In early October of 2012, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. We had the best team of providers that worked with him at the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center. I worked as a nurse in the medical oncology department. I had connections and the support of healthcare professionals who understood what was unfolding in my life. I was a young mom and happily married, but my dad was sick. I struggled. I really thought that we could save him. Later in life, I learned I could help and be there for my dad with love, compassion, and the task of caring for him. In May of 2013, I lost my dad after chemo, radiation, and partial lung removal. His body was worn out. Did you know that they shut down clinics to come be with me at the funeral? I was not alone in caring for my dad; I was not alone in my grief with the loss of my father due to the care and compassion of the Brown Cancer Center staff.
Years later, I moved up the leadership ladder and never forgot the “Why” behind our mission and vision for the care we provide at the BCC. To honor my father, I continued working alongside healthcare professionals to support the loving care our patients received, with the hope of improving patient care and outcomes.
In 2023, my precious mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was devastating, and I knew the battle of my heartbreak lay ahead. I also knew that I was not alone. Seven months later, my mom passed away, and again, I learned what really mattered to our patients. Love, caring, and compassion.
My parents' cancer diagnosis and death were a lesson in care, love, and compassion, just as their love for one another was. I want to honor them by naming a section of the new UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center South in their memory. My parents lived a few miles from the South facility and are both buried at the cemetery on that same strip of road. There is a correlation between location and the method used to place their name on the facility to honor them. This was always their home.
My goal is to raise funds in my parents' name, FENWICK, to ensure that future patients receive exceptional care in a space that represents Hope, Caring, and Healing.
I will continue to support cancer patients, knowing that my parents' names will still go on, making an impact and supporting our loved ones and ourselves through complex and challenging times that we may face.
The Brown Cancer Center has always been a part of me, and knowing what they did to help my parents and myself will never be forgotten. I will always cherish the staff and the cancer center for the love, compassion, and care that they showed my parents and me.
– Heather Hibbard