The freestanding Hospice House announced late last year is now one step closer to reality thanks to a transformational gift to the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation by the Starlet Rhodes Jones Foundation. The gift honors Frank Lake, III, MD and Andre Kallab, MD – both physicians affiliated with NGHS.
“We’ve felt for some time that our community needed a stand-alone hospice house,” said Starlet Jones. “It was an easy decision to make a gift when we heard about the campaign to raise $10 million for the facility. And, because Dr. Lake and Dr. Kallab have helped a lot of people – including me – George and I wanted to name a space for them there.”
Dr. Frank Lake, retired Medical Director of Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville and Dr. Andre Kallab, a hematology oncologist with the system are credited for saving Starlet’s life after a late-stage lung cancer diagnosis.
“I owe my survival to Dr. Lake and Dr. Kallab,” said Starlet. “After my diagnosis, I wasn’t sure what was next. Our dear friend Dr. Lake connected us with Dr. Kallab, who evaluated my case and created a treatment plan that has put me in remission for more than 13 years. He ultimately gave me back my life. Not only did they guide me and treat my illness, they gave me so much hope. The impact of that hope cannot be overstated.”
While the NGHS Foundation is closer than ever to breaking ground on the Hospice House, more funds are still needed. To donate to Hospice of NGMC and help raise the remaining funds, please visit nghs.com/hospice-house.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega, the four NGMC campuses have a total of more than 750 beds and more than 1,200 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than one million people across more than 19 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.