OREANDA-NEWS. Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS), Northern Virginia’s premier cancer care center with 40 years of service to patients battling cancer and blood diseases, today announced its Arlington office was awarded the prestigious 2016 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award for the small business category. The practice received the honor in recognition of the pro bono care it provided to 160 low income or uninsured cancer patients who most likely would not have received the treatment they needed without the help of VCS. The award was presented during a special ceremony hosted by Governor Terry McAuliffe on April 18 at the Virginia Executive Mansion.

“I am proud and honored to celebrate Virginia’s outstanding volunteers who have made such enormous contributions to those in need throughout the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These individuals, organizations and companies set an example for us all to give back to our communities and embody the spirit of service which makes Virginia a special place to live and work.”

The cost for cancer treatment often surpasses $50,000 a month, which is insurmountable for some patients. Virginia Cancer Specialists is committed to helping any cancer patient in need of care and accepts and treats all cancer patients referred to them by the Arlington Free Clinic, with the support of Virginia Hospital Center.

“We are honored to have received the Governor’s Community Service Award for small business,” said Thomas Butler, MD, FACP, oncologist with the Virginia Cancer Specialists Arlington office. “VCS is dedicated to providing high-quality cancer care to all individuals, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. We believe in investing in our communities by providing aid and support to economically-distressed families that need our help dealing with cancer. We have a long-standing policy of improving and giving back to the communities we serve, and pro bono care is an important part of that tradition.”

VCS physicians also participate in community groups that conduct cancer screening outreach in low-income housing complexes and churches throughout Arlington and surrounding communities. The practice’s patient care philosophy is that healthcare is a basic human right and that, as members of the community, the practice has a responsibility to help anyone in need.

“We truly value all people in our community, and consider it our duty, as well as an honor and a privilege, to serve all patients in our region who are battling cancer,” said Patricia Rodriguez, MD, oncologist with the VCS Arlington office. “Our 40-year history of success is proof that it is possible to be deeply compassionate and care for those in need while simultaneously thriving as a business.”