Pancreatic Cancer Awareness: Know the Warning Signs
Often referred to as ‘the silent disease,’ pancreatic cancer affects roughly 64,000 Americans annually. Of those diagnosed, only 9% survive five years beyond diagnosis. Because there are no routine screenings for pancreatic cancer like there are for breast and colon cancer, it’s especially important to be alert to early signs of the disease.
The topic of death and mortality is often seen as taboo in our society, making a simple conversation feel daunting. Overcoming these feelings of discomfort to have an honest discussion can have a profound impact in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
Caring for the Caregivers: Support & Resources Available
If you've ever found yourself in the role of providing consistent care for a beloved family member facing a chronic illness or disability, you understand the immense difficulty and relentless challenges that come with it. It often means putting your personal life and needs on pause as you channel all your energy and focus into ensuring your loved one's survival. Read More
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SVMC Summer Gala Raises $1.5M for New Cancer Center
BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Summer Gala—Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation's signature fundraising event and the region's premier philanthropic occasion—netted a record-breaking $1.5 million on June 8 at the 1768 Hubbell Homestead at Colgate Park in Bennington.
The event, which hosted nearly 400 people, broke all previous fundraising records in support of building a new regional cancer center at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC).
"The tremendous generosity we received this year is a testament to the exceptional cancer care SVMC's team provides and the importance of having a facility that matches their level of excellence and expertise," said SVMC's Vice President of Corporate Development Leslie Keefe. "Our Summer Gala Committees, guests, sponsors and employees sent a powerful message with their contributions. The matching dollars committed by Honorary Gala Committee Co-Chair Susan Hunter and her husband, Doug Watson and SVMC's Board of Trustees brought this cause to the next level, making it a monumental night for our organization and the communities we serve."
The plans for the new Hoyt-Hunter Cancer Center at SVMC is part of Vision 2020, A Decade of Transformation. The capital campaign previously raised $25 million for major renovation projects at the hospital, including the nearly completed renovation of the hospital's Emergency Department and main entrance. With plans to break ground on the new cancer center by spring 2025, the building will double the number of infusion and exam rooms. The state-of-the-art facility will also enhance the center's affiliation with Dartmouth Cancer Center, one of only three National Cancer Institute-Designated comprehensive cancer centers in New England.
The Summer Gala celebration included the presentation of the Vision Award for Health Care Leadership to Eric Seyferth, MD and the Sean L. Casey Distinguished Community Service Award to Constance "Consie" West.
"Dr. Seyferth and Consie West represent the very best of our community," said Keefe. "Both of them, in their respective areas and vocations, have demonstrated great leadership, selflessness and a tireless commitment to improving the lives of others. They were the perfect honorees for such a notable evening."
The event was organized with the help of a group of volunteer Gala Committee members, including Chair, Monique Geannelis, and members Rachel Caswell, Caroline Maran Ivanov, Vicki Jerome, Carol Patterson, Janet Thibodeau and Debra Wilkin. The Honorary Summer Gala Committee members, whose generous contributions to the Putnam Challenge and live auction contributed to the success of the event, included Co-Chairs, Susie Hunter and Doug Watson, along with Bill Hoyt and Tony Hoyt and members Donna and Gordon Calder, Marianne Chaikin, Susan and Lael Kellet, Juliette and Stallworth Larson, Norene Peck, Sallyan and Steve Pelletier, Jane Told and Debbie and Bill Wight.
The game-winning rally started when Pittsfield junior Jack Abel led off by crushing a 1-1 pitch to left-center and racing all the way to third base, sliding in just ahead of the tag to give the Generals a sterling scoring opportunity. click for more
The Pittsfield baseball team Saturday rallied for five runs in the top of the sixth inning to break a 5-5 tie and went on to a 12-5 win over Clinton in the quarter-finals of the Division 4 State Tournament. click for more
Amanda Pou was named the most valuable player of the regional final after striking out four and walking none in a complete-game effort in the circle. She also ripped a two-run double in Pittsfield’s four-run fourth-inning rally to break open a scoreless game. click for more
