The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
The Caring Continues co-founders Bill Cochrane and his sister KC Cimo with their father Bob Cochrane (center).
Battling cancer is tough. It is also tough to face the regular stream of bills and household financial obligations that are part of life when a patient or the patient’s family is unable to work.
Helping with those financial challenges is the mission of The Caring Continues Fund, a cancer patient support program offered through Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Fairview Hospital, Moll Pavilion.
Through the generosity of supporters, Oncology Social Workers at the Cancer Center were able to help over 200 patients this year with rent, utilities, medication, car payments, and transportation to medical appointments.
Their annual fall fundraiser, A Night at the Races, was hosted by Community West Foundation at Wagner’s of Westlake on Saturday, Nov. 15.
A tasty buffet dinner, fun at the video racetrack, and sideboards made this an entertaining evening. More important are the proceeds it generates to benefit the Caring Continues Fund. The Fund provides financial aid to adult cancer patients in their time of need receiving treatment.
Dr. Timothy Spiro, Medical Director of the Moll Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital and his wife Lorraine, support the Caring Continues.
“It is tough enough battling cancer. It is even tougher when the bills for the rent, utilities and groceries come up,” said Dr. Timothy Spiro, Medical Director, Moll Cancer Center. “I see where the funds go that are raised by this event, and they go to help patients with these basic needs. Imagine the hardships of battling cancer and also struggling to keep up with house payments, insurance, medical bills and even groceries. We are so very grateful for this support.”
The fund was started by Bill Cochrane and his sister, KC Cimo. Bill lost his wife to cancer in 2004 and helped create the event as a means of transforming grief into something positive. Bill and KC’s dad, Bob, himself a cancer survivor and former patient of the Moll Center, was on hand this year not only cancer survivor but as a member of the Red Door Four barbershop quartet, adding a special touch of joy to the night.
If you missed the event and would like to contribute to The Caring Continues, please contact Community West Foundation at 216-476-7060.
Click here to view the complete photo gallery.
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- Red Door Four barbershop quartet, provided a beautiful touch to the evening.
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- Susan Dunson, Vice President of Oncology Services, Fairview, Lakewood and Lutheran Hospitals and Dr. Neil Smith, President, Fairview Hospital.
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- Best hat winner Barb O’Malley.
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- Social workers and event coordinators Debbie Adams, Nicole Herbst, Gwen Paull, Sara Follmer and Peggy Filippi.
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- Henry Jacques, Community West Foundation Board, and his wife Betty enjoy the night.
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- Mary Ann Dombrowiak with Peter Schindler, Senior Program Officer, Community West Foundation and Nancy Isherwood.
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- Deb Small, Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Fairview Hospital.
