Ed Smith spoke with Holly Dutcher, the Executive Director at C.U.R.E Childhood Cancer Association in Rochester.
-She spoke about their mission which is to improve the lives of those dealing with cancer and their family members and families that have lost children to cancer.
-Holly talked about how they provide education, social, emotional and financial support to them.
-These services are provided at no cost and so the generous support of the community and their fundraising events are important and is what makes it possible.
-She explained the process of how families are referred to them by the staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
-Holly said a big focus for them now is providing more support to bereaved families. Holly said that many times when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the family receives a lot of support but if the child passes away many times the support drops off.
-They now have a staff member who is a bereaved family advocate, providing support to families by facilitating gatherings and social support programs.
-She talked about their summer picnic and Christmas in July. Both of these events are just two examples of how they are providing support to families and trying to give them an escape or a period of happiness during a very stressful time.
-Holly encouraged people to volunteer to help them execute an event or just keep up with the day to day at their office.
-They have an annual golf tournament coming up, all of the proceeds will stay local and support families.
-She explained what CURE ambassadors are, they are people that make a monthly donation of any size.