Answer to Cancer: Generosity, caring in the equation

Answer to Cancer began as a small grassroots effort 13 years ago when a group of Grand Harbor friends, each touched by cancer one way or another, wanted to do something to improve the lives of others affected by the devastating disease. It has since evolved into a full-on Grand Harbor initiative, with residents and management alike all buying into the effort.

Supporters again packed the Grand Harbor Golf Club last Monday evening – some straight from the golf course – to enjoy an evening of cocktails, auctions, raffles and a delicious buffet dinner.

“We have more people attending this year than ever before,” said event chair Carole Casey, noting that 220 attended the dinner and 160 golfers participated in the 9-hole tournament.

“We couldn’t do it without the generosity of Grand Harbor management. All the raffle prizes and golf prizes came from them, and they gave us the golf, carts and dinner at considerably less than cost. It truly is a great deal of work but well worth it as everyone seems to have a great time.”

The fundraiser was founded by Carole Plante and the late Don Casey, with wife Carole determinedly continuing the effort on his behalf, enlisting an army of committee members and sponsors along the way.

Answer to Cancer has raised and donated more than $750,000 – which includes roughly $75,000 this year – to what is now Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation to fund equipment and services at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center.

“You have all been coming to Answer to Cancer for years and years and years, and I can’t tell you how important it is to our doctors and our nurses, but more so to our patients,” said Casey, thanking everyone for their continued efforts to support and improve care for cancer patients and their families.

“Thank you on behalf of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and Scully-Welsh Cancer Center for everything that you do,” said Dr. James Grichnik, Scully-Welsh Cancer Center director. “You really help us touch patients on a daily basis with all your contributions.”

Introducing Dr. Correa-Selm, dermatologist at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center, Casey said “she needs a computer on wheels and she needs an iPad, and I promised her from tonight she will get that.”

“We are delighted to honor your intent of supporting the Scully-Welsh Center,” said Liz Bruner, CCIRF president. “We want you to give it exactly there to benefit Dr. Grichnik and his team and all the wonderful patients who are there. We’re grateful for your support. Thank you.”

Over the years, funding has improved patient care facilities, and has enabled the introduction of DigniCaps to cool hair follicles and help chemo patients keep their hair, and the purchase of AccuVein technology and other equipment including iPads.

It has also supported the vital Patient Care Navigation Program, which assists patients and their families through their cancer journey. This year’s funding will be used for such ‘wish list’ items as Adtemp 429 Non-Contact Thermometers, computers on roll-around carts and additional iPads.

Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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