The Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, a group of more than 60 volunteers who support cancer programs at Christiana Care Health System’s cancer center, mark 10 years of supporting patients with a special gala, “Celebration of Hope,” from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Wilmington Country Club.
During the past decade, the Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center have worked to raise both funds and awareness for cancer programs that enhance the patient care experience, support cancer research and educate the public on the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Friends raised $2 million in funds raised since the group’s founding.
“We are all touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and we need to work together to support our loved ones who face this disease,” said Penny Saridakis, friends co-chair. “We are delighted to partner with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center to continue to help patients access excellent care close to their homes.”
Now in its 10th year, the Graham Cancer Center is one of only 21 cancer centers in the nation to earn distinction as a National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Center. Since 2003, the Graham Cancer Center has seen more than 1.2 million patient visits.
Founded by Carroll Carpenter, chair of the Christiana Care Health System Trustees, the Friends work in cooperation with the clinical staff to advance hospital initiatives that benefit patients. Early on, the group raised money to buy a CyberKnife, a robotic radiosurgery system that delivers beams of high-dose radiation to tumors. The group also helped to fund radiation therapies and its special needs fund, which helps patients with medication, transportation to and from appointments, supplies, nutrition counseling and massage therapy.
The Friends also support the Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Graham Cancer Center, where researchers are exploring innovative and effective ways to treat cancer.
Established in 2004, the Center for Translational Cancer Research, seeks to quickly move bench research to the bedside by applying basic science toward potential therapies.
The Center for Translational Cancer Research is a formal collaborative program among the Graham Cancer Center, the University of Delaware, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
“The Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center have been invaluable to the cancer program,” said Nicholas J. Petrelli, M.D., Bank of America endowed medical director of the Graham Cancer Center. “Without their support many of our programs and technologies would not have been possible. Their generous philanthropic efforts help our patients to receive cutting-edge, high-quality care.”
Jean and Joan donation
Beebe Medical Center’s Tunnell Cancer Center on Route 24 in Rehoboth Beach recently showcased its latest patient care equipment – a new computer Workstation on Wheels (WOW) that allows nurses to remain at a patient’s bedside for patient care and charting.
The purchase of 6 WOWs was made possible by a contribution of $39,000 for this purpose by the local Jean and Joan Cancer Fund.
The fund raises funds for direct patient care at the Tunnell Center through an annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Since its founding in 1999, the Jean & Joan Cancer Fund, has donated $355,000 for cancer patient support at the Tunnell Cancer Center.
