Kingston, N.Y. – Sept. 9, 2015 – On Oct. 1, the HealthAlliance Foundation will once again hold a cruise on the Hudson River to raise funds for cancer services. Guests onboard the Rip Van Winkle, however, will see a few changes.
Specifically, the cruise has a new name — "Anchors Aweigh" — and the funds will benefit one particular program at HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley: the Oncology Support Program.
"We are very excited to focus this event on the Oncology Support Program," said Steffen T. Kraehmer, Executive Director of the HealthAlliance Foundation. "OSP offers so much to people affected by cancer, and we are pleased to help raise 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 impacted by cancer, said OSP Director Ellen Marshall.
"Cancer can be a life-changer at so many levels," said 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."
It is this focus on easing the burdens of cancer patients and survivors that led to the cruise's new moniker. In the past, the event was called "Cruisin' for the Cure." Its new name, "Anchors Aweigh," is a nautical term indicating that the anchor is up and the ship is under way. "It's a fitting description of how OSP helps people," Kraehmer explained. "Ellen and her team lift the weight from people experiencing cancer and help them navigate their journey."
One such person is Kat Caverly, a cancer survivor and participant in OSP. "Every time I walk through the doors of the Reuner House, I feel like I am coming home," Caverly said of OSP's homelike setting at 80 Mary's Ave. in Kingston, across from HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus. "It is a place filled with people to process life's hardest moments with — people who, like me, face the fears of cancer every day."
Caverly, who recently created a short documentary about her cancer treatment, titled "Coping with Uncertainty," will be on board the Rip Van Winkle during the "Anchors Aweigh" event to share her OSP experience with other cruise-goers.
"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. Proceeds benefit OSP.
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, Fust Charles Chambers, Optimus Architecture and Ulster Federal Credit Union.
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About The HealthAlliance Foundation
The HealthAlliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley's mission, healthcare programs, services and facilities. The HealthAlliance Foundation continues its development efforts for the HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway and Mary's Avenue campuses, as well as the Woodland Pond CCRC in New Paltz. For further information about The HealthAlliance Foundation, please visit FoundationUpdate.org or contact Steffen T. Kraehmer, CFRE, Executive Director, at 845.334.2760.
About The Oncology Support Program
The Oncology Support Program is composed of a team of compassionate oncology social workers, graduate interns and volunteers dedicated to supporting people in our community affected by cancer. The OSP offers counseling, a variety of support groups and survivorship programs, along with financial assistance to those impacted by cancer. 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 of the Hudson Valley®
HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley® is the alignment of HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus and Broadway Campus, as well as Margaretville Hospital, Mountainside Residential Care Center and Woodland Pond at New Paltz. As the parent organization with a unified governance structure, the goal of HealthAlliance is to strengthen the quality of care and bring forward enhanced technology to serve the present and future healthcare needs in the Hudson Valley. HealthAlliance and its affiliate facilities are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and ensuring patient safety, privacy and dignity to all. For further information about HealthAlliance, visit our web site at hahv.org.
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