Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund pledges $25,000 to help cancer patients with dental care

Greenville, N.C. (November 8, 2019)—The nonprofit Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund has pledged $25,000 to the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine through the ECU Medical and Health Sciences Foundation to provide dental assistance for cancer patients prior to and following cancer treatment(s).

The Beau’s Buddies Cancer Patient Care Fund was established at the ECU School of Dental Medicine to help bridge the financial gap for patients who need assistance in paying for emergency dental procedures in preparation for treatment related to cancer.

Dr. Iquebal Hasan, clinical assistant professor of oral medicine at the dental school, is among faculty who treat medically complex patients such as patients undergoing cancer therapies.

Pictured left to right at the Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund check presentation on November 5 are Jon Jones, senior director of development for the dental school; Beau’s Buddies volunteers Lisa Tyndall, Jeff Gaddis, and Marcie Parker; and Dr. Greg Chadwick dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

“Patients receiving radiation to the head and neck and certain other cancer therapies are at risk for developing oral complications,” Hasan said. “It’s very important for these patients to consult with a dentist trained in dental clearance prior to beginning treatments.”

Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund is named in honor of Hugh Parham “Beau” Stanley III, who was born in 2005 and diagnosed in 2006 with high risk stage III neuroblastoma. Beau passed away in November of 2007.

The Greenville-based organization is coordinated by a small group of dedicated volunteers, who keep Beau’s memory alive by enriching the lives of those fighting cancer in eastern North Carolina.

Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund is locally known for successful fundraising events, such as the Annual Beau’s Buddies Turkey Trot for Tots 5K on Thanksgiving Day and Beau’s Buddies golf tournaments, which often draw celebrity guests.

Since its formation in 2008, Beau’s Buddies has donated over $400,000 to assist families directly through Vidant Health, Physicians East and partnerships with Riley’s Army, Daughters for Dads and many others in the community.

“We are thankful for the great work that our ECU School of Dental Medicine is doing right here in our own back yard,” said Jeff Gaddis, a member of Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund Board of Directors. “There are many times that dental work must be done prior to a patient receiving treatment for cancer. The last thing we want is for them to have to wait and delay that treatment based on financial hurdles. We hope that our partnership will help these patients get the treatment they need as expeditiously as possible.”

“The Beau’s Buddies organization recognizes the many complex needs of cancer patients, including oral health care. Most people don’t think about the need for dental clearance, but they did,” said Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “The funds will be a big help to many people during a challenging time. Thanks to Beau’s Buddies on behalf of those patients and our school.”