American Cancer Society staff members Amy Boehm and Jennie Gilroy were guest speakers for the regular meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary Monday, March 11th held at 1 p.m. at the Montpelier Public Library conference room.
Amy serves as Health Initiatives Director in Perrysburg for the AMC-East Central Division serving 19 counties and Jennie’s duties include Income Development Programs, working in Williams County. Both presented a powerpoint presentation with an overview about the American Cancer Society, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year focusing on cancer survivors celebrating more birthdays and its emphasis on “Stay well-Get Well” theme.
Primary concern is preventing cancer and diagnosing it early. Women need to have regular mammograms to check for breast cancer and regular testing including a colonoscopy is encouraged. In addition, Amy spoke on cancer screening guidelines, various sources for information, survivor and caregiver programs and services, Hope Lodge located in Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio, patient navigation center, long-term cancer prevention studies and counseling availability. She also talked about the wig bank for Williams County located at Mantel Pharmacy in the Bryan Medical Clinic and cosmetologist services for those undergoing treatment programs.
Other areas discussed included support of research, health care reform, efforts on increasing funding and “Road to Recovery” transportation service program utilizing volunteer local drivers to assist patients needing rides for treatment appointments.
Jennie spoke primarily about the annual Williams County “Relay For Life” program held at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier. This year the affair will be held June 21st & 22nd beginning at 6 p.m. with the survivor lap and opening ceremonies. This is the American Cancer Society’s signature event offering all in the community the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams supported by business and industry camp out at the fairgrounds and take turns walking or running around the track, with each team having a representative on the track at all times during the event. The relay is an 180-hour overnight event including food, fun, music and live entertainment in a combined effort to raise funds to improve the quality of life for cancer patients today and in the future.
“Relay For Life” celebrates the lives of loved ones who battled cancer, remembering loved ones who succumbed to cancer, and fighting back against the disease. Last year the event raised over $180,000 and it is hoped that more can be raised this year. Anyone interested in forming a team or needing more information can contact Kathy Foster at 419-636-3008 or go online at—www.relayforlife.org/williamscounty. This year’s honorary survivor for the event is Ted Mathis. Serving as co-chairmen for this year’s event are LuAnn Roeder and Jean Carlin.
Hospital Auxiliary President Deanna Gipe thanked both Amy and Jennie attending and providing information about the society. A question and answer session followed their talks. The regular meeting of the auxiliary was held with members participating in a bakeless bake sale, submitting recipes and donations for preparing them. Roll call was answered with “When did you change your clocks?” for daylight savings time. Reports were given by the secretary, treasurer, gift shop manager, and chairmen for sunshine, recreation, magazines and publicity. Doris Dilworth and Dorothy Briner are taking care of patient favors for March.
The auxiliary will observe Doctor’s Day on March 30th and Nurse’s Week May 6-12. An Appreciation Tea is planned by the auxiliary Monday, May 6th from 2-4 p.m. at the Montpelier Hospital to honor all hospital staff employees.
Auxiliary volunteers are needed to assist with the spring Book Fair at the hospital on Monday, April 22nd from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. The next regular meeting of the auxiliary will be Monday, April 8th at 1 p.m. in the Robison Room at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 402 Broad St., in Montpelier. Guest speaker will be Sandy Gordon of Montpelier Parks & Recreation, on the topic of summer lunch program at the park. Roll call will be “What is your favorite comic strip?”. Guests are always welcome.
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