GHS oncologist receives national leadership award
May 9, 2015
GREENVILLE, SC – W. Larry Gluck, MD, medical director of the Cancer Institute of Greenville Health System (GHS), received the Founders Award for Leadership from Cancer Support Community during its annual spring celebration in New York on April 23. The Founders Award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has demonstrated vision in creating significant solutions for improving the lives of people living with or touched by cancer.
Dr. Gluck was chosen to receive the award for his efforts to establish the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship at the GHS Cancer Institute, including a first-in-nation partnership with Cancer Support Community to offer social and emotional support to cancer patients in a hospital setting.
“Social and emotional support is as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis,” said Dr. Gluck. “Joining a community of people who have experienced cancer firsthand can decrease the sense of isolation cancer patients often feel and increase their feelings of control.”
Under Dr. Gluck’s direction, the Cancer Support Community program at GHS has grown to include a number of programs facilitated by licensed professionals and offered free of charge to the community. More than 600 survivors and caregivers currently participate in weekly yoga and nutrition classes, attend monthly support groups, and engage in workshops on topics ranging from aromatherapy to acupuncture. Social gatherings, including a monthly book club and coffee chat, are also available.
“Cancer Support Community is proud to work with Dr. Gluck and his team to make social and emotional services available to cancer survivors in the Upstate,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of Cancer Support Community. “We are also pleased to recognize Dr. Gluck for his leadership and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those living with or touched by cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, the number of people surviving cancer is expected to grow to 18 million by 2022. With more people surviving cancer, comprehensive care is needed to guide patients through not only the acute phase of treatment but post-care survivorship as well.
“This award from Cancer Support Community is recognition of the great work the GHS Cancer Institute staff is doing each and every day to ensure our patients receive the compassionate care they deserve during and after treatment,” said Dr. Gluck. “No one has to face cancer alone. Those living with cancer and their loved ones can find support, education and hope through our Cancer Support Community program.”
About Greenville Health System
Greenville Health System (GHS) — an academic health system that is the largest not-for-profit healthcare delivery system in South Carolina — is committed to medical excellence through research, patient care and education. GHS offers patients an innovative network of clinical integration, expertise and technologies through its eight medical campuses, tertiary medical center, research and education facilities, community hospitals, physician practices and numerous specialty services throughout the Upstate. The 1,358-bed system is home to 15 medical residency and fellowship programs. GHS is also home to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, a joint effort of USC and GHS. Visit ghs.org for more information.
About Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Community is the largest non-profit provider of psychosocial services to cancer survivors in the country. Its mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. From its beginnings in 1982 till today, Cancer Support Community, now headquartered in Washington, D.C., has expanded to over 50 chapters, 100 satellite locations and online support that reach 750,000 people worldwide. In 2012, Greenville Health System became the first hospital to partner Cancer Support Community.
