Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

UVA Health Cancer Care and Culpeper Medical Center Partner With Reynolds Subaru of Orange

UVA Health Cancer Care, part of UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center, received patient care kits and comfort items from Reynolds Subaru of Orange as part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative. That's a nationwide partnership with Blood Cancer United®, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) — dedicated to providing comfort, encouragement, and support to individuals and families affected by blood cancer.

"We are grateful to Reynolds Subaru of Orange for their continued partnership and generosity," says Donna Staton, Chief Operating Officer, UVA Health Northern Virginia and Culpeper Medical Centers. "Acts of kindness like these can make a meaningful difference for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The care kits, comfort items, and heartfelt messages serve as powerful reminders that our patients are surrounded by a community that cares deeply about their wellbeing."

She adds, "This initiative embodies the very best of community supporting community, and I am proud to be part of a region where organizations come together to provide hope, comfort, and compassion when it is needed most."

Reynolds Subaru team members Bryce Matthews, Marketing and Digital; Darcey Serio, Fixed Operations Director; Andy Trice, Dealer Transportation; and Brad Ennis, Inventory Manager, delivered 30 patient care kits filled with handwritten messages of hope, coloring books, colored pencils, and stress balls. They also donated 80 soft heart pillows that unzip in a plush blanket, each accompanied by an encouraging message for patients undergoing treatment.

Reynolds Subaru owner John Reynolds says the initiative reflects the dealership's longstanding commitment to the community it has served for generations.

Explains Serio: "At Reynolds Subaru, caring for our community is part of who we are. Many of us have family members, friends, neighbors, or colleagues whose lives have been touched by cancer. Through Subaru Loves to Care, we have an opportunity to bring comfort and encouragement to patients during a difficult time and let them know they're not facing it alone. We are honored to support UVA Health Cancer Care and the important work they do every day."

As part of its year-round commitment to supporting local communities, Reynolds Subaru of Orange continues to partner with Blood Cancer United® to help bring comfort and hope to patients and families affected by blood cancer.

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Partners With Safford Subaru

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center welcomed representatives from Safford Subaru, who also donated patient care kits and comfort items through the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative.  

"Every cancer journey is unique, but one thing remains constant: the importance of compassion alongside exceptional medical care," says Eyad Abdel Latif, RN, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, LSSGBC, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. "While our physicians and care teams are focused on delivering the most advanced treatments available, acts of generosity like this help care for the emotional wellbeing of our patients."

He adds, "We are deeply grateful to Safford Subaru for helping create moments of comfort, hope, and human connection during a challenging time. Our ongoing relationship is a gift to the community." 

The Safford Subaru team, represented by Christopher Moore, Service Director; Derek Stites, Parts Manager; Jazmin Wallace, Parts Advisor; Brittney Brown, Sales Associate; Nalin Theodore, Sales Associate; Heather Thomas, Warranty Administrator/Love Promise Coordinator; and Drew Huttner, General Manager, presented 30 patient care kits containing handwritten notes of encouragement, coloring books, colored pencils, and stress balls. They also donated 80 soft heart pillows that unzip into plush blankets.

"At Safford Subaru, we believe giving back to our community is one of the most meaningful things we do," says Huttner. "Through the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, we hope these care kits and comfort items bring a smile, offer encouragement, and remind patients and their families they have an entire community standing behind them. We are proud to partner with UVA Health Cancer Care in making a positive difference in the lives of local patients."

Safford Subaru's participation reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening the community and supporting organizations that make a lasting impact on the lives of local families. 

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Partners With Subaru of Sterling

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center also received patient care blankets from Subaru of Sterling as part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative.

Representatives from Subaru of Sterling included Megan McDuffie, General Manager; Emma Shainline, Customer Relations and Digital Marketing Manager; Tom Brown, Sales Porter; Michael Jordan, Parts Advisor; Rachel Cunningham, Internal Service Advisor; Bethany Allis, District Service Quality Manager; Daniel Rockholt, District Parts and Service Manager; and Andrew Raszewski, District Sales Manager.

The team visited Prince William Medical Center to present 30 patient care kits filled with handwritten messages of hope, coloring books, colored pencils, and stress balls. The dealership also donated 80 soft heart pillows that unzip into plush blankets, each paired with an uplifting message for patients receiving treatment. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Subaru of Sterling for partnering with us to bring comfort and encouragement to our patients during what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives,” says Mike Barkema, Associate Vice President, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. “Exceptional cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. It is also about supporting patients emotionally and reminding them they are surrounded by a compassionate community."

He adds, "These thoughtful gifts are meaningful expressions of kindness that help lift spirits and reinforce that our patients are never alone on their journey.” 

“Subaru of Sterling is thrilled to partner with LLS again to aid UVA Health Prince William Medical Center through Subaru Loves to Care,” says McDuffie. "We know this time is tough for many of our friends in the community, and we are honored to support the patients at UVA Health.” 

By the Numbers

According to Blood Cancer United®, a person in the United States is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma approximately every three minutes. Treatment and recovery can be physically and emotionally challenging, often leaving patients feeling isolated and vulnerable. Donations such as care kits, comfort items, and messages of hope provide meaningful support during the treatment process.

Throughout June, more than 630 participating Subaru retailers nationwide have delivered blankets, patient care kits, and personal messages to cancer patients in local hospitals and cancer centers. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Subaru Loves to Care® partnership with Blood Cancer United®.

Subaru will have supported more than 550,000 cancer patients by the end of this year through their donations. 

To learn more about the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, visit SubaruLovesToCare.com.