Cancer Support Community (CSC) at Gilda’s Club hosted their annual Heroes Ball on October 7 to recognize the work of everyday “heroes/friends” making a difference in the cancer community. This year’s gala embraced the Friends TV sitcom as its theme, focusing on the work of five individuals who have had an impact on the organization’s mission in serving the social and emotional support needs of anyone, of any age, impacted by cancer; and made a positive impact on the lives of people living with cancer in our community.
Sheriff Todd Baxter and Mary Baxter served as Honorary Chairs and Andre Godfrey, CEO, Entre Computer Services served as the event chair. Entre Computer Services provided leadership and support of the event as major sponsor along with URMC/Wilmot Cancer Institute.
The Spotlight Award recognizes and “spotlights” individuals, groups, or organizations whose leadership and accomplishments in healthcare and patient care have resulted in tangible and positive contributions for patients, families and our community. The honorees were Lauren Burling, LCSW, social worker and therapist at Lipson Cancer institute and Maria Delgado Sutton, Cancer Resource Advocate for Latinos Unidos Contra Cáncer Independent Case Manager. Lauren has strengthened the partnership between Cancer Support Community Rochester and Lipson Cancer Institute by helping create a direct link to the agency for cancer patients. Maria leads the advocacy group with Cancer Support Community to create awareness within the Latino community about their recreational and support programs and the importance of cancer screenings.
The Community Leader Award is given to an individual or group of individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership and philanthropy through a commitment to health care and wellness in our community. The honoree was the Property Girls Team of Keller Williams Realty led by Danielle Johnson and Fallanne Jones. They are a top Real Estate team in Rochester. They bring real purpose to real estate by supporting local nonprofits, including Cancer Support Community, through fundraising activities and awareness building.
The C.H.A.M.P. Award which stands for Cancer Hero Award of Merit Program recognizes meritorious, outstanding, or heroic distinctive personal involvement in Cancer Support Community and in the local area which affects a positive change in the lives of oncology patients and their families. Dr. Arpan Patel, Thoracic Oncologist at URMC/Wilmot Cancer Institute was the honoree for his efforts in helping educate patients about the array of services available to them and providing educational seminars that break down the complexities of cancer care into digestible information that is easy to understand.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on Cancer Support Community Rochester and the local cancer community over their lifetime. The honoree, Dick McGlynn, who has stage 4 prostate cancer and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease has not let his health issues stop him from giving support to others fighting cancer. He has been involved with Cancer Support Community for 28 years, primarily working with the prostate support group as co-leader of the group.
Cancer Support Community Rochester (cscrochester.org) provides free, non-medical, social and emotional support to people living with cancer, along with their families and friends. The nonprofit serves more than 5,000 people annually and offers more than 1,000 free programs annually to adults, teens and children who are affected by any type of cancer. Cancer Support Community Rochester is an affiliate of a global nonprofit network of 175 Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club locations.
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