– Sept. 19, 2016 –The HealthAlliance Foundation's third annual Anchors Aweigh cruise 6 p.m. Sept. 29 will raise funds for HealthAlliance Hospital cancer support services.
The cruise, departing from Kingston's Rondout Landing, will be aboard the Marika, a 100-foot, two-deck luxury yacht operated by Hudson Cruises Inc. Event proceeds will once again benefit the Oncology Support Program at HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).
"The Oncology Support Program offers so much to people affected by cancer," said HealthAlliance Foundation Executive Director Steffen T. Kraehmer. "We are pleased to continue raising awareness and financial support for the program."
OSP offers counseling, support groups, healthy lifestyle education, workshops in the healing arts, and emergency financial assistance to those affected by cancer.
"Cancer can be a life-changer on so many levels," said OSP Director Ellen Marshall. "We are here for people diagnosed with cancer, along with their loved ones, throughout the cancer continuum, from diagnosis through survivorship. We find a variety of ways to help people through difficult times and assist them in navigating the challenges of cancer, whether by providing emotional support or offering more tangible financial assistance."
Melissa Eppard is one of the many people helped by OSP each year. She will be on board the Marika during Anchors Aweigh to tell cruise-goers about her OSP experience.
Eppard, a young woman diagnosed with cancer, is using her personal knowledge of life with cancer to help others in a similar situation. A life coach and trained peer advocate, Eppard co-facilitates the newly formed Younger Women's Cancer Support Group with one of OSP's social workers.
"When OSP sees a need in the community, programs are created to meet that need," Eppard said, "which is why an invaluable young woman's support group was started. I am honored to be a part of this OSP effort."
Anchors Aweigh cruise tickets are available for $35. The fee includes dockside and onboard refreshments, music and dancing, and a "memory moment" to honor those affected by cancer. Boarding will take place at the Hudson River Maritime Museum at 5:30 p.m., with the cruise departing at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 845-338-9654 or visit FoundationUpdate.org. Sponsorships are also available. Current sponsors include Helsmoortel Realty and Insurance, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, Grace and Clifford Schoonmaker in memory of Dr. Kristin Vergunst, Ulster Federal Credit Union, and Fust Charles Chambers LLP.
About The HealthAlliance Foundation
The HealthAlliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the mission, healthcare programs, services and facilities of HealthAlliance, a member of Westchester Medical Center Health Network. The Foundation continues to focus on supporting technology and equipment, high quality treatment services, and training for hospital staff at both the Broadway and Mary's Avenue campuses. For more information, visit www.FoundationUpdate.org.
About The Oncology Support Program
The Oncology Support Program is a team of compassionate oncology social workers, graduate interns and volunteers dedicated to supporting people in our community affected by cancer. OSP offers counseling, a variety of support groups and survivorship programs, along with financial assistance. Its innovative and educational programs in the healing arts, wellness, prevention and integrative medicine are open to cancer patients as well as to their friends, family members and caregivers. The programs take place in the nurturing setting of the Herbert H. and Sofia P. Reuner Cancer Support House, surrounded by the Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Support Program's Healing Garden.
About HealthAlliance, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network
HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley operates a 315-hospital bed healthcare system comprising HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus and HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus in Kingston, New York, and
Margaretville Hospital in Margaretville, New York. It also operates Mountainside Residential Care Center, an 82-bed facility in Margaretville. As Ulster County's largest employer, HealthAlliance is committed to attracting the best-qualified medical and support staff; providing outstanding, responsive, coordinated, compassionate patient- and family-centered care; excelling in clinical outcomes and patient experiences; and ensuring patient rights, privacy and respect are honored at all times, while improving the overall health and well-being of the diverse communities it serves. For more information about how HealthAlliance is delivering the promise of medicine, visit hahv.org or follow Facebook.com/HealthAllianceHV or Twitter.com/HAllianceHudVal.
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Oncology Support Program member Melissa Eppard, left, sits with HealthAlliance Oncology Support Program Director Ellen Marshall.
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