b'Q&A A Q&A with Skip Hislop, VP of Oncology, and Mary Jones, founder of AlightSoon, Alight expanded to serve gynecological cancer patients as welland today, under the leadership of VP of Oncology Skip Hislop, plans are in motion to expand Alight (now Alight Integrative Care) to all cancers and Cone Health campuses. Gorrell passed away in 2017, but Jones attributes her mothers longevity and her own good health to the care they both received. With Alight positioning to provide comprehensive support services to all cancer patients in the region, Jones is deeply moved to know the program she and her mother began in 2005 continues to grow to touch more lives. Mary Jones and her mother, the late Sarah Gorrell, had always been close. But when mother and daughter sharedBased on your own experiences as breast cancer patients, the experience of being breast cancer patients nine yearsyou and your mother set up an endowment to create the apart, their bond deepened. As survivors, nothing broughtAlight Program for patients who would come after you. them closer together than their shared desire to supportHow does it feel for the VP of Oncology to give Alight those grappling with a new breast cancer diagnosis. Jonescredit for an increase in survival rates?and her mother knew what the cancer journey was like,Jones: Its humbling, and Skip knows I get very emotional and what made a substantial difference in healing: having atalking about Alight because its been a blessing in my life to support team you can count on.see how its helped so many others. Im very, very thankful. My family and I will continue to support this program as long Research shows that clinical care accounts for 20% of whatas we can. The expansion means everything to me. Its the determines health. Diet and exercise, your physical envi- answer to a lot of prayers. To have the opportunity for Alight ronment, and social and economic factors account for theservices to expand across all Cone Health campuses is so other 80%. exciting and Im certain it will help so many people.Jones and her mother may not have had that data whenHaving been a patient myself, I understand what its like when they started the Alight Foundation in 2005now the Alightyou hear the words, You have cancer. It is life-changing. program offered at Cone Healthbut they tried to imagineBut I was fortunate because I had the support I needed to what life was like for patients with little means and manyget through treatment, the financial resources, the insurance, hurdles regarding access to care. A collaborative effortand the love of dear family and friends. There are so many with Cone Health to provide informational, educational andpatients out there who dont have those needs met. Thats financial support, the Alight Program first served newlywhere my heart turned. I saw a void that we could fill because diagnosed breast cancer patients at Wesley Long Cancerwe have such an empathetic, giving community. And we have Center. Quickly, it became clear that the compassion, caresuch dedicated medical staff who also are so compassionate. and commitment of the Alight team had a direct impact onWe knew if we all banded together and joined efforts then we a patients ability to heal and thrive. Staff members helpedcould make something very special happen. patients understand their treatment plan, manage insurance, get to treatment, access emotional support and spiritualWhat will an expansion of Alight services mean for patients?companionship, address and avoid financial barriers, manageJones: Some of the things Alight has done in Greensboro stress and anxiety, join a support group, and attend classeswe hope to eventually have for the other campuses. Alight in healing arts, horticulture, yoga and more. helps with transportation services. We provide informational16Cone Health Philanthropy'