YMCA Cancer Awareness project helps support local services

Vincent Allen, YMCA Director of Business Operations and Health Living, presents a check to Amber Reynolds-Lorentz, Anderson Center for Radiation Oncology physician assistant, for cancer awareness and support. Representation from Community Hospital Health Foundation, Anderson Cancer Center for Radiation Oncology and Ed Thomas YMCA is shown, from left, Jessica Bortner, Tiffany Herrman, Amber Reynolds-Lorentz, Lori Rousselle, Erin Schmidt, Emily Yager, Allen Vincent, Jeff Johnson, Kelsey Messinger, Angie Swanson and Mitch Gross.

Courtesy photo

McCOOK, Neb. — The Ed Thomas YMCA raised funds during October in support of local cancer services provided by the Anderson Center for Radiation Oncology, a department of Community Hospital.

Throughout October, the YMCA held a variety of exercise classes and activities that raised funds for cancer support. The YMCA then matched the funds to provide a total $500 gift in support of cancer awareness and cancer care services. The check was given to the Community Hospital Health Foundation where the funds are designated for cancer care which will provide a variety of cancer support needs.

Vincent Allen, YMCA Director of Business Operations and Healthy Living, commented the fundraising started with a Pink RYDE cycling class on Saturdays with donations accepted and expanded to additional program opportunities. "The YMCA of McCook loves our community and wants to make a difference in the lives of those who are facing cancer,” he said. “That’s why we organized a fundraiser event for October to support the amazing work of the Anderson Cancer for Radiation Center. We are proud to help the center offer the latest and best radiation therapy for our friends and neighbors who are fighting this disease."

Amber Reynolds-Lorentz, Physician Assistant at the Anderson Center for Radiation Oncology, accepted the gift. “On behalf of the Anderson Center for Radiation Oncology, we are extremely grateful to the YMCA for thinking of our services and raising funds for our center,” she said. “We are also thankful for the support of the community in contributing to the efforts to help cancer patients in our region,” she added.

Designated cancer care funds at the Health Foundation support Community Hospital’s cancer care services with equipment grants, education support, and a variety of navigational patient care needs. To learn more about the Community Hospital Health Foundation or to make a donation in support of local cancer care services call (308) 344-7222 or go to www.chmccook.org/foundation.