Gala of Hope Foundation Awards Grant to Address Skin Cancer

Gala of Hope Foundation awarded iTASC an up-to $116,400 grant to underwrite the Dayton launch of their program to serve skin cancer patients who cannot afford quality care. iTASC — Improved Treatment Access for Skin Cancer — was founded and formed by Dayton micrographic surgeon, Dr. Heidi Donnelly, to address the need for those skin cancer patients who would benefit from micrographic surgery yet cannot afford it, nor have insurance that covers its costs.

“Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in our region, and statistics show that 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer. Within our Dayton region, hundreds in our underserved population will be diagnosed, but not have access to the quality care that will assure them the highest survivorship,” shared Jeff Brock, Executive Director. “Micrographic surgery is proven treatment, minimally invasive with less scarring and, most importantly, treatment that better assures no recurrence. This is in line with Gala’s mission to diminish the effects of cancer and ultimately prevent it.” Tiffany Kellner, Gala’s Board President, added, "Gala believes that all cancers are important to address, but the prevalence of skin cancer in our area confirmed for our board that supporting iTASC was an effective answer to great care for skin cancer patients who could not afford this treatment otherwise.”Gala’s grant underwrites the operational support and software that helps refer qualified patients to local micrographic surgeons who treat them at no cost to the patient. iTASC predicts that up to 450 in the Dayton region will be diagnosed and qualify annually but cannot afford the cost. As many as 300 will benefit in the two-year grant period, and hundreds more year after year.Dr. Heidi Donnelly has served the Dayton region for 26 years and leads the dermatologic surgery program at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology. She founded iTASC in 2020 and shared, “We are so thankful for our friends at Gala of Hope. Their commitment to great cancer care in Dayton enables iTASC to serve hundreds of patients locally. Dayton will be the first to offer such care to skin cancer patients in need, but it is a model that we could reproduce across the country, establishing Dayton once again as the city of innovation!” Eight Dayton-region micrographic surgeons will volunteer their time and expert care to iTASC patients, each contributing up to 2 surgeries per month.“Gala and iTASC are birthing another cancer care program in Dayton, giving the best of care to friends and neighbors. Some need access, and cost should not be a barrier. We are excited that iTASC have already treated its first patients successfully, and for one, iTASC has literally changed the face of cancer for him, and soon hundreds of others will celebrate the same” shared Brock.