about us - tarheel angels foundation

Our foundation began with parents of children treated at North Carolina Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill, and we have grown with volunteers who also care about kids with cancer. Our families have faced the terror and challenges of childhood cancer. This unique perspective led to goals, both small and large.

We provide sparkle and character bandages as reward for kids following painful chemotherapy injections.

Free coffee is available in hospital and the outpatient clinic for parents, many of them sleep deprived.

Caregiver kits are given to families whose child is unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, and they find themselves without basic personal care items.

Support is given to families facing end of life issues and palliative care.

Group meetings for parents and caregivers take place in the hospital with staff professionals on hand.

A prize box is stocked in the outpatient clinic with small toys for children to receive after their chemotherapy procedure.

We plan for future funding of a Psycho-Social Chair to provide our hematology/oncology families with professional emotional support.

Left to Right and Front to Back:
Claire Wilson, Julie Loehr, Kathy Sims, Sherry Oakley,
Dr. Jacob A. Lohr, Dr. Stuart Gold, and Cathy Sebring.

President Julie Loehr of Wake Forest, NC became involved because of her daughter, Meaghan. Meaghan lost her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma one day before her third birthday.

Vice President, Nesha Bartholomew of Raleigh, NC became involved when the foundation needed expertise with a golf fundraiser. Her previous volunteer experience comes from Make-a-Wish.

From Raleigh, NC, Treasurer Sherry Oakley's son, Jordan won his fight against Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in September 1999.

Secretary Sharon Overcash, from Chapel Hill, NC has a daughter, Crystal, who was successfully treated for infant acute lymphocytic leukemia at 11 months, and a relapse three years later.

Claire Wilson, our Chairperson, lives in Pittsboro, NC. Her son, Christopher, lost his courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in May 2001.

Hospital representatives: Dr. Jake Lohr, Professor and Associate Chair for Development, Department of Pediatrics, Senior Clinician North Carolina Children's Hospital; Dr. Stuart Gold, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology; Carolyn Viall,Clinical Director of Nursing, Children's Services, UNC Hospitals.