CRCD’s Casino Night a jackpot for patients
HOLTVILLE — A full house was flush with excitement and their gamble to support Cancer Resource Center of the Desert’s 10th anniversary gala paid off a jackpot for patients needing help here Friday.
A sold out audience of 335 gathered at Imperial Palms Hotel & Resort to receive $500 in house script to try their luck at blackjack, Texas hold ‘em, roulette and casino craps to win a TV, microwave, Del Mar races club house pass, Riverside resort vacation or other treats all in support of CRCD.
Helen Palomino, chief executive officer, exclaimed excitement and felt privileged that so many supported them.
Just in 2017 there were six uninsured who received a value of $570,000 in benefits through CRCD’s patient navigation services.
“CRCD works as a skilled mediator to link up patients with a private insurer, Medicaid, Covered California or other options to remove barriers to health care,” said Palomino. “We provide access points to care. Ill patients are too distressed to negotiate cancer care, so we’ll steer them through the financial pot holes and minimize medical delays by negotiating sustainable care.”
A cancer survivor himself, Richard Fragale, CRCD board chairman, noted all their funds are donations. “CRCD fund raising is my passion,” declared Fragale. “I give kudos to Veronica Platero (vice-chair), she does an incredible job.
And all resources raised stays here in the Valley.
And we’re thrilled to have Mike Haynes, NFL Hall of Famer as our keynote speaker.
Haynes, a prostate cancer survivor, marvels at Palomino, noting to see her no one would guess at her cancer struggle and recovery.
But Haynes related sobering statistics that one in seven men (one in five for African Americans) are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s a subject men prefer to avoid but they cannot wait until their 50s to investigate their family cancer history.
There is still a lot of education men need to initiate to ensure longevity.
“It’s slow growing so most men should die with prostate cancer, not from it,” said Haynes. “Men need to face up and deal with it, because the sooner it’s detected the better chance for survival.”
Haynes added, his focus for the last six months has been on vetting Cannabis CBD (cannabidiol, key ingredient) to help patients manage pain. “The anecdotal accounts by users are remarkable,” he said. “CBD is used to treat cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer’s. It’s be great to see research regarding its use for cancer and other health problems.”
The enthusiasm the community has shown for the CRCD gala over the decade has been a humbling experience remarked Diana Peacher, co-founder and former CEO.
Even though CRCD has served over 2,200 patients there are many who have not accessed it.
“By working with CRCD social workers, patients will realize they can gain significant benefits from the guidance we can offer them.”