David Burlin is a very disciplined individual. As a former NAVY pilot and a current financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, Dave understands the value of adhering to a regimen to achieve positive results. He followed this theory when it came to his health by maintaining an active lifestyle, eating healthy foods, and never missing an annual checkup. His doctor used to say that Dave was one of his “boring” patients. Dave’s blood pressure was always under control, his cholesterol levels were well managed, and he kept himself in good shape.

Dave did everything right, but it didn’t prevent an unusual lab result on his blood work drawn during his annual physical in December of 2017. His doctor even thought that the result was a mistake made by the lab. In February of 2018, it was determined that Dave was suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). In less than a year, the cancer had attacked the cells in Dave’s bone marrow to the point that 95% had become abnormal leukemic cells. The severity required immediate and aggressive treatment.

Two days later, Dave checked into Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to begin the fight of his life. Although he and his family were scared — the hospital staff, from the parking valet to the nurses and physicians — made sure that they felt comfortable and supported. For 30 days, Dave lived on the 6th-floor oncology unit and received daily chemotherapy. He lost 30 pounds during those initial 30 days but never gave up hope. The next five months required another 35 days in the hospital, and

by August 2018, he had spent a total of 65 days living at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Dave will finish his chemotherapy regimen at the end of January 2020, and if his biopsy shows no signs of the disease, he will no longer need to take medication. This was an incredibly successful outcome of the surprise attack.

Dave and his wife, Kate, decided to make a contribution to show their gratitude and to support others encountering fights against cancer. The Burlins strongly feel that philanthropy is critical to the health of a community, and as a result, they donate to several charities. Through their act of generosity, perhaps the uncharted territory of a cancer diagnosis won’t be so scary. Please consider a year-end gift to support the Sentara Cancer Network. With your help, Sentara cancer patients will continue to benefit from supportive care.

David with his wife, Kate, (middle) and the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital cancer team (from left): Toni, Eileen and Joanne.

Uncharted TerritoryDave Burlin’s

The “ringing of the bell” is a significant moment–a point in time that signals the end of active treatment–and the beginning of a life beyond cancer.

Stewardship Report 2019 SENTARA FOUNDATION – HAMPTON ROADS

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Thank you for supporting health in Hampton Roads in 2019.

Cheryl loved being outside. Her favorite pastime was to head out to the beach with her husband and their three daughters. She enjoyed reading a book while her kids played in the sand, and her husband grumbled about how he’d prefer to be camping in the mountains. It didn’t matter to Cheryl though, mountains or beach, as long as they were together and not cooped up in the house. These were the best times before her husband’s untimely passing in 2006. Things weren’t easy as a single parent with teenagers in the house, but whenever it got too stressful, Cheryl would head to the beach. At the first glimpse of the ocean, her problems seemed to melt away.

Even when she received her diagnosis, she found peace close to the water. She stayed strong through the treatments until she ultimately decided, with her family, to enter hospice care. Sentara Hospice asserts that hospice isn’t about death; it’s about life. So, when Cheryl’s daughter, Laura, approached the hospice team and said, “my mother is mad... she wants to see the ocean again,” they didn’t skip a beat. Less than 24 hours later, after scouting locations that could fit a medical transport, obtaining permission, and finding volunteers from the US Army Dive Team to help carry the stretcher, Cheryl was brought down to Yorktown beach. She was able to breathe the salt air, feel the sand between her toes, and watch the waves crashing

one more time. Sadly, Cheryl died in April at a young age of 58. However, her smile on that beach day shows how she continued to live fully, even toward the end.

The Sentara Hospice program is designed to improve comfort and quality of life during a life-limiting illness. The goal of hospice is to provide opportunities to relish the time you have amid all the stress and sadness. For the Sentara Hospice team, it meant going the extra mile to make Cheryl’s wish come true. Won’t you help us make more wishes a reality by supporting the Sentara Hospice program?

Top: Cheryl pictured enjoying friends and family on Yorktown Beach; Bottom: Cheryl shown arriving at the beach to meet family and friends.

Cheryl’sBeach Wish