October Headlines Highlight Breast Cancer and Beyond

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the condition – and Beaufort Memorial – made headlines all last month in the news, as well as updates on service excellence, healthcare expansion and three emotional patient stories. 

Breast Cancer Awareness 

Dr. Eric Turner, board-certified oncologist and Director of Medical Oncology at Beaufort Memorial, shared how he found himself in the medical field – instead of being a Major League Baseball star. 

Read his story and learn a little more about the Fripp Island resident’s unique connection to oncology in The Island News: ‘You want someone to walk that journey with you.’ 

• Dr. Turner was also featured alongside Katy Jones, FNP-BC, AOCNP, for a “Medical Monday” segment on WSAV’s show, The Bridge, highlighting the importance of early detection for breast cancer. Watch the segment here.
• He also offered his expertise to Pink Magazine’s monthly Pink Prescriptions section, describing the importance of mammograms and when women should start getting them. 

October also brought to the community the stories of two breast cancer survivors and their journeys receiving treatment at Beaufort Memorial. 

Lashana Greene, a Varnville resident, faced transportation and financial struggles during her treatment. Her care team connected her with resources to help, and she was able to complete her treatment. 

• Read her story, which appeared in the Hampton County Guardian and Bluffton Today newspapers: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: We are stronger together 

Victoria Carter of Beaufort had a difficult treatment journey, but the power of positivity and the support of her family, friends and sorority helped her get through it. The Island News shared her story: Harnessing the power of positivity 

Celebrating Service at Beaufort Memorial 

The 2025 Employee Service Awards, held at the beginning of October, were prominently featured in headlines around the area, including: 

• The Bluffton Sun: Beaufort Memorial honors employee service
• Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial honors 190 employees for their commitment to service, compassionate care
• The Island News: Beaufort Memorial honors almost 2,000 years of employee service 

Plastic Surgery and ‘Perfection’ 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Harrington’s commitment to perfection and transforming the confidence of her patients was featured in the October issue of Pink Magazine, where patient Michelle Howard shared her story of weight loss, excess skin and renewed self-esteem. 

Read Michelle’s story here: Makeover Magic 

Innovation on Hilton Head Island 

In expansion news, the site for the Beaufort Memorial Emergency & Urgent Care saw a major milestone in October as demolition began for the vacant structure that sat at 1016 William Hilton Parkway. 

Coverage for this sitework appeared in 

• The Island Packet: Work begins on Hilton Head’s first hybrid emergency and urgent care center. Here’s the timeline
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• Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial begins work on Emergency & Urgent Care facility on Hilton Head Island 

Our Experts 

While October is generally dominated by breast cancer awareness (and Dr. Turner certainly made a few appearances in the media this month as an oncologist), other providers and experts made their mark, including: 

• Kathryn Sams, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, who, in The Island News, emphasized a few key ways to help loved ones struggling with addiction.
• Dr. Evan Wolff, who shared the benefits of 3D mammography in the Bluffton Sun.
• Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt highlighted some of the most common pickleball injuries (and how to avoid them!) in the Island News.
• Dr. William Clare Jr. broke down how the immune system works in the Island News.
• Dr. Kurt Ellenberger talked to WJCL about measles – namely, its contagious nature and the importance of vaccination.