(This community update appeared in the printed August newsletter.)
It would appear that the sweltering heat of the summer is behind us, and we can look forward to a cooling down period. However, the activity at Our House never cools down as we welcome new and existing guests on a weekly basis keeping Our House Manager, Becky Elwell, very busy.
New to Cancer Care of NCW this summer is Beverly Patrick who, as of mid-July, has assumed the position of Social Services Coordinator. Beverly is married with three children and two stepchildren, all adults. She comes to us from the Radiation-Oncology Department at Confluence Health and, as such, already has a working knowledge of the functions of Our House and Cancer Care.
We acknowledge the truly remarkable contribution that Lin Stearns has provided as Chair of the Social Services Committee over the past 10 years. Lin has been tireless in her efforts to give relief in many forms to those suffering from a cancer diagnosis. Lin would answer to the needs of those patients day or night, weekday or weekend (and even while on vacation). We thank her profusely for her dedication to such an important part of our organization.
On July 13, Our House hosted the second annual Skin Cancer Screening Day organized by Confluence Health Department of Dermatology. The screenings are provided at no cost to the participants. With the help of four dermatologists and Our House volunteers there were 80 people screened, four of whom were referred to Dermatology for further evaluation and possible treatment. This is just one way Cancer Care gives back to the people of our community.
In April, Cancer Care recruited Russ Alman as our Digital Media Services Coordinator. Russ has extensive experience in social media and is currently the Director of Communications at the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center. We encourage you to check the Cancer Care website that Russ manages to keep up with all the goings-on at Our House and Cancer Care.
Groundbreaking on the Betsy and Nevio Tontini Gratitude Garden was held in early September. It is hoped that the basic layout will be finished by fall and the planting will begin next spring. The garden will be a jewel in the crown of Our House; it is intended to furnish comfort and solace for anyone who enters.
On the upcoming agenda is our Luminaria Lights of Hope from 7:00-9:00pm on Saturday, October 19, the Raffle and Bake sale at the Senior Center Craft Fair in November, and a new “street library” provided by Olivia Funderburk as a school project. Weare looking forward to such a bright and exciting season for Cancer Care.
The staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of Cancer Care of NCW thank you for your continued interest and support of this unique and truly remarkable organization.
With gratitude,
Richard Dickson, Board President
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