Check out this short message of appreciation from our Phillips Cancer Center nurses.
Thank you from the Phillips Cancer Center
The Women’s Committee is the single largest supporter of the Phillips Cancer Center. This year, community generosity through TWC enabled us to purchase a MOLLI® surgical navigation device, which allows physicians to more precisely remove breast tumors while preserving breast tissue and improving the patient experience.
TWC support also improved the patient experience by making it possible for us to replace all 24 infusion chairs in the Phillips Cancer Center after more than 200,000 chemotherapy treatments!
Your gift's impact in 2025
Funding the new MOLLI Surgical Navigation Device
TWC support enabled the hospital to acquire a second MOLLI system, which enables surgeons to more precisely remove breast tumors while conserving breast tissue and improving the patient experience.
The MOLLI system is a wire-free, minimally invasive technology for tagging breast tumors before surgery. Unlike the traditional method, which requires a metal wire protruding from the skin, MOLLI uses a tiny, rice-sized device injected into the tumor site. Surgeons use ultrasound guidance to locate the tag and tumor edges, enabling precise removal of the tumor.
Free breast health screening Hosted by The Women's Committee
In 2025, we performed 147 free mammograms with your support. Of these, 18 women were called back for follow up, 4 biopsies were conducted, and 1 woman was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital offers free, limited by-appointment-only spots for breast health screenings.
Cancer resource center
At a time when many cancer patients worry about their ability to afford treatment, TWC support makes possible a wide range of free Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital support services for women in our community. Marianne's Room is funded by the The Women's Committee, and provides FREE wigs, scarves, and support to women on their cancer journey. TWC generosity is enabling the hospital's Cancer Resource Center to expand its reach, providing FREE nutrition and exercise consultations, counseling, massage therapy and art therapy.
The Caring Embrace
Every Wednesday, a dedicated group of knitting volunteers gathers at our hospital to craft comfort and warmth for patients in need. They have created more than 5,000 blankets and shawls for patients, as well as handmade caps for newborns. The Women's Committee supplies yarn and knitting materials, ensuring these heartfelt gifts continue to reach those who need them most.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Renee Dinwiddie to share your talents as a Caring Embrace volunteer.