ORCHID — Having fun and doing good for others doesn’t need to be mutually exclusive. Actually, the two concepts are highly compatible. Just ask the women members of Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club.
The inaugural “Connecting for Cancer Girls’ Night Out” was held Monday March 10 at the home of Annette (and Jerry) Lovell. This night, which was an ultimate hen party, raised funds for the Patient Navigator Program of the Excellence in Cancer Care Program of the Indian River Medical Center.
Denise Hudspeth, a Patient Navigator in the Oncology Department, was on hand to explain the program. It assigns specific professionals to guide newly diagnosed cancer patients through a full understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, both here and at other facilities. It also helps patients and their families through psychological, spiritual and financial concerns and recovery.
Five cancer colors, pink – breast, teal – ovarian, light blue – prostate, white – lung, and lavender – all cancers, were the color du jour for the 120 attendees.
“Many of us have had our lives affected by cancer,” said Nancy Cruce, one of the organizers of the event. “The Orchid Island women have taken action. We recognized the on-going battle of cancer patients and came together to help patients deal with the main killer of Indian River County residents.”
The Connecting for Cancer concept was created by Gerry Collins and Nancy Cruce, based on a similar activity in Vail, Colo., where Nancy summers. A committee was formed and they “were off to the races.”
“This was one of the loveliest fund raisers I have ever attended,” said Joanne Dorey.
Other committee members are Polly Behrens, Deedee Cunningham, Patti Gaede, Kathleen Joachim. Carol Lincoln, Annette Lovell, Tia Mekras, Kathleen O’Brien, Janet Ramer, Dorsey Seed, Debbie Sheridan, Linda Shields, Carol Stewart, Lynda Stinson, Donna Thrailkill, and Ronnie Weyrauch.
