The DCH Foundation gathered this week in Tuscaloosa to honor the Randall family for their generous support of the Pettus Randall Pastoral Care Program at the Manderson Cancer Center. The program places chaplains alongside patients and loved ones, offering confidential, one‑on‑one spiritual and emotional counseling during the most difficult moments of a cancer journey.
Family Roots of the Program
The pastoral care initiative was inspired by the Randall family’s own experience. In 2002, Pettus Randall was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and received treatment at the facility now known as the Manderson Cancer Center. The compassion and encouragement his family received during his illness became the model for the program that now bears his name.
Widow Cathy Randall shared her gratitude at the ceremony, saying, “Pettus was the love of my life and would have given so much more to this world had cancer not taken him at age 57. It is deeply meaningful to see his legacy honored through this program.” She added that the care her family received “brought us great comfort” and that seeing his name continue to provide that same support is “a beautiful and lasting tribute.”
Why Spiritual Support Matters
According to the DCH Foundation, a cancer diagnosis often creates emotional, social and spiritual needs that extend beyond medical treatment. By pairing chaplains with patients, the Pettus Randall Pastoral Care Program helps families navigate grief, fear, and uncertainty while honoring their faith traditions.
Brandt LaPish, vice president of development for DCH Health System and executive director of the DCH Foundation, praised the Randall family’s generosity, noting that the program “continues to make a meaningful difference when patients and families need it most.” He emphasized that the celebration was an opportunity to express gratitude and highlight the program’s ongoing impact on the community.
About the DCH Foundation
Founded in 1973, the DCH Foundation raises funds from donors and community partners to support a wide range of programs, services and technology across the DCH Health System. Its mission includes improving health outcomes, expanding access to care, and fostering compassionate services such as the Pettus Randall Pastoral Care Program.
The foundation’s work reflects a broader commitment in West Alabama to integrate faith‑based support with high‑quality medical care, reinforcing the region’s tradition of strong families and community values.
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to grow, DCH Health System plans to expand chaplain services to additional departments within the hospital, ensuring that more patients and families can benefit from spiritual guidance during treatment. The Randall family’s ongoing involvement and the foundation’s fundraising efforts are key to sustaining and expanding these vital services.
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Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
