For Release:
Immediate (Friday, June 29, 2007)

Contact:
Fletcher Allen Public Affairs
802-847-2886

Fletcher Allen Awards $116,000 in Grants for Community Cancer Support Programs

BURLINGTON, VT – Fletcher Allen Health Care today announced that nine local cancer support programs are the latest recipients of funding from the Victoria Buffum Endowed Fund.

The fund was created in 2004 through a generous $1.5 million contribution from former cancer patient Victoria Buffum, who passed away in 2002.  Its goal is to support programs designed to enhance the experience of Fletcher Allen patients diagnosed with a blood disease or cancer.

This year’s recipients include:

• Ann Taylor, “Body Works, A Contact Program for Recovery” – a program to improve and enhance physical contact for the cancer survivor and their chosen family member or friend,
• Sharon Panitch, “Helping Hands:  A Program of Therapeutic, Seated Massage for Hematology/Oncology Outpatients at Fletcher Allen” – provides seated massage for patients before and during their treatments.
• Laurence McCahill, M.D., “Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Patient Education/Support” – a support group to help patients and their families understand options, network with other patients, and provide access to educational information.
• Jennifer Ohler, “‘Getting Back to Healthy’ Cancer Patient Support Group” – a support group to serve adult women who are at risk for, diagnosed with, or are survivors of breast cancer.
• Kim Dittus, Ph.D., M.D., “A Pilot Exercise Intervention for Patient Receiving Treatment for Hematologic Malignancy” – a small trial of a limited number of patients that will provide an opportunity to determine if physical therapy, nursing and medical services can coordinate care to provide a safe effective exercise intervention.
• Stephanie Fraser, M.S.W., “Cancer Patient Support Program Emergency Fund” – a fund that helps to pay for services not covered by any other program—everything from childcare during treatment sessions, co-pays, medications, transportation to treatment, and respite assistance.
• Theora Ward, M.E.D., R.N., C.K.Y.T., “Healing Yoga” – a program that incorporates meditation, movement through the yoga postures, breathing techniques, group support, deep relaxation, and a non-judgmental philosophy of interacting with self and others.
• Kathleen McBeth, M.A., “‘Person to Person’ Cancer Patient Support Program” – a mentoring and support program for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers.
• Chris Holmes, M.D., Ph.D., “An Educational and Treatment Program for Hematology Patients at Risk for or Suffering from Post Thrombotic Syndrome” – a new comprehensive program for patients with deep vein thrombosis or established post-thrombotic syndrome.

“The projects and programs supported by these grants make the entire experience warmer and friendlier for our patients,” said Barbara Grant, M.D., Fletcher Allen hematologist/oncologist and associate professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.  “It’s also great for our team to have this kind of vital support from all aspects of the community.” 

###