WILMINGTON — If you know someone who has been given of themselves to care for and improve the lives of those who have been touched by cancer, the Women of Hope want to hear from you.
Women of Hope is currently seeking nominations for the 2015 Champion of Hope Award. According to a press release, the Champion of Hope award was established to recognize a person professionally employed in a care or support role of the treatment for cancer patients in Columbus, Bladen, Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Sampson and Duplin counties.
The 2014 Champion of Hope winner was Willa Hughey of South Atlantic Radiation of the South Atlantic Radiation Oncology, according to the release. She was honored along with Dr. Chuck Kays and Sara Hearns at the second annual Diamonds and Champagne Hope Ball.
Criteria for nominations are as follows:
— Nominees must be professionally employed in a direct care or related support role to a patient who has received cancer care within the last five years;
— The award recognizes those who embody characteristics and qualities of compassionate care including listening carefully, showing empathy instilling hope; communicating with sensitivity to patients and loved ones; understanding the significance of patient’s families and communities; and respecting patient’s values, culture choices and decisions.
According to the release, the deadline for nominations is Aug 30. Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee. The selection committee consists of representatives from Columbus, Bladen, Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Sampson and Duplin counties. The committee will select three finalists.
The finalists will be honored at the third annual Diamonds and Champagne Hope Ball on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Coastline conference and Event Center in Wilmington. One finalist will be given the 2015 Champion of Hope Award at the black-tie event, according to the release. The evening will include a formal award ceremony, dinner, dancing, a silent auction and other festivities, according to the release. Music will be provided by Band of Oz.
The cost to attend the ball is $80 per person and tickets for the ball will go on sale beginning Aug. 31.
Nominations can be made by visiting http://womenofhope.org and download or complete the nomination form.