'Stitch-A-Thon' helps BCHS breast cancer
patients
'Stitch-A-Thon' helps BCHS breast cancer patients
A 'stitch in time, saves nine,' or so the adage goes.
But, in this case, a stitch might save many more than
nine when it is used to raise support for breast cancer
programs at Battle Creek Health System.
Stitchers and non-stitchers gathered recently for the
ninth annual Breast Cancer Stitch-A-Thon to raise not
only money, but also awareness about breast cancer. And
at the end of the day, they collected over $1,745 for
breast cancer patients.
"Over half of those funds stay in Battle Creek
and are used to purchase Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book,
or will go toward a fund for breast cancer patients who
cannot afford their medications, wigs, and prostheses," says
Donna Shouldice, RN, OCN, a nurse in The Cancer Care
Center at Battle Creek Health System. "We always
look forward to this event. Because of these efforts,
last year we able to give more than 100 books to grateful
breast cancer patients. We are working toward a time
when we won't need this type of fund raising-when cancer
is cured."
The remaining monies from the local fundraising effort
will be shared with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and
the American Cancer Society.
The annual Stitch-A-Thon began in 2001 by Thelma Edwards,
owner of the Flying Stitch and her staff out of concern
for one of their friends that had been diagnosed with
breast cancer. They decided to hold a fundraiser and
donate proceeds to local cancer programs. Kelly Keating,
the new Flying Stitch owner, continues the tradition,
which has raised and donated more than $31,000 over the
years for The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health
System.
The Breast Cancer Survivors Group meets at The Cancer
Care Center the last Thursday of each month from 6-7:30
p.m. Diane Olian, BCHS outpatient registration coordinates
the meeting, which is open to women and men. For more
information, call (269) 274-5084
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network,
is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery
Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint
replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades
is a leading health care information company that provides
objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides
excellent health care for the community and promotes
wellness for the whole person with access and compassion
for all. For the latest medical information, visit the
BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing
Department at (269) 966-8132.
(L-R) Kelly Keating, owner of the Flying Stitch, an area
business that specializes in cross-stitching supplies,
presents a check for $995 to Donna Shouldice, Battle
Creek Health System cancer care nurse. Monies raised
from the successful fund raising event are going toward
the purchase of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book for BCHS
patients diagnosed with breast cancer as well as toward
a fund for breast cancer patients who cannot afford
their medications, wigs, and prostheses; the American
Cancer Society; and the Susan G. Komen fund.
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