PALM BEACH – The American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter leadership is thrilled to announce Saturday, March 9, 2013 as the date for their 2013 Hope Gala. It will take place at 6:30pm at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. “The Hope Gala is a well-established tradition and one of our most anticipated fundraisers,” said Jamie Lober, Public Relations Chairman. It is important that the Caribbean community comes out to support our mission of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays because cancer does not discriminate.
“The American Society of Clinical Oncology reported that Caribbean countries had higher rates of cancers of the cervix, esophagus, liver and stomach,” said Lober.
All proceeds from the gala will benefit R.O.C.K. (Reaching out to Cancer Kids) Camp, Florida’s first and only residential for children with cancer. “Kids are exposed to archery, canoeing, the performing arts, horseback riding and more all while under the around-the-clock care of medical professionals,” said Lober. It is nice for them to be around other kids who understand them.
“The kids can talk about how they are feeling but most importantly, have fun and enjoy the adventures and thrills that a typical summer camp experience brings,” said Lober. The American Cancer Society relies on their Leadership team to spread the word about this year’s great cause and special occasion. “We have sharpened our focus to look at the kids and through collaboration, accountability and links to different realms of the community, we are getting a lot done,” said Lober.
The 2013 Hope Gala also marks the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society, an organization that has taken a lot of time to discuss the numbers. “I love talking about the numbers, like the number of people affected by cancer, the number of people who trust the American Cancer Society and give them money, the number of researchers working hard and the number of legislators voting for progress in the fight against cancer,” said Lober. Lober feels the best numbers are yet to come. “I do not talk about numbers lightly and I cannot wait to talk about the number of lives saved,” said Lober. The work starts in Boca Raton. “With staff partners Audra Cardillo and Ellen Vaughan, it is like we have a field army over here of incredible health activists and all-around dedicated ladies who are in their job for the right reasons,” said Lober.
At the gala, you can expect to find a gourmet dinner, exciting live and silent auction items and world class entertainment. The American Cancer Society has gone above and beyond to ensure that the night is memorable. “We have so many little victories to celebrate including the development of treatments like Herceptin and Gleevec that have proven how certain molecules can target and block cancer-causing abnormalities,” said Lober. As a result of their research and commitment to the cause, people are able to talk about survivorship. “It is alarming how many people have a personal history of cancer and are still with us today and unfortunately it is predicted that the number will double in future decades,” said Lober.
Considering that the 2013 Hope Gala marks the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society, it is a prime time to join the movement. The American Cancer Society relies on your support and contributions to continue the work they do.
“I know we are doing the right things with the resources you provide us and it is both an honor and obligation that I have placed upon myself to make sure we carry out our goals,” said Lober. Another reason it is so critical for the Caribbean community to come out is to acknowledge the fact that we have a global mission. “We have evidence-based programs going on around the world that make tobacco control and cancer priorities on global health agendas,” said Lober.
You can contact Ellen Vaughan, unit executive director at (561)-394-7751, x5308 or [email protected] for information about tickets or sponsorships.
“In the Caribbean community, like everywhere else, there is a clear need to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back and that is what we are all about,” said Lober.
