Event: Some 130 Friends of Marlene gathered at the Athletic Association hotel in Chicago on Aug. 17 for their “Summer in the City” party to celebrate the life of their dear friend and their fulfillment of her dream. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Marlene Hetzel Palmerson had wished for supportive services, like counseling and nutrition, alongside pharmacological medicine. Unfortunately, having all those in one place was a rarity in 2010. Since her passing, Marlene’s friends have taken up the cause to provide “one-stop” concierge and holistic services for all women battling cancer.
Friends of Marlene is now affiliated with the Northwestern Memorial Foundation and raises funds for the supportive oncology program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
This year, Friends surpassed their fundraising goal, having now raised in excess of $250,000 since their inception.
More Top Picks Best Sensory Tents For Autism
Cause célebre: “We’re gaining ground and we’re thrilled because that kind of money goes a long way towards (funding) supportive services,” said Francine Pepitone of Chicago, Friends of Marlene chairman. “We’re very proud that there isn’t another organization out there that specifically concentrates on this.”
Nearly 100 percent of the funds go to supportive oncology services provided through Northwestern Memorial Foundation by the Maggie Daley Center for Women’s Cancer Care.
“Marlene was desperate to receive those services in one location and that wasn’t possible for her,” said Jean Ferrone of Evanston, host committee member. “So this is awesome because they are all in the same place.”
Cathy Dunlap of Old Norwood Park, committee member, explained that the work in supportive oncology is expanding thanks to the 2015 federal mandate by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer that requires all surgical oncology programs to provide supportive services for patients. “Now the need to serve is mandated so Friends of Marlene dollars are more important than ever!” said Dunlap.
Bottom line: The event raised $19,000.