Since embarking on her singular mission seven years ago, Charlene Kehoe, director of Cancer Support VI, has helped more than 587 people affected by cancer.
The attractive, smartly attired woman looks more like a fashion industry figure than a tireless advocate for those suffering with a disease, but don’t let the appearance fool you. Kehoe knows what she wants and has the drive and dedication to go after it. She is also a full time executive at International Capital & Management Company.
"When Richard Stephenson interviewed me, he told me about his mother’s dying from cancer, and what he had done about it," she says, "and I knew this was the place for me. I had a vision."
In the 1980s, following the death of his mother, Stephenson embarked on a mission to find the most advanced and effective treatment available. Disappointed by treatments available for his mother, Stephenson founded Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The hospitals combine the latest medical, surgical and radiological therapies with supportive therapies such as nutrition, mind-body medicine, physical therapy, naturopathy and spiritual health. International Capital and Management provide management services for the centers.
Soon after starting her new job, Kehoe says she told Stephenson of her vision for a local cancer support group, and he was enthusiastic about the idea.
So Kehoe’s two-pronged plan was spawned. Cancer Support V.I., which provides information and education to anyone affected by cancer, and the V.I. Cancer Patient Fund, which provides money for uninsured or under-insured patients, managed through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
The 587 figure applies to the grants issued by CSVI, some of which may have covered more than one person. The grants are from the private sector, augmented by ICMC for a half million dollars total since the project’s inception, and administered by the Community Foundation of the V.I.
Kehoe has first-hand experience with the disease; her mother is a five-time cancer survivor and her father died of prostate cancer several yeas ago.
She is tenacious in her fundraising.
"Like a dog with a bone," she laughs.
Alongtime St. Thomas resident, Kehoe knows her community well.
"The fund is a stop-gap measure as the patient, social workers or family members try to set up the newly diagnosed patient with V.I. medical assistance. I saw that lots of people were falling through the cracks in the early stages of their treatment, and that’s where we come in."
This is how it works. "A patient can reach me by phone, and explain his or her circumstances. They don’t even have to come in as long as they have medical verification,a doctor’s diagnosis," Kehoe says.
"A patient newly diagnosed can be at a complete loss, no idea on how to proceed," she says. "They don’t know what’s available, where to turn. We help them navigate the system, find what other funds are available. We network with the other agencies, but many are no longer in existence because of financial setbacks. The government Human Services Cancer Care is no longer. They used to provide a wealth of services."
Kehoe says the American Cancer Society has had to cut off funding in the states, but CSVI received a $50,000 grant this year.
"If a person is destitute, without any insurance, there’s no other government program here to cover radiation, chemotherapy and surgery without insurance," Kehoe says. "We will cover an initial $1,500, now $3,000, with the ACS grant. That will get a patient started, but it’s a drop in the bucket for long term care. We are there until they can get to some other funding. We encourage patients to exhaust all other resources first so that our limited funds can serve as many as possible."
She added that CSVI is flexible.
"We will cover any legitimate expense – WAPA bills, rent, or a rental car for the six-week radiation treatment, prosthetic devices, whatever they need – with invoices, of course."
Kehoe continues, "I have to say the doctors here,the oncologists, the surgeons,are not turning patients away. It’s a herculean task; they are very dedicated."
Kehoe has fundraising savvy to spare. She throws what she modestly calls a "Divine Celebration" annually at ICM’s building, formerly owned by the Alton Adams family. Last year’s Parisian celebration raised $45,800 which was matched by an annual $50,000 contribution from ICM.
"This year I’m considering a Latin theme," she says.
Meantime, CSVI runs a free support group for cancer survivors and caregivers which meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Kimelman auditorium with a lecture series covering a broad swath of information from diet to alternative treatments.
"The Institute lends us the auditorium free of charge," she said.
"At the next lecture, Sept. 5, local psychologist Gary Rosenthal is going to talk about the connection between hurricanes and cancer, how the stress of the season can affect treatment and recovery."
"Our most popular lectures are the nutrition and cooking demonstrations, which we do at Oceana Restaurant where Patricia. LaCorte lends us the space," she said. "On Dec. 6, clinical dietitian Andrea Reser, and pastry chef Michelle Janah will do a cooking demo on gluten free food preparation."
The phone interrupts our interview.
"Oh, it’s a serious situation with a patient," says the busy executive, who balances CSVI along with her full time ICM duties. "Please forgive me, but I’ve got to handle this."
Kehoe’s phone is 715-5806. A complete list of the lecture series can be found at http://www.cancersupportvi.com/cancer_support_resources.html
