Press Release:
Final 2019 Grants Continue Pushback
Against Dayton-Region Cancer
Beavercreek, OH, December 11, 2019 --The Board of Directors of Gala of Hope Foundation recently awarded their final round of 2019 grants totaling almost $200,000, bringing their total 2019 commitments to about $1.2 million.
This final round focuses on pediatric and veteran cancer patients to improve survivorship and quality of life. “With the quality care pediatric patients find in Dayton, more from across the Dayton region and beyond are spending significant time in both inpatient and outpatient treatment, which brings a unique set of circumstances for accommodations,” said Jeff Brock, Executive Director of the Foundation. “For some this also means extended time away from school, or for immunity reasons, to stay out of school. Giving a child or teen some normalcy to keep up with schoolwork and connected to friends and classmates is important to their journey,” he continued.
“The Dayton region is home to so many veterans receiving care at our military and veteran facilities. Helping them manage their chronic cancer consequence of lymphedema with specially designed garments really heightens their quality of life,” Brock shared. “Many of our donors share with us their special interest in caring for our region’s military family.”
The organizations and projects supported by this final round of 2019 grants:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton, funding the creation/renovation of a family suite for pediatric cancer patients and their families, serving as their “home away from home” while receiving inpatient and outpatient cancer care.
The Ohio State University Foundation, for the benefit of The Ohio State University College of Engineering, Assistive Technology of Ohio, underwriting a school telepresence program for Dayton-region pediatric cancer patients. This innovative technology allows a patient, kept from physical attendance by treatment or immunity needs, to “attend” school and school activities using an interactive iPad and telepresence robot. Up to four Dayton-area patients will benefit from this program in 2019-20 and five in 2020-21, most in cooperation with Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Living with Lymphedema, sponsoring a lymphedema garment program for veterans receiving treatment at the Dayton VA Medical Center and WPAFB Medical Center. Lymphedema is a common consequence of cancer care when lymph nodes are removed; these custom garments help control the swelling caused by resulting fluid buildup.
“Our board is intent on making the Dayton region unique in its care of our friends and family who battle cancer,” Brock continued. “Unfortunately, cancer has higher death and incident rates in our region than most, but we remain fervent, through the generosity of our donors, to bend those statistics in a more positive direction, and ultimately reduce the number who face cancer.” Brock said.
About Gala of Hope Foundation
Gala of Hope Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 2014 to serve the Dayton region as a financial resource for cancer patients, cancer treatment, and local cancer research. At its core, Gala of Hope Foundation was created and is sustained by gifts from generous people committed to changing the face of cancer in the Dayton region. The Foundation serves as a grant maker and a voice for Dayton region cancer patients and its cancer care community.
For more information, contact Jeff Brock, Executive Director at 937-239-5482 or visit www.galaofhope.net