March 2009

Mission
The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families receiving treatment in Ulster County, NY.  It strives to support in the treatment, care and support of all patients and families in our community.
 

History
In 2003, Rosemary Gruner died of lung cancer. During Rosemary’s illness, our family became aware of two things. First, that the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals at Benedictine Hospital provide care that is second to none. Second, while our hearts were broken by the loss of our wife, mother and grandmother, there are many families facing the double scourge of cancer and poverty. These families are left with little or no resources and more often than not, left with no where to turn for assistance. Thus, when we decided to memorialize Rosemary and her spirit of charity we partnered with the Cancer Center and Health Foundation at Benedictine Hospital. Our first fundraiser was a collection of recipes that we compiled into a cookbook entitled, Rosie’s Recipes. While this first venture was a success, it also identified a great need. We are proud to say that our doctors and hospitals never turn away anyone who needs treatment. Yet, many other things become necessary during the treatment program---medications, support hose, wigs, homecare sanitary items, special diets and nutritional supplements, gas money, food etc.

“You don’t know – we didn’t even have milk in the fridge. And the gas cards helped us get to my daughter’s chemo appointments. I don’t know how we would have done it otherwise. Out of all the agencies we’ve contacted since our daughter’s diagnosis, you’re among the only people that have helped us – we don’t know how to thank you".
- Family of 15 year old ovarian cancer patient

In working with the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital, the Gruner Fund identified areas that are not covered by health insurance yet are daily necessities in life while battling cancer. Further, we have developed a process for determining eligibility.

The Need
Now in our fifth year of distribution we are seeing a dramatic increase in requests for assistance. In 2008 we distributed almost $60,000 to cancer patients and their families in Ulster County, NY. This is the result of an increased network of Caregivers and Oncologists who are utilizing the fund which is compounded with rising grocery and gas prices. The challenging economy has also created a much greater demand and through the first quarter of 2009 our distributions are up over 200% in comparison to 2008.

Types of Assistance
The following is a list of products the fund assists patients with:

● Boost or Ensure
● Prosthesis
● Hats and Wigs
● Support Stockings
● Turbans
● Surgical Bras
● Compression Stockings
● Lymph Edema Sleeves
● Grocery Cards
● Gas Cards

Qualifying for Assistance
Patients receiving treatment in Ulster County who have a family annual household income of less than $50,000 or individuals who have an income less than $35,000 are eligible to apply for assistance. Patients are asked to complete a financial assistance form. Once qualified, non-cash assistance up to $500 per calendar year is available. All funds are distributed through the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital which can be reached at 845.334.3171.

Finances and Fundraising
The Fund was founded in 2004 and began distributing money to cancer patients and their families in Ulster County in 2005. To date, we have raised over $415,000 and distributed over $175,000 in the community. By operating on a volunteer basis we have been able to keep our administrative expenses far below the industry standard by operating at 15%. We are proud to state that 100% of the patients that have qualified for assistance have been provided funding to date. This has been achieved by the diligent work of the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital and the money being placed in a restricted Fund within the Health Foundation which allows for direct distribution. To meet this great demand, we have our primary fundraiser, the Annual Bike for Cancer Care (www.bikeforcancer.org ), which takes place in Kingston in September. This year’s ride will take place on Sunday September 26, 2010. The ride features a 5 mile Family Ride, a 25-mile and a 50-mile ride. Now in our seventh year, the Bike for Cancer Care has grown into a community event attracting over 250 riders and 125 volunteers.

“You can’t know how much this means to us. We didn’t know where to turn."
-Wife of a pancreatic cancer patient

Goal
Our goal is provide support to every eligible patient in Ulster County both now and in the future. Thus, we need to continue with our current fundraising efforts while also obtaining additional sources of funding. Contributions can be sent directly to the address below or for additional information please contact Daniel Gruner at 845.417.1865 or dan.gruner@gmail.com

Benedictine Health Foundation
c/o The Rosemary Gruner Fund
105 Marys Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401