongly committed to supporting the latest advances in cancer treatment as well as innovative support programs for patients navigating the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. Our golf invitational is critical to these efforts, and we encourage members of our community to participate through team play and sponsorships” notes Scott Sellers, Foundation board chairman.

Jane Snipes, Foundation Executive Director, praises participants. “The generosity of our sponsors and players is invaluable to us. We enjoy the opportunity to celebrate our sponsors by giving their businesses exposure to our community and players.”

Sponsors for the Invitational to date include Brasfield & Gorrie, T. U. Parks Construction Company, Engineered Floors, Cerner, Realty Trust Group, TeamHealth, Ponder Investment Company, Creditors Bureau Associates, Dalton Plastic Surgery, Enfinity Engineering, Incor Design, LLC, Royal Oaks Retirement Community, BMW of Chattanooga, Sydnie Horton Design, Gregg Sims Architect and Alliant Health Plans. Silent Auction donors to date are Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Butternut Creek Golf Course, Creative Discovery Museum, Dalton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton Spine Health & Sport, Jack’s Range & Training, Gregory H. Kinnamon, P.C., Rowdy Bear Adventure Park, Ruby Falls, and Wild Animal Safari.

Tournament participants will enjoy the Engineered Floors Titleist/FootJoy Pro Shop in which players can select a complimentary tee gift package in advance of the tournament from choices online. The tee gifts will be presented to each player at the tournament if ordered by the October 9^th deadline, or players can order at the tournament to have their tee gifts drop shipped to their home or business afterwards. Hole in one prizes are being sponsored by BMW of Chattanooga.

With the health and safety of players and staff the highest priority, the following precautions are being put into place at the tournament: Temperatures will be taken upon arrival at registration, the use of hand sanitizer is highly recommended, and mask and social distancing guidelines will be followed during the registration process.

The putting green and practice range will be open to players 45 minutes prior to their designated tee time. A grab and go lunch will be provided to each participant, and on-course snacks and refreshments will be available. Awards and prizes will be presented to the first, second and third place teams in each of the four flights. Prizes also will be given for on-course contests including hole-in-one, closest to the pin, and longest drive.

To sign up as a player, contact 706.272.6128. To become a sponsor or donate a silent auction item, please contact Gwen Harden at 706.272.6119 or REGISTER ONLINE.

Peeples Cancer Institute Treating Patients, Providing Hope

April 12, 2020

When guests enter Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI), they are welcomed by a greeter who is equipped to answer questions and escort them where needed. The institute has a spacious lobby that was specifically designed to provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

“First impressions are important and our intent is to clearly convey confidence, tranquility, and healing,” says Ernie Elemento, vice president.

The 46,000-square-foot facility opened in January. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), the institute centralizes patient-centered care and outpatient cancer services in one convenient location.
Patient experience is a significant focus of the institute.

“Every aspect of Peeples Cancer Institute is focused on the needs of our patients and families so that we provide an outstanding patient experience and the best clinical outcomes,” says Jeff Myers, president, and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System. “Our goal is to foster collaboration, communication and education among physicians and our medical teams to advance and enhance our care for patients. They are our number one priority.”

Expert Care
Eric Turner, MD (medical director) and Qin Zhang, MD, recently joined PCI. Both are board-certified medical oncologists and specialize in adult cancer and hematology disorders. They join Lisa Duhaime, MD, and Freda Hoffman, APRN, on the medical oncology side. Arif Ali, MD, and Nick Galanopoulus, MD, are both board-certified and provide radiation oncology treatment and services.

Surgeons from Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery all participate in cancer-related surgeries. Surgeons include Richard Fromm, MD; James Gable, MD; Eric Manahan, MD; Steven Paynter, MD; and Rod Rodriguez, MD. Fromm, Manahan, Paynter and Rodriguez are breast cancer specialists.

Other members of the clinical care team include radiologists, pharmacists, clinic nurses, infusion nurses, nurse navigators, radiation therapists, mammography technologists, social workers, researchers, tumor registrars, and other vital staff members.

Under one roof
The goal of integrating all outpatient cancer care services under one roof was the driving force behind the expansion of the oncology program into its newly constructed building. The process was conducted with the needs of the patient, community, and staff in mind.

As the planning process for the new cancer institute began, Hamilton’s leadership and staff engaged the community to provide feedback throughout every step of its design. For example, the initial design did not include a physical connection to the main hospital. After hearing the concerns of the focus group, Hamilton’s leadership worked with the city council to close a public road and allow the construction of a walkway physically connecting the new cancer institute to the main hospital.

PCI centralizes all oncology care in one location, further enhancing physician collaboration and quality patient care. With Hamilton Medical Center connected directly to the institute, in-patient care is enhanced by ease of patient transport.

The community feedback is also reflected in the interior design of the new facility. Patients and caregivers, including those who received cancer care elsewhere, provided their input.

“We heard them loud and clear,” says Elemento. “They did not want to sit in an infusion chair for hours receiving chemotherapy while staring at a wall.” Today, patients receiving treatment in one of the 20 semi-private infusion recliners have expansive views of Dalton through floor-to-ceiling windows that provide abundant natural light. Six additional chairs are private, allowing patients privacy if they prefer.

The latest technology
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Varian™ Truebeam™ Linac and 4D CT simulator, the cancer institute offers a variety of radiation therapy treatment modalities, including IMRT, SRS, SBRT, 3D and HDR brachytherapy.

The Women’s Imaging area offers the latest in 3D mammography, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound.
Looking to the future, the institute is already looking to expand its capabilities.

Looking ahead
The institute continues to work on opportunities to provide additional treatments and ways to support patients and family members.

The pharmacy is working toward an accredited specialty pharmacy that would include oral oncolytics, specialty drugs that kill cancer cells.

PCI will soon offer patients access to participate in clinical trials. The PCI employs a research coordinator to enroll patients into clinical trials when appropriate, and the institute’s medical oncologists will provide oversight as principle investigators for all trial patients.

As part of the high-risk genetics program, patients will be followed in a high-risk genetics clinic at PCI and receive additional needed services such as annual breast MRI screening or other imaging and testing when appropriate.

The institute will soon offer genetic screening and genetic counseling services. Patients identified as high-risk are given immediate access to a certified genetic counselor through tele-genetics. The new facility is completely wired and ready for telehealth, and its tele-genetics program is the first step in utilizing these new features.

PCI has been working on increasing its menu of supportive care programs for patients.

Growing these services allows the program to support patients emotionally, mentally, and physically throughout their cancer treatment journey.Rita Harris, oncology service line administrator

A donor’s gift is making it possible for the institute to begin planning an arts and healing program that will bring music and art to its patients and caregivers. A therapy dog visits the infusion center weekly, and the Institute is developing a pet therapy program that will allow therapy dogs to visit with patients throughout the facility, thanks to a gift from Dalton Box. The institute will soon welcome a specialized oncology nutritionist to provide nutrition and wellness counseling and services. All supportive care services at PCI are offered free as part of a cohesive cancer-fighting strategy for patients, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.

Hamilton Hosts 8th Annual Pampered in Pink Event

November 22, 2019

Hamilton Cancer Institute and Hamilton Diagnostics Center hosted the 8^th annual Pampered in Pink event at the Dalton Convention Center in October. The event was sponsored, in part, by the North Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition.

More than 400 guests attended the event, which included 75 volunteers. Pampered in Pink honored Hamilton patients who have been diagnosed in the last seven years, with a special emphasis on encouraging newly diagnosed patients in their journey.

The event included dinner (served by Hamilton administrators), breast cancer education, a fashion show, vendors, door prizes and a dance presentation.

Eric Manahan, MD, with Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery, spoke about the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommending consideration of genetic testing of all patients with breast cancer.

“We know that approximately five to ten percent of breast cancer comes from a recognizable and testable gene that can be inherited and passed down to the next generation,” said Manahan. “We want to identify those people so we can increase our surveillance or possibly prevent future cancers in their families.”

The fashion show included 17 models, most being breast cancer survivors. They included: Wileena Peeples, Kim Miller, Michelle Satcher Wynn, Angie Skidmore, Catherine Czerneski, Mercedes Vital, Debbie Williams, Rosie Martinez, Dianne Green, Sandy Cochran, Michelle Frix, Muna Wagner, Clarence Willingham, Teresa Green, Cindy Breeden, Glo Gunn and Jane Peeples Stanfield.

Fashion show vendor participation included: Unique Selections, Posh Peacock, Fiddleheads, Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor Factory, Fitting Room and Steinmart.

Other vendors at the event included: Bradley Wellness Center, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, The Perfect Fit Salon, The Georgia Women’s Fly Fishers, North Georgia Healthcare Partnership, and Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition.

As part of the entertainment, Alexis Burleson and Grace Watkins, Unity Touring Dancers, specially choreographed and danced an interpretive dance to “This is Me” by Kesha (from “The Greatest Showman”).

This year, Hamilton Diagnostics Center had 75 new breast cancer diagnoses within an 11-month period, with two of them being male. The national average is one man in every 1,000 diagnoses. Clarence Willingham, one of the fashion show models who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, says he will make it his life’s work to educate men on the topic. “The best way to get the news out is to tell women,” he said. “They will be the mouthpiece to their men.” Willingham is a native of Chattanooga and models often in area breast cancer awareness events.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 28, 2019

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be. Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially early on. Finding it early by getting screened is key. Hamilton Physician Group (HPG) – Gastroenterology recommends that you talk with your doctor about a colonoscopy. Pictured are some staff member at HPG – Gastroenterology. From left are Lindsey Kidd, advanced practice provider; Kayla Kittle, RN; Jennifer McHenry Smith, advanced practice provider; Dan Marcadis, MD; Melissa Hefner, LPN; Kristie Pratt, LPN, Sherry Pass, advanced practice provider; Paige House, advanced practice provider; and Tina Young, LPN.

Dr. Ganesh Aswath with Hamilton Physician Group Gastroenterology in Dalton, GA discusses the importance of scheduling a colonoscopy at the appropriate time.

Hamilton Surgeon Chairs National Panel Changing Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Guidelines

March 7, 2019

The American Society of Breast Surgeons released new consensus guidelines on Feb. 14, calling for genetic testing to be made available to all patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The new guidelines expand earlier recommendations that encouraged testing only for certain age groups and types of cancer.

Eric R. Manahan, MD, a surgeon at Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery in Dalton, chaired a group of world-renowned genetics experts to draft this new consensus statement. Other represented institutions included Johns Hopkins, Memorial Sloan Kettering (New York City), MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School, to name a few. The statement is based on an extensive review of current literature that suggests that recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria resulted in a number of potential disease-producing variants going undetected. Some patients and their family members developed cancers that could have been prevented with testing under the new, broader guidelines.

Identification of specific genetic inconsistencies in breast cancer patients often provides crucial guidance for more effective disease management. Additionally, relatives of those who are shown to have abnormalities and have a high probability of carrying the same potential disease-producing genes also could be tested. This would offer appropriate risk-reducing strategies for early stage diagnosis. Currently, NCCN guidelines allow for testing of family members of patients with identified potential disease-producing variants but only identify about 50 percent of breast cancer patients with those variants.

“Cancer risk assessment is an important part of well care for all of us,” said Manahan. “We look to activities or lifestyle changes including dietary habits that we can change to reduce our risk for certain types of cancer. We have also learned that more than 10 percent of all cancers do have some genetic component that can increase our risk for developing certain cancers.”

Breast cancer in the United States was estimated to affect more than 266,000 people in 2018. Of that number, approximately 40,000 would be expected to die from their disease. While experts have been looking at the genetic information of women with obvious family history of breast cancer, recent data has shown that genetic information may also be valuable and impact future care decisions for many other women where there is not a family pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have genetic counseling?

The choice to have genetic counseling and proceed with genetic testing is one to be taken seriously and with some caution. Though it can sound simple to be tested, there are many things to consider before making this decision. Our physicians and nurses will help guide you through the entire process so you understand the pros and cons of genetic testing. If you or your family is interested, you should be certain to also ask for genetic counseling who can explain to you the meaning of the tests. Just because you may have a gene implicated in a specific cancer does not mean that you will definitely get cancer.

How do I initiate the process of testing?

If you have a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and you’re interested in genetic testing, it is recommended that a relative who has had breast or ovarian cancer be tested first. If your family member with cancer is tested and found to have an abnormality in one of these genes, other relatives with or without cancer may be tested for that specific genetic mutation.

If you then test negative for the genetic mutation that is known to be present in the family, your chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer is probably no higher than the risk faced by an individual without a significant family history. If you test positive, your risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer is substantially increased, but still not 100 percent.

What are the risks of genetic testing?

There are certain risks associated with genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, including the possibility of insurance or employment discrimination. There are some federal and state laws designed to lower the risk of insurance discrimination, but they only pertain to specific types of insurance. Other risks of genetic testing are adverse psychological reactions and disrupted family relationships. An individual who tests positive may experience anxiety, guilt, depression or fear. Family members may have similar feelings, which could cause strain between relatives.

What if I don’t have a family history of breast cancer? Should I be tested anyway?

The guidelines regarding who should be tested continue to evolve as we learn more about genetics and their role in cancer. If you have a question, ask your primary care physician.

Individuals who might consider genetic testing include:

All patients diagnosed with breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer.
An individual with a relative who has a pathogenic variant in a cancer susceptibility gene.
An individual who has a 1^st or 2^nd degree relative with any of the following:

- Breast Cancer ≤ 45 y/o
- Ovarian Cancer
- Male Breast Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- ≥2 Breast cancer primaries in a single individual
- ≥2 individuals with breast cancer primaries on the same side of family with at least one diagnose ≤50 y/o

An individual with a personal and/or family history on the same side of the family of 3 or more of the following (especially if diagnosed age ≤50 y/o; can include multiple primary cancer in same individual)
- Breast cancer, sarcoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, brain tumor, leukemia
- Colon cancer, endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, dermatologic manifestations, macrocephaly, or hamartomatous polyps of GI tract.
- Lobular breast cancer, diffuse gastric cancer
- Breast cancer, GI cancer or hamartomatous polyps, ovarian sex chord tumors, pancreatic cancer, testicular sertoli cell tumors or childhood skin pigmentation.

What does genetic testing cost?

Genetic testing pricing has decreased significantly with multigene panel testing costing as little as $250. Many insurance companies cover the cost of genetic testing, though most companies require that the family history meet specific requirements. It is always best to understand your own insurance coverage before beginning the process of genetic testing.

Duhaime Joins Hamilton Cancer Institute

December 18, 2018

Specializing in adult cancer and hematology, Lisa Duhaime, MD, recently joined the Hamilton Cancer Institute medical staff.

“I believe in treating every patient as though they were my mother or father or sister or brother,” says Duhaime. “I believe in doing my best to explain to every patient all of their treatment options and helping them to choose the option that is best for their life.”

Duhaime is a board certified medical oncologist. She received her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine in Toledo, Ohio. She completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich., and a fellowship at H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

“I chose to become a doctor because I felt that it was what God had for me to do with my life, and every day that I get to come to work and take care of patients is a blessing,” Duhaime says. “Every patient that I meet has something to teach me and to help me grow to be a better person and doctor.”

In her free time, Duhaime says she enjoys spending time with her husband and four teenage children on their family farm.

To schedule an appointment with Duhaime, call Hamilton Cancer Institute at 706-272-1088.

Hamilton Diagnostics Center Encouraging Participation in Great American Smokeout

November 15, 2018

Great American Smokeout Hamilton Diagnostics Center (HDC) is encouraging people to make a plan to quit smoking during the Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 15.

“It’s not easy to quit smoking,” said Terri Sullivan, Imaging Services manager. “This event is a great way to start the process and get the tools to make you successful in a smoke-free life.”

For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. The event challenges people to stop smoking and helps people learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples an individual’s chances of quitting successfully.

Nearly 38 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths every year, and more than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease. The American Cancer Society is available for support, from questions about quitting smoking to looking for national or local resources to help you quit. To find out more, visit cancer.org/smokeout or call 1-800-227-2345.

Terri Sullivan, manager imaging services

HDC offers a low-dose lung cancer screening to those who smoke or are former smokers. You are encouraged to ask your primary care physician if you qualify for this screening. Medicare and most commercial insurance companies now cover the cost. For those without health coverage, a cash price of $150 is available.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Sullivan. “The screening is a painless, 10-minute test that could save your life!”

Hamilton Medical Center to Sponsor Free Skin Cancer Screening

September 12, 2018

Mary Beth Cole, MD, will provide free skin cancer screenings on Friday, Oct. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Murray County Health Department, 709 Old Dalton Ellijay Road, in Chatsworth. The event is sponsored by Hamilton Medical Center (HMC).

“Although skin cancer rates have been increasing during the past decade, the good news is that you can do a lot to help protect yourself,” said Cole. “Sun protection and skin cancer screenings help reduce the risk of invasive skin cancer. If caught early, skin cancer is very treatable.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million Americans every year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Skin cancers are generally curable if caught early.

Space is limited. Please register ONLINE or call 706-272-6114 for an appointment.

If you would like to attend this event and need interpretation services and/or auxiliary aids, please indicate when registering.

HMC is in the process of building Peeples Cancer Institute, a state-of-the-art facility. It is scheduled to open in the summer of 2019. Some of the plans for the facility include: enhanced radiation therapies, including the Varian® Truebeam linear accelerator and 4-D CT Simulator; personal guidance for patients through every step of their care; patient and community resource center; boutique for wigs, appearance consultations and personal accessories; healing arts program, including integration of art, music and support therapies; bistro featuring coffee, smoothies, snacks and a comfortable seating area; and a reflection room for quiet contemplation and moments of relaxation.

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