HISTORY AND EARLY BEGINNINGS OF DARRYL WORLEY FOUNDATION
THE DARRYL WORLEY CANCER TREATMENT CENTER
The Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center became a vision for Darryl in 2004 after the passing of his grandfathers, each of whom battled cancer in different ways. One endured repeated long-distance drives to receive treatments, while the other opted not to make the trips. Darryl dreamed there could be a place closer to home where cancer patients could receive cancer care and then return quickly to their homes and sleep in their own beds rather than spending the day in the car or a night in a motel.
Darryl approached then Hardin Medical Center CEO Charlotte Burns with his vision. Charlotte loved the idea and presented Darryl’s vision to the Hardin County Healthcare Foundation, who agreed to help with fundraising.
HMC helped obtain the certificate of need from the state then fundraising began in 2005 and lasted five years, raising approximately $1.6 million in pledges and donations of the $2.0 million needed for the center’s construction. Darryl Worley and the Darryl Worley Foundation, Inc. donated over $600,000 toward the center, which still bears his name today.
The Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center opened its doors in 2010 and is in partnership with Kirkland Cancer Treatment Center of Jackson to provide Medical and Radiation Oncology, with Hardin Medical Center providing Chemotherapy Services. All the medical and radiation oncologists are board-certified, and a board-certified hematologist is also on staff.
In addition to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the 9,000-square-foot center has expanded to provide more services, including biotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions, injections, and mediport maintenance, as well as IV therapy infusions as ordered by primary care physicians or other specialists. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), a state-of-the-art cancer treatment that delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells, much more precisely than is possible with conventional therapy, is available as is definitive and palliative treatments, PICC placement, and vascular access device blood draws.
Thousands of patients in the Southeast Region have benefited from the dream Darryl had for a cancer center closer to home. Plans are underway to complete an unfinished area within The Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center to accommodate growth.
FLOOD RELIEF
In 2019, Hardin County was devastated by some of the highest flood waters in history. The flooding affected over one thousand homes and dozens of businesses. The water level caused severe property damage and loss to so many on our community. With many roads rendered impassable, Hardin County citizens were left stranded in their homes and schools were closed.
The Darryl Worley Foundation worked in tandem with the Hardin County Disaster Recovery team to help provide food and water for displaced members of the community, and help clean out homes and businesses for survivors who suffered damages. The Hardin County Disaster Recovery team used funds to help pay for the various needs of flood victims throughout the area.
Meals were served in community areas, clean water was given out, and temporary shelter was provided for those in need.
TORNADO RELIEF
Recent tornadoes have caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and communities, leaving residents struggling to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
The Darryl Worley Foundation recognizes the importance of providing immediate relief to those affected by these disasters. Through the foundation’s efforts, families and individuals impacted by tornadoes can receive much-needed assistance, including food, shelter, and clothing.
The foundation’s tornado relief efforts are made possible through the support of generous donors, volunteers, and community partners. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that those affected by tornadoes receive the help they need to recover and rebuild.
LEADER IN ME
Leader In Me is an evidence-based, comprehensive school improvement model that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. The program unites students, staff, and families to help schools create well rounded people and life-ready learners. With this common goal in mind, schools work to prepare students for college and career, and equip them with life-readiness skills that are necessary in today’s ever-changing world.
Leader In Me is based on the theory of change known as the See-Do-Get cycle. When you change the way you see things, it influences what you do, and then the results you get. The five core paradigms of the program help educators begin to see their role, student potential, and the purpose of school culture in a whole new way.
Leader In Me upholds the ideas that everyone can be a leader and everyone has genius. Students and teachers are encouraged to begin change in themselves in order to impact the larger system and empower students to lead their own learning. Finally, Leader In Me doesn’t focus solely on academic achievement, but strives to develop the whole person.
