For a ‘Good’ cause
Rotary, SVMC raise over $35K for cancer research
Members of the Porterville Breakfast Rotary Club clad in bright blue shirts gathered with Sierra View Medical Center employees Thursday morning in front of the Roger S. Good Cancer Center to donate a big check with an even bigger dollar amount for cancer research.
This year, SVMC employees from the cancer center raised $19,327, and the Breakfast Rotary Club raised $15,927 from their cancer run and other fundraising events for a total of $35,255.
“Thank you to the Rotary Breakfast Club for all of the support and countless hours in keeping the run going,” said Donna Hefner, CEO of SVMC. “I have five cancer run shirts from recent years, and it’s just really moving to see that we recognize survivors as well as those we lost to cancer. Being part of a family with a cancer survivor is even more touching going through it personally.”
Due to tremendous community support, the PBR cancer run has helped raise over half a million dollars over the past 17 years. All proceeds benefit the SVMC Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center to fund prevention, detec-
tion and outreach efforts for the community.
“It is quite a community effort, seeing all of the community behind us cooperate,” said Crystal Davis, director of the Cancer Treatment Center. “Money is primarily used for our community outreach programs. It allows us to buy materials, brochures and demonstration models that we take to schools, health fairs, community events, support groups and many other events.”
Proceeds fund prevention, detection and outreach efforts for the community, and the Cancer Treatment Center is able to host monthly cancer support groups, yearly prostate screenings, a survivor's celebration event, health fairs and several other community outreach projects.
“Over the years Breakfast Rotary has donated countless amounts of money to the center,” said Dr. Owen Kim, medical director of the Cancer Treatment Center. “I really appreciate not just the material rewards, but the social support that they have given.”
The Porterville Breakfast Rotary Run/walk was developed more than a decade ago after the club experienced devastating losses to cancer. Since its inception, the event honors and recognizes individuals in the Porterville community who have bravely fought and lost their battle with cancer.
“It all started because of fellow Rotarians diagnosed with lung cancer passed away. It touched our club and that's how it began,” said Janice Castle, member of the BRC. “Each organization does its own fundraising, Bank of the Sierra has their own projects they work on for the hospital, and it's just an accumulation of funds.”
With cancer affecting so many individuals worldwide, the run receives tremendous support yearly through over 400 runners from all walks of life. All proceeds from the event remain local and benefit the Cancer Treatment Center, Castle said.
Jenni Byers also a member of the RBC, said she is very happy about the amount everyone was able to raise, and talked about her experience at the cancer race.
“The gentlemen that won the race is Ray Bob Sanchez, who is a cancer survivor,” said Byers. “He received treatment at SVMC. It's just very special when you start to hear some of the stories.”
Dr. Kota Shekar is the newest addition to the cancer center. He is a medical oncologist who started about three weeks ago and plans to work at the center a long time.
“We take in a lot of population in here that do not have insurance. This actually helps a lot, it really does,” said Dr. Shekar. “I appreciate all the help you guys are able to provide for the center.”
The celebration did not end at the check presentation however, as SVMC staff prepared for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Breastfeeding Resource Center later on in the day.