Volunteer Group Raises Nearly Half a Million in One Year to Support Cancer Discovery and Delivery

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This is the sentiment behind the Board of Associates—the volunteer group that supports Fox Chase—which presented its annual donation in June, totaling $447,406.56.

Fundraising helps fuel the work of Fox Chase Cancer Center’s labs and clinics. Often, these funds come from everyday people who simply want to make a difference. This is the sentiment behind the Board of Associates—the volunteer group that supports Fox Chase—which presented its annual donation in June, totaling $447,406.56.

Funds are raised through various activities and events held throughout the year by the Board of Associates—including its signature Paws for the Cause Dog Walk—as well as by its three chapters: the Bucks County Chapter, the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, and the Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center Chapter.

“This work is meaningful to us,” said Barbara O’Donnell, President of the Board of Associates. “Many among us have been touched by cancer, whether as caregivers or as patients. We are thrilled to be able to support research and patient care at an institution we feel passionately about. We know that important advances are being made right here, and that there is a true sense of community and compassion within this place.”

Fox Chase President and CEO, Robert Uzzo, MD, MBA, FACS, joined the group at their Annual Donation meeting this June in the Reimann Auditorium.  

“All I can really say is… wow!” he told them. “Thank you for doing all you do, which allows us to do what we do,” he continued, as he went on to recount in general terms the stories of three patients he saw that same day in clinic. “You helped them,” he noted, reminding everyone in the room that their volunteerism matters in the lives of the many individuals who come to Fox Chase for care.

Highlighting the Past Year’s Generous Support

The breakdown of support provided by the Board of Associates is as diverse as the fundraising and awareness activities the members host.

With funds raised at last year’s Paws for the Cause Dog Walk, the Board of Associates provided its annual support for the Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Training Program as well as additional funds for the laboratory of James Duncan, PhD, Associate Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, for ovarian cancer research, and for the Young Adult Cancer Program, led by Christopher Cann, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology.

Known for its annual Art Show featuring local Bucks County-based artists, the Bucks County Chapter selects a Special Pledge each year to direct its funding. This year’s Special Pledge benefits the laboratory of Joan Font-Burgada, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, whose research focuses on liver cancer.  

The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter plans and executes a long list of events and activities each year, from day trips to see Broadway shows to book reviews and dine-and-donate events to the popular clothing drive and the group’s signature gift-wrapping services at Willow Grove Park Mall. Their support this year benefits the work of Richard Bleicher, MD, FACS, Professor and Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery in the Department of Surgery.

Known for being an all-employee volunteer group, the Friends of Fox Chase Chapter runs Karen’s Korner Gift Shop and facilitates the Vendor Program on campus in addition to hosting events like Cash Bingo and various raffles throughout the year. Their support focuses on patient comfort and care, as well as scholarships and facility improvements. Among the funded items this year were an exam table and a blanket warmer for Radiation Oncology, mastectomy pillows and portable fans for Inpatient Nursing, patient exam chairs for the outpatient clinic at Fox Chase – Voorhees, and emergency funds to help with patients’ financial hardships distributed by Social Work. Funding through the Friends of Fox Chase Scholarship Program supports employees in pursuing higher education degrees and certifications.

A Legacy of Volunteering Excellence

Founded in 1965, the Board of Associates is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Board comprises three chapters, harnessing the passion, creativity, and generosity of more than 300 volunteers. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $26 million in support of Fox Chase.

“With a deep sense of gratitude, we acknowledge the selfless dedication of our many BOA volunteers,” noted Anna Honer, Associate Director – Board of Associates in the Office of External Relations. “The consistent support of this group over so many years demonstrates what is possible when people who care come together to help others. We are fortunate to count them as incredible partners in pursuing our Fox Chase mission.” 

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

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