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Local Oncology Nurse Plans Successful Fundraiser Raises $8,000 for Fight Against Cancer!
February 22, 2008 | American Cancer Society
(Andover, MA) - Andover resident, Patty Bateson, is a woman with a passion for helping cancer patients and their loved ones in her community. Patty, a breast cancer survivor and a longtime oncology nurse for Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology in Lawrence, attended a retreat for cancer survivors and oncology nurses. It was here, after hearing a success story from a woman in Arizona, that she got the idea to host a fashion show and raise funds for the fight against cancer. “The idea of the event touched my heart, I knew I had to do something,” explained Patty.
With help from family, friends, and co-workers, Patty spent the following months devoting all her extra time, talent, and energy to “Fashion for Life.” Patty coordinated twentyfour models for the event, all of whom are cancer survivors. For their time on the runway, each model chose their own song and wrote a story to share. Fashion donations were provided by Black Tie Affair of Andover, Harley Davidson of Manchester, Lady Grace of Rockingham, Talbots of Rockingham, and fashion designers Nidia Sosa of Fashion River and Isabel Jaime. The evening also included boutiques, raffles, dinner, and an inspiring survivor speaker, Augusta Williams of North Andover. Methuen resident and close friend of Patty, Lee Sugden, who modeled for the event, described “Fashion for Life” as “. . . an incredible, uplifting, inspiring day. Lots of emotion tied up in one evening.”
The successful event, held at the Haverhill Country Club, gathered 230 guests who raised $8,000 for the fight against cancer! Patty donated all proceeds from “Fashion for Life” to the American Cancer Society. Blanca Figueroa, Community Executive for Cancer Control, with the American Cancer Society states, “Patty’s dedication to make a difference in the fight against cancer is an inspiration to us all. The funds she has worked tirelessly to raise will support the Society’s research program.”
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology has offices and clinical sites throughout the state and is the largest private practice cancer care network in New England. Known for its leadership in community-based cancer care, CHO physicians have been caring for patients for over three decades. CHO was the first group practice in the state to develop treatment guidelines for specific cancers, the first to develop a computerized software program for chemotherapy ordering, the first to create a patient advocacy program, and the first to be selected by the National Cancer Institute for admission to a community-based clinical trials program. For more information, visit www.chomed.com.