Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) has undertaken an initiative to support patients and deserving organizations by creating a unique program that gives employees an easy way to perform uplifting acts of generosity.
The first Monday of every month, called Magic Monday, is designated for charitable purposes. When the initiative began in 2008, each of the roughly 480 GCS employees could wear denim to work in exchange for a $2.00 contribution to the Magic of Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates and supports people with cancer and those who care for them. That year, Magic Mondays gave $3,100 to the Foundation.
“Magic Mondays provide GCS employees with a vehicle through which they can individually express their commitment to and compassion for patients,” said Dr. Bruce Feinberg, president and CEO of GCS. “It’s completely voluntary, so everyone who participates does so out of a personal desire to go the extra mile.”
With the success of the program, GCS employees have created a culture of giving that has moved them to expand the reach of Magic Mondays. Now, the program supports a new cause every month.
After last year’s Georgia Flood, funds collected at several offices went to the American Red Cross to aid local victims. Last holiday season, many offices collected Magic Monday funds to purchase meals for needy patients and their families.
“Magic Mondays have truly fostered a spirit of giving, hope, and community at our office,” said Shelley Keaton, manager of the GCS Blue Ridge office, whose Magic Monday efforts recently supported the Fannin County food drive. “Patients and their loved ones got involved in the food drive we hosted, generously donating cans and other non-perishables to help those in need.”
Though Magic Monday initiatives vary greatly, the goal is always to uplift both patients and the community in meaningful ways.
Last Thanksgiving at the GCS Alpharetta office, staff donated more than $300 to the “Shop With a Cop” program, a cause of the Fraternal Order of Police. The donation funded a special shopping trip for a child in need, who was taken to the store by a local police officer to pick out school supplies, clothing, and toys.
“Everyone here has a warm heart, and Magic Mondays have given us a way to express our care for the community in a very hands-on, meaningful way,” said Tamara Dye, the GCS Alpharetta office manager. “We talk about Magic Mondays in our weekly meetings, and we collectively decide on what we feel is important to support next.”
Other GCS office managers have expressed similar sentiments.
“Magic Mondays have really served to spread the spirit of generosity at our office,” said Nancie Bergen, the GCS Gwinnett office manager.
“Magic Mondays have helped us broaden our support of patients in a creative and fresh way,” said Amy Wardrop, the GCS Northside office manager. “They’ve brought joy to staff and patients alike.”
Georgia Cancer Specialists is the largest private medical oncology/hematology practice in the Southeast and a leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. The practice offers community-based medical oncology and hematology services and is the first private oncology practice to also provide a full range of support services for patients in Georgia, including nutritional counseling, pain management, wellness counseling, and home health coordination. The GCS research department, whose focus is bringing targeted cancer therapy to communities, is the first in Georgia to offer Phase I clinical trials, the most novel cancer therapies available. GCS has 30 offices, 42 physicians, and more than 480 support staff members located in Metro Atlanta, North and Central Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina, and provides care through approximately 205,000 annual patient visits. Georgia Cancer Specialists can be found on the web at www.gacancer.com. GCS is The Cancer Answer.
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