American Cancer Society Recognizes Leaders at Annual 'Evening of Hope'

From the American Cancer Society: More than 100 leadership volunteers united on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the American Cancer Society’s annual Evening of Hope at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie to celebrate the organization’s local impact and present distinguished awards.

Hope of the Hudson Valley Award was presented by Hudson Valley Board President Joan Pagonis to Dr. Uma & Dr. Shanti Mishra for their commitment to the American Cancer Society’s mission in the Hudson Valley for over 20 years.

The Mishra’s hosted the inaugural Relay For Life of Newburgh in 1997 at the site of their business, Orange County Radiation Oncology; rallied for the growth of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer through sponsorship; patient navigation to the Society’s services; involvement in distinguished events and professional leadership on the Board of Advisors.

Mary Andriola of Putnam Valley was the recipient of the Terese Lasser Memorial Award, the highest national award for service, exceptional achievement, performance and dedication to the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program.

For 35 years Andriola has helped families deal with a breast cancer diagnosis, according to Wendy Stickley Ocker of the American Cancer Society. “She supports over 15 volunteers across Putnam and Northern Westchester with a kindness and compassion that is unappalled,” she added.

Donna Henke of Pine Bush was the recipient of the Champion of the Cure Award for her leadership in mission and development.

A breast cancer survivor, Henke has helped others through her experience and compassion in the Reach To Recovery breast cancer support program.

She’s led the local implementation of the Society’s CPS-3 (Cancer prevention study). She has fostered community mobilization and development of the Relay for Life of Pine Bush, serves as a team leader for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and volunteered as model for the Lady Foot Locker National Breast Cancer campaign to benefit the Society.

“Accomplishments like these would not be possible without the dedication of these honorees plus thousands of essential volunteers across the Hudson Valley,” said Anna Trocino of the American Cancer Society and Poughkeepsie resident. “We celebrate all volunteers from every corner of our organization. Because of you, the American Cancer Society is able continue our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” she added.

Impact in the Hudson Valley include:

• Nearly 1700 survivors and their caregivers were honored and celebrated through Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
• Over 600 rides to treatment have been given to those in need of a lift.
• Nearly 150 patients in the Hudson Valley participated in the Look Good Feel Better program.
• More 130 wigs and head coverings were fitted and provided to patients free of charge.
• 29 breast cancer survivors received personalized support through Real to Recovery.
• The Society’s rallying effort to increase colorectal cancer screening include pledge signings by HeathQuest representing Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Northern Dutchess Hospital and Putnam Hospital Center; Premier Medical Group; Orange Regional Medical Center; Catskill Regional Hospital, Hudson River HealthCare, Open Door Family Medical and Middletown Community Health Center.
• This year in New York alone, 63 cancer research grants are funded, totaling over 35 million dollars.

Sponsors for the Evening of Hope were Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Orange Regional Medical Center. Many volunteer opportunities exist across the area and can vary based on interest, skills, and time available. Many positions can be done from home through use of a phone or computer. To learn more visit cancer.org or call 800.227.2345.

Relay For Life events are scheduled in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster counties throughout May and June. To learn more visit www.relayforlife.org.
A Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is scheduled in the Hudson Valley this October. To learn more visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.

Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society