Press Release
2016-05-03
CancerCare® to Honor Helsinn Therapeutics at 28th Annual Festival of Hope Gala
Press Contact:
David Patti
JFK Communications
dpatti@jfkhealth.com
(609) 456-0822
NEW YORK, NY (May 3, 2016) – CancerCare®, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, proudly announces the 28th Annual Festival of Hope Gala to take place Wednesday, May 18 at The Park Savoy in Florham Park, N.J. This year’s annual gala will honor corporate partner, Helsinn, and CancerCare New Jersey Board of Managers member, Joyce Heller.
The prestigious 2016 Corporate Achievement Award will be presented to Helsinn Therapeutics, a key partner in helping CancerCare sustain its vital programs and services. Headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, Helsinn is a privately owned pharmaceutical group. The company is committed to advancing quality patient care through the development and commercialization of cancer supportive care treatments to benefit both patients and caregivers.
Riccardo Braglia, Helsinn Group Vice Chairman and CEO, commented: “I am honored and proud to accept this award from CancerCare on behalf of the Helsinn Group. At Helsinn, we have been improving the everyday lives of patients, always guided by our core family values of respect, integrity and quality. In our collaboration with partners, we look for these values to be reciprocated. CancerCare has for many years been providing support to people with cancer, caregivers, loved ones and the bereaved, and I am sure that Helsinn and CancerCare will continue to work together for many more.”
Fair Lawn, N.J. resident and New Jersey Board of Managers member Joyce Heller will be presented with the 2016 Individual Achievement Award for her 10 years of tireless efforts on behalf of the organization’s mission. Ms. Heller became a passionate advocate and supporter of CancerCare’s programs and services following the death of her husband, Ronald, from cancer in 2004. In his honor, Joyce established The Ronald Heller Memorial Foundation.
“I can personally attest to the support provided through CancerCare’s unparalleled programs and services – all of which are free to patients and caregivers,” said Ms. Heller, who joined a support group and received individual counseling after her husband’s passing. “CancerCare’s social workers in particular are so caring and available. The support they provided saved my life, and I hope to be able to spread awareness so that others may be impacted in the same way that I have.”
The Festival of Hope Gala recognizes individuals and corporate partners who share the organization’s commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. Funds raised will benefit CancerCare’s mission of providing emotional, practical and financial support to people with cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones, with particular emphasis on programs serving families in New Jersey. For over 30 years, CancerCare’s regional office in Ridgewood, N.J. has helped local residents cope with cancer by offering innovative programs, such as the Healing Hearts Bereavement Camp, a free retreat for families coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer.
To learn more about the event, please visit www.cancercare.org/festivalofhope.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).