Unum $150,000 Donation Supports AHF’s Psycho-Oncology Program for Families Battling Childhood Cancer

• $150,000 gift given over three-year period 2021-2023
• Donation funds variety of Austin Hatcher Foundation psycho-social programs that treat side effects of a childhood cancer diagnosis

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 12, 2023) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is proud to announce that it has received a $150,000 grant from Unum Group. The 3-year commitment will support the Foundation's Psycho-Oncology program, which provides Mental Health services including Art, Music and Occupational Therapy, Family Programs, Diversionary Therapy and Industrial Arts Therapy for children with cancer and their families.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant from Unum,” said Melanie Hammontree, Austin Hatcher Foundation Director of Development. “Partners like Unum make the Foundation’s invaluable work possible. Specifically, this funding allows us to expand our Psycho-Oncology program and offer even more resources and support to children and families affected by pediatric cancer.”

The Austin Hatcher Foundation provides comprehensive coordinated care to families during and after a childhood cancer diagnosis. A large part of the care is psychosocial services. The Foundation's Psycho-Oncology program provides a range of services to help children with cancer and their families cope with the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis.

Comprehensive psychosocial care begins with an early assessment of family strengths and vulnerabilities, and incorporates a range of therapeutic interventions, utilizing interdisciplinary resources to meet the needs of all family members. Interventions and strategies must be aimed at identifying the continuum of coping responses, building on family strengths, assisting families with special needs and enhancing adaptive coping skills. Each of these are essential in facilitating family growth and survival through the crises generated by childhood cancer and should continue throughout and beyond the course of the disease into survivorship or bereavement. Family centered care, having the child and parents be included as members of the treatment team, is essential.

“Unfortunately, the effects of childhood cancer reach beyond the diagnosed child and last throughout survivorship, hitting every member of the family,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “This journey is tough on the entire family. It’s why the Foundation offers all services at no cost, catered to each family’s unique needs. This would not be possible without our donors and supporters like Unum. This partnership is an extension of Unum’s mission to provide unparalleled support, meeting the needs of families when and where they need it most.”

The resources from Unum fund and improving many of the Foundation’s Psycho-Oncology programs. Art Therapy and Music Therapy help children express themselves and process their emotions, while Occupational Therapy helps children develop the skills they need to continue with daily activities, which can often be set back due to treatment. The Foundation's Family Programs provide support to the entire family, and Diversionary Therapy and Industrial Arts Therapy offer creative outlets for children to relieve stress, work on fine motor skills, promote healing and much more.

For more information about the Foundation and its programs, please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org. To get connected through giving, sponsoring or grants, please email Melanie Hammontree at melanie@hatcherfoundation.org.

About Unum Group

Unum Group (NYSE: UNM), an international provider of workplace benefits and services, has been helping workers and their families for 175 years. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, vision and stop-loss insurance; leave and absence management support and behavioral health services. In 2022, Unum reported revenues of $12.0 billion and paid $7.9 billion in benefits. The Fortune 500 company is one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies, recognized by Ethisphere®.

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