Presidential Healthcare: Legacy of Philanthropy 

The speaker, Paula Trivette, RN, shared stories of her life as a White House nurse for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Mrs. Trivette, a practicing critical care nurse and retired Army lieutenant colonel, relayed her experiences with the Reagans and the Bushes as well as her deep bond of friendship with the former presidents and their families. 

The purpose of the event was to introduce and invite attendees to join the Sentara Legacy Society, a giving circle which supports new programs and innovations at Sentara that are not supported through ongoing operations. The first program to be sponsored is the Sentara Cancer Network’s “Journey Beyond the Diagnosis: The Path to Survivorship.” Consisting of eight workshops, the series will address several of the many concerns patients experience post-diagnosis, including financial stress, nutrition and updates on new cancer treatments. 

As a first of its kind in Hampton Roads, the program will open its doors to any local resident who has completed treatment or is in the process of treatment for cancer. 

As a result of earlier detection and improved treatments, cancer is no longer seen as a terminal disease. Cancer can be a chronic disease that affects survivors for the rest of their lives. Because more survivors are living longer, there is a need to address these ongoing issues. This innovation typifies the margin of excellence that the Legacy Society fund supports. 

For more information on how to join the Sentara Legacy Society, contact Meril Amdursky, Major Gifts Manager, at (757) 455-7233.