Organizations join forces to fight cancer

In an effort to provide greater access to cancer screenings and better care to cancer patients in the greater Niles area, the Lakeland Health Foundation Niles and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA have partnered to create the inaugural Hope Grows fundraising luncheon.

The purpose of the luncheon, which is scheduled for Thursday at the YMCA, is to raise money for two things — Lakeland’s free cancer screening services and the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, a 12-week post-cancer treatment health and wellness program.

The partnership’s goal, through Hope Grows, is to deliver what organizers are calling “a continuum of care” to the many patients and families impacted by cancer in south Berrien County, regardless of their ability to pay.

“Lakeland is thrilled to be working with the YMCA on this project because we see it as being very beneficial for the community,” said David Burghart, president of the Lakeland Health Foundation Niles. “We hope more people will take advantage of the screenings. Our ultimate goal is that everyone is a survivor and early detection is important.”

Mark Weber, executive director of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, said the response to Hope Grows has exceeded expectations. Organizers set a goal of selling 25 tables at the luncheon, but had to add three more tables because of demand.

“I think that is a wonderful thing because it shows me that the community is coming together,” Weber said. “They understand what we are trying to do and they support it.”

While spots for the luncheon are sold out, Weber said organizers would be happy to take donations for Hope Grows. One-hundred percent of the funds raised will be split between free cancer screenings and the LIVESTRONG program.

“All the funds are being put back into the community,” Weber said.

Jane Brandstatter, member of the YMCA’s board of directors, said the idea for Hope Grows came from people realizing there was a need for more funding for cancer programs in south Berrien County. Specifically, funding will be aimed at supporting those at risk for cancer, those recovering from cancer and those still fighting cancer.

“I’m excited because this is about Niles and the Niles area,” Brandstatter said. “This was the perfect time for the Y to collaborate and become partners with Lakeland in the funding of screenings and recovery.”

During the noon luncheon, attendees will hear from those who have benefited from free cancer screenings and the LIVESTRONG program.

To learn more, visit the Lakeland Health Foundations website at lakelandhealth.org/lakeland-health-foundations or the N-B YMCA website at nb-ymca.org.

 

Keep reading the Niles Daily Star for more information on Hope Grows. On Tuesday, we will publish an article about Lakeland’s free cancer screenings. On Wednesday, we will publish a story about the LIVESTRONG program.