August 20-26 is Atrium Health Teammate Appreciation Week.
In honor of Teammate Appreciation Week, Atrium Health Foundation is thrilled to recognize a handful of Atrium Health teammates who, year after year, dedicate their time and talents in support of philanthropic initiatives in the Charlotte community. Learn more about these remarkable individuals and upcoming ways you can help improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing for Atrium Health patients:
Dr. Susan Massengill Builds Hope for Pediatric Nephrology Patients
As the medical director of pediatric nephrology at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, Dr. Susan Massengill brings nationally-renowned care and hope to patient families in the Charlotte region. Dr. Massengill has been with Atrium Health for 25 years and is a staunch supporter of several fundraising initiatives that enhance pediatric nephrology care for her patients. For many years, she has participated in the Hopebuilders 5K, representing Team “KIDney Krusaders,” and the Tune Up Your Kidneys auction, helping to raise funds for the Pediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence at Levine Children’s Hospital. Through Dr. Massengill and team’s unwavering dedication to their patients, Levine Children’s Hospital has once again been recognized as one of the country’s top destinations for pediatric kidney care.
Mellisa Wheeler Leads Outreach Efforts to Address Cancer Disparities
With over 20 years of experience in health care and a specialized focus in oncology, Mellisa Wheeler is leading efforts to lessen the burden of cancer in underserved communities as the director of the Disparities & Outreach program at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. One of the notable programs under her direction is Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK, a mobile mammography and diagnostic outreach program that brings free breast cancer screening services to communities in need. In partnership with Charlotte Radiology, the program’s state-of-the-art mobile breast center travels throughout the Greater Charlotte region providing screenings for uninsured and underinsured women in a convenient, compassionate environment.
Dr. Kristina Harrell Advances Pediatric Sickle Cell Care in the Region
As the director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, Dr. Kristina Harrell (pictured) is committed to improving access to sickle cell care. Awarded an ACCEL grant in 2020, Dr. Harrell has helped educate primary care providers about sickle cell disease and encouraged collaboration to provide better care for children. Her colleague, Carla Jones, shares a similar commitment to her patients. As a nurse navigator of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program, Carla educates, advocates, and navigates patients through their disease.
Mark your calendars: Carla Jones has organized a fundraiser to help celebrate Sickle Cell Awareness Month. On Thursday, September 8, join Carla and her fellow Levine Children’s teammates at Wooden Robot Brewery (6-9 p.m.), where $1 from every beer sold will benefit Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders program.
Dr. Javier Oesterheld Teams Up with the Isabella Santos Foundation to Advance Treatments for Childhood Cancer
Dr. Javier Oesterheld leads Atrium Health’s ongoing pursuit of better treatments for childhood cancer, serving as the vice chair of clinical affairs at Atrium Health Levine Children’s – Greater Charlotte Region, Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation Endowed Chair for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders, and senior medical director of the Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders program at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. His commitment to his patients and close relationship with community partners, like the Isabella Santos Foundation, continue to drive pediatric cancer research forward.
Dr. Richard White Bolsters Support for Melanoma Awareness and Treatment Advancements
Dr. Richard White, division chief of surgical oncology at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, has received many accolades throughout his career, including being listed in America’s Top Doctors for Cancer and receiving the St. George National Award by the American Cancer Society. Dr. White’s primary clinical interests are breast cancer and cutaneous malignancies/melanoma, and at Levine Cancer Institute, his team provides leading-edge cancer treatments, like immunotherapy. For years, Dr. White has been closely involved with the Save Your Skin Golf Tournament, helping to raise funds for the Carolinas Melanoma and Immunotherapy Fund at Atrium Health Foundation.
Community Health Leaders Expand Access to Care Through Mobile Medicine
Meet the team that is bringing mobile medicine to communities across South Mecklenburg, Anson, and Union counties (L-R): Trent Legare, director of Community Care at Atrium Health; Chelsea Cain, family nurse practitioner at Atrium Health; Jessica Castrodale, community health clinical nurse specialist at Atrium Health; and Dr. Janelle White, medical director of Community Care at Atrium Health. Through bold vision and leadership, and with transformational support from The Tepper Foundation, Atrium Health’s Community Care team is developing an innovative care delivery model to provide high-quality, equitable healthcare to many of our region’s most at-risk and high-need residents.
Dana Gentile and Lesley Fields “Roll” in Support for the Spinal Cord Injury Program
Dana Gentile (left) and Lesley Fields (right) are registered occupational therapists at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. As the senior therapist and clinical coordinator for the spinal cord injury (SCI) program, respectively, Dana and Lesley provide expert care for adult and pediatric patients living with SCI. Together, they are coordinating the 2022 “This is How We Roll” 1-mile Roll/Walk/Run to raise community awareness and provide an opportunity for people with SCI to come together and build relationships. Funds raised from the event will support SCI awareness, patient support programs, and the purchase of new SCI-specific equipment.
Drs. Michael Grunwald and Lawrence Druhan “Make Waves” for Cancer Research
Drs. Michael Grunwald and Lawrence Druhan are part of Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute’s expert team that is advancing the treatment of blood cancers. Under the leadership of Dr. Grunwald, chief of the Leukemia Division and director of the Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at LCI, and with support from philanthropy, Levine Cancer Institute conducts the latest clinical trials, ensuring patients have access to groundbreaking treatments first.
Carolinas Rehabilitation Leaders Engage the Community Through Adaptive Sports
Jennifer Moore is the director of the Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. Her passion for helping adults and children participate in adaptive sports has spanned more than two decades. She is joined by colleagues Robbie Parks, an assistive technology professional and ASAP athlete, and Rebecca Smith, a licensed recreation therapist. Through the innovative program, the expert team at Carolinas Rehabilitation provides community members the opportunity to participate in adaptive and lead healthy lifestyles. Through fundraising initiatives, like the annual Cycle to the Sea, Atrium Health is helping to ensure every athlete can participate in ASAP and live life without boundaries.
Rachel Field Has a Heart for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Education
Mark your calendars: Join Rachel and the cardiac rehabilitation team on Saturday, February 11, 2023 for the Cupid’s Cup 5K & 1 Mile Walk!