|
Mayor Thomas Menino and The Wellness Community-Greater Boston to Establish First of its Kind Cancer
Tribute on City Hall Plaza Boston, MA – December 17, 2007 – Mayor Thomas Menino and The Wellness Community-Greater Boston (TWC), a non-profit organization providing free support, education and stress management programs for people with cancer, today announced the creation of The Cancer Garden of Hope, a tribute to be unveiled on City Hall Plaza in 2008. This first of its kind tribute will be developed on an existing structure at City Hall Plaza with approximately 4,000 commemorative bricks as well as a series of trees and park benches that will include commemorative plaques.
“The Wellness Community is providing a truly needed resource and sanctuary for those members of our community facing the real issues surrounding not only a cancer diagnosis but the reality of how to live with the disease,” said Thomas Menino, Mayor of Boston. “This tribute will be a wonderful acknowledgement to all of those people who have faced cancer with dignity and strength.”
This cancer tribute is the largest of its kind in the country. With an inaugural gift from the Friends of Mel Foundation, it is expected to raise more than $1 million dollars to support the free cancer support, education and stress management programs offered by The Wellness Community in their four Greater Boston facilities: TWC Newton, in Roxbury at TWC at Dimock (in conjunction with Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center and The Dimock Center), in Hanover at TWC at Pathways Center for Cancer Support and in Salem at TWC at Sue’s Circle of Hope (in partnership with the Susan de Vries Cancer Foundation).
The cost of commemorative bricks and plaques will vary so everyone who is interested can participate. Bricks are available to the public at www.wellnesscommunity.org; by picking up a tribute order form at the information center at Boston City Hall; or by calling The Wellness Community at (617) 332-1919.
“Mayor Menino has been a leader in the fight against cancer and The Wellness Community greatly appreciates his dedication to ensuring that cancer support, education and stress management programs continue to be available, free of charge, throughout Greater Boston,” said Ronald Lipof, president and CEO of TWC. “Today, a cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence but rather a journey for most diagnosed with the disease. The Cancer Garden of Hope will serve as a tribute to those living with cancer and those unsung heroes that have helped play a part in the lives of those living with the disease.”
About The Wellness Community The Wellness Community is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones by providing a professional program of support, education and hope. Located in Newton, Roxbury, Hanover and Salem, all programs and support services are free of charge. For more information, please contact The Wellness Community-Greater Boston at 617-332-1919, or visit the organization’s website at www.wellnesscommunity.org.
Contact:
|
Copyright 2008, The Wellness Community-Greater Boston
| Make a tax deductible donation. |
