Cancer Center Hopes Book Will Raise Funds for Patient Care

Not all insurance is created equal, Janet Black, clinical coordinator for NorthBay Cancer Center, has learned.

One patient capped out of insurance after only one chemotherapy treatment. “What good is that?” asks Black, shaking her head.

There are some funds available to help NorthBay patients, but many come with limitations or requirements. So Black and her colleagues at the Cancer Center decided to cook up a plan to help patients in need.

The result is the Cancer Center’s first-ever “Food for Life” cookbook, which can now be ordered online.

About 100 recipes are featured, submitted by patients, caregivers and staff. Recipes include main meals, side dishes, appetizers and desserts.

Anyone who wants to support the cancer center patients by purchasing a book can visit www.blurb.com. The cost is $30 plus shipping and handling for a soft cover. Hard covers are available at additional cost.

All recipes have been tested by the Cancer Center staff, says Black. “We may have to gain a lot of weight, but the recipes will be good, guaranteed.”

Some patients have even brought samples by the office, which have been dutifully photographed by Bea Castro, infusion charge specialist.

The cookbook was actually the idea of Becca Weitzel, medical social worker, and while Janet accepted the editing challenge, she had a lot of help, especially with typing from Johanna Martinez, clinic support specialist.

The cover is a photograph by Bea featuring many ribbons representing the colors of various cancers, explained Janet, and inside the book is information about the various cancers, and inspirational quotes that also appear on the quilt about what cancer cannot do:

It cannot cripple LOVE,
It cannot destroy PEACE
It cannot kill FRIENDSHIP
It cannot destroy CONFIDENCE
It cannot invade the SOUL
It cannot conquer the SPIRIT.

New Director for Cancer Center

Steve Ferris joined NorthBay Health-care this summer as director of NorthBay Cancer Center and Oncology Service Line. Prior to coming to NorthBay Healthcare, Ferris worked for Aptium Oncology, Inc., as executive director for Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center in Berkeley.

Ferris, who has a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of South Florida, brings with him an extensive background in cancer center operations, program expansion, business development and equipment and technology acquisition. In addition he has had significant experience in revenue cycle management and acute care and clinic operations.

Ferris will oversee the operations of NorthBay’s Cancer Center, which includes medical oncology, the infusion center, clinical trials, tumor registry and radiation oncology.