Mission
The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, in partnership with the Thomas A. Dee Cancer Center at Benedictine Hospital and the Benedictine Health Foundation, strives to aid in the treatment, care, and support of cancer patients in need. The Fund provides financial assistance for residents of Ulster County regardless of the facility or location they currently receive cancer treatment from, and also for residents of neighboring Hudson Valley Counties who are receiving cancer treatment from a facility within Ulster County.
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 health care 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 Thomas A. Dee Cancer Center and the Benedictine Health Foundation. 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 seventh year of distribution we are seeing a dramatic increase in requests for assistance. In 2010, we distributed over $70,000 to cancer patients and their families. 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 2011.
Types of Assistance
The Fund currently provides assistance of grocery and/or gas gift cards to patients meeting the financial qualifications. The Fund may also provide assistance for the following when a patient’s health insurance does not cover a required cancer treatment product:
• Nutritional Products • Prosthesis • Lymph Edema Sleeves
• Wigs • Turbans • Surgical Bras
• Compression Stockings
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. Please contact the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital (845) 339-2071 to inquire about the fund or to receive an application.
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, distributions have been made to more than 700 patients and their families in all areas of the Hudson Valley including Catskill, Kingston, Saugerties, Kerhonkson, Ellenville, Accord, Woodstock, High Falls, Rhinebeck, and Shandaken.
By operating on a volunteer basis, we have been able to keep our administrative expenses far below the industry standard by operating at 10%. 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 staff at the Benedictine Health Foundation who administers the fund and allows for direct distribution. To continue to meet the demand for funding, we have our primary fundraiser, the Annual Bike for Cancer Care which takes place in Kingston in September. This year’s ride will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2011. The ride features a 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 450 riders and 125 volunteers.
Goal
Our goal is provide support to every eligible patient that applies for funding both now and in the future. Therefore, we need to continue with our current fundraising efforts while also obtaining additional sources of funding. For additional information please contact Daniel Gruner at (845) 417.1865 or email, dan.gruner@gmail.com, or Barbara Klassen, Executive Director, Benedictine Health Foundation at (845) 334.3186 or email, bklassen@benedictine.org.
Contributions can be sent directly to the address below, or you can donate online through Network for Good on this web site.
Benedictine Health Foundation
c/o The Rosemary Gruner Fund
105 Mary’s Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401
