Woman’s Cancer Association of UM 2013 – 2014
The Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami has a long history of raising funds to support the cancer research doctors of the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since its beginning in 1959, we have raised over $12,000,000.00. In 2013-2014, we awarded grants totaling $271,828.00 supporting six doctors in their cancer research, which provide new treatments, patient options, and the saving of lives. We gave $45,000 more than last year thanks to the hard work of all our volunteers. None of our executive board receives a salary, as we are an all-volunteer organization. Many thanks to our three chapters, Barton-Ravlin, Franklin C. Bush, and Heidi Hewes, for their fundraising events throughout the year.
The Silver Lady Fund of the WCA provides temporary support to cancer patients. The social workers at the hospitals communicate special needs to us and we provide money to assist patients from three to six months. This year $14,383.00 went to support patients. For the first time, the Silver Lady Fund awarded a $5,000 Grant to support a doctor sponsoring a program for patient care.
The Bargain Box, a thrift store WCA owns and operates, made a number of improvements to our store located at 1350 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL. The Bargain Box not only raises funds for research, but provides a service to the community with quality items that are cost effective. Our focus this year is to market the store to increase the income and raise more money for cancer research.
The website, iGive.com, supports non-profit organizations with thousands of participating stores giving a percentage of the sales to charity. Our income from this fundraiser has increased this year and we hope to keep it growing. Please, sign-up for free at www.iGive.com/WCA. There is no cost to the customers with this online shopping service.
This year I joined the Development Committee at Sylvester. Our WCA Board met with Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Director Sylvester Comprehensive Care Center. Our partnership continues to grow. It is an honor to serve as President of the Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami.
Nora M. Tenney
WCA President