As long as Bob Isaac is around, no patient, visitor or team member at the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center in Norton is left in want of anything. This calling to help others is why he is a recipient of the 2019 Scott & Nikki Niswonger Servant’s Heart Award, Ballad Health’s highest honor.
When he started as a volunteer in 2008, Bob realized many of the cancer center patients were weak from their treatment, not to mention from their illness. Making a lunch or going out to eat often required more energy than they could muster.
At the time, nothing was set up to meet this need, so Bob reached out to the community. He helped recruit various restaurants and food businesses in Wise County to supply the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center with hot, nutritious lunches.
Bob continues to support this program through our foundation, and he ensures the businesses receive recognition by thanking them in the local papers and presenting them with certificates of appreciation every year.
Bob has also been very supportive of the patient assistance fund to help patients cover various expenses, including gas, groceries and utilities – leading the way in fundraising efforts.
Bob is a hands-on volunteer who does all kinds of other small but important jobs around the cancer center, and he is also a warm, supportive presence for our patients and team members.