WSFS Bank Associates Volunteer so Local Patients with Cancer can SHINE

The following is a press release from the .

Associates of WSFS Bank are volunteering their time to assemble SHINE Patient Padfolios for people living with cancer in Chester County. "It is a journal, Rolodex, calendar and filing system all rolled into one attractive portfolio. It keeps all the information a patient needs in one place and makes the logistics of care simpler," says Paige Willover, Vice President of Retail Office Manager at the WSFS West Chester office. Associates of the West Chester branch of WSFS keep the supplies at the bank and volunteer their time to assemble the Padfolios and deliver them to the Hospital. Each Padfolio has about 30 pieces and is designed to be personalized for each patient. For WSFS Edgmont Retail Office Manager Marc Matz, "It's a simple project that has a real impact. It's vital that patients receive their treatment on time and make their appointments. This is an effective way to help ease the burden of cancer and we're glad to assist SHINE."

SHINE is a volunteer organization dedicated to patient care. With the motto "Our Community, Our Patients, Our Responsibility," the group works with the Medical Staff of The Chester County Hospital and Health System to find ways to improve outcomes and ease stress for local patients living with cancer.

SHINE championed the position of a Care Coordinator - a social worker dedicated to helping patients navigate treatment and access grants to help pay for treatment. Money raised at the gala is also used for Anti�]Emetics (anti�]nausea) Drugs for those who can't afford them. Some insurance companies won't reimburse patients for these drugs because they only treat symptoms of the disease and not the disease itself.

For those who cannot get to and from their appointments, SHINE will reimburse patients for transportation fees. "The last thing a patient going through chemotherapy wants to do is to ride two or three different buses to get to their treatment, especially if they aren't feeling well. SHINE's transportation assistance program has increased the number of patients who are receiving their treatments on time and certainly has helped to preserve the dignity of our patients," says Oncologist David Grossman, MD.

SHINE Chair Stephanie Challis says, "We are cooperatively working with the Medical Staff and Hospital Administration to figure out what we can do to give every patient an edge in their battle with this disease. We are lucky to live in a community where wonderful companies, like WSFS Bank, and individuals are willing to step up and make a difference."

SHINE also provides help with basic necessities, utility bills, medical supply assistance, breast and skin cancer screenings, emotional support, and physical therapy assistance in order to help the patient confront the challenges of cancer with dignity, determination and hope.

If you would like to volunteer for or donate to SHINE, call The Chester County Hospital Foundation at 610.431.5329.