Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Patient and Family Support Services

Making a Difference : The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Patient and Family Support Services

The Patient and Family Support Services at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a special program that strives to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for cancer patients and their families.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Patient and Family Support Services. Each week, a dedicated team of volunteers greets patients, manages the coffee/beverage service and visits with patients undergoing treatment. Being a volunteer creates a rewarding experience for patients and volunteers alike.

Donors make it possible to provide patients with hot coffee as well as a variety of other beverages and snacks throughout the day. Our program is also heavily supported by church groups and individuals from the community who generously donate hats and turbans for chemo patients.

Through a well-established community network, we are able to support several programs in the clinic. We also facilitate interaction with patients and support services within the community such as the American Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club and many more.

Music in the Clinic is a program that brings talented singers and musicians to the clinic to perform for patients undergoing treatment. We are fortunate to be in a musically-rich community where we are support by The Nashville Symphony, Blair School of Music here at Vanderbilt as well as prominent and up and coming country music artists. Talented individuals donate their time to brighten the day of many patients and staff.

Pet Visitation offers patient-pet interaction by approved canine visitors. Approved dogs regularly visit the clinic to spread cheer and create an upbeat environment for patients and their families.

Wig and Scarf program. Private Wig fittings are available for patients receiving treatment at VICC. We have an area set up exclusively for our wig program. We provide one complementary wig per patient and have a variety of scarves and hats available also. We have several very generous national wig companies who supply a large portion of our wigs. Monetary donations are also made to our program so we can buy specific styles and colors we may be in need of. Our styles and colors are sometimes limited.

For more information regarding Vanderbilt-Ingram’s Patient and Family Support Services, please call Kim Hunter, 615-343-7776.