Wednesday, April 20, 2011

SIGNATURE HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 12TH ANNUAL ‘CHAMPIONS FIGHTING CANCER WALK’

             Will Also Host ‘Champions Ride for Pediatrics’ on Same Day
Brockton, MA – On Sunday, May 1, thousands of walkers will cross Brockton to battle cancer in the 12th annual Champions Fighting Cancer Walk. It is one of the largest charity events in the Metro South area, repeatedly drawing thousands of area residents. With this year’s event, Signature Healthcare will be adding to the $2.2 million in total cash raised over the past eleven years through generous contributions from walkers, their friends and family, Signature employees, and corporate sponsors.

Proceeds benefit Signature Healthcare cancer programs and the Chrystine M. Sullivan Memorial Foundation. Many cancers are treatable if caught early enough, and Signature Healthcare offers a comprehensive group of state-of-the-art treatment and screening options, in addition to support groups and classes, in part due to the generous yearly fundraising of walkers from the community. New this year, a motorcycle ride will take place the same day to help raise money for pediatrics at the hospital, with 100% of the proceeds from the ride benefitting Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Pediatrics Department and services. Fire & Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Station 144 will be hosting the ride.

“We are thrilled this year to add to the walk both the Motorcycle ride, and also the 2nd annual health fair at the conclusion of the walk, as it gives us a greater chance to engage with the community we care about and serve every day,” said Jeff Miller, Signature Healthcare VP of Philanthropy. “We are grateful for the generous support of the community and the continuation of our strong partnership with the Chrystine M. Sullivan Foundation year after year.”

The 4.5-mile walk begins -- rain or shine -- at Brockton High School and finishes at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. A half-way water stop at the Central Branch YMCA continues this year, underscoring Signature Healthcare’s partnership with the Old Colony YMCA on health and wellness programs. Those unable to walk the full route can participate in a shorter 1.5-mile walk that begins at City Hall. Last year, the Walk succeeded in bringing together more than 3,000 walkers and raised nearly $187,000 for the cause. The Walk is completely staffed and organized by volunteers, reducing administrative costs and allowing more funds to be funneled back into the fight against cancer on a local level.


The Chrystine M. Sullivan Memorial Foundation

In 1994, Chrystine Sullivan, then only 48 years old, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer with a prognosis of one year to live. With the support of her husband Bob, and five children, she began her fight with cancer. Chrystine was fortunate. She had excellent health coverage and the financial resources that allowed her to pursue every treatment and option available. Thanks to the support of her family and friends, Chrystine gained five years – five years that allowed her to celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary, see her daughter graduate from nursing school, and her only grandson play in his first baseball game. Still valiantly fighting, Chrystine passed away at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital on August 29, 1999 the place where each of her five children were born.

Prior to her illness, Chrystine worked diligently as a volunteer to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill children and their families. In honor of Chrystine, her family, her husband Bob, and their children established the Chrystine M. Sullivan Memorial Foundation to provide funding for treatment of cancer patients, medical resources, cancer research, and other support.

About Signature Healthcare
Signature Healthcare includes Brockton Hospital as well as Signature Medical Group - 150 physicians and other direct care providers - and a total of 2,500 employees operating from locations in Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton and West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. In 2008 and 2010, Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital received the Premier Award for Quality, ranking it in the top 1% of all acute care hospitals in the country. For more information, individuals interested in walking should call the Signature Healthcare Foundation Office at 508.941.7078 or visit our website at http://www.mysignaturecare.org/.

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How to Get Involved:

Recruit a group. Carry a banner. Wear outrageous hats or costumes. Create a T-Shirt. Stand Out and Stand Up for a lifesaving cause.
Set the pace and volunteer to be a team captain.
Sign up sponsors. Ask friends, co-workers, neighbors, relatives, businesses, civic and religious groups to pledge their support in the fight against cancer.
Create your own sponsor web page. Visit MySignatureCare.org to find out how.
Volunteer to staff the event.

Walk Details:

Registration will be open from 8 – 10 a.m. at Brockton High School.
Pledge sheets and donations must be turned in at registration.
Parking will be available at the High School, and walkers will receive free transportation to their cars after walking.
The walk route will be clearly marked. It begins at Brockton High School’s Marciano Stadium and includes a stroll around the grass of Campanelli Stadium, home of the Brockton Rox.
Brockton Police Officers will be stationed along the way to assist at intersections and with traffic safety.
Water stations and rest rooms will be available along the walk route.
Walkers interested in the shorter route should also register at Brockton High School and a shuttle bus will bring them to City Hall promptly at 10:00 a.m.
At the completion of the walk, the Hospital will offer a ‘Finish-Line’ celebration complete with live entertainment, health fair, raffle items, family-style BQ and other hospital and cancer related sale items.

Ride Details:

Rain or Shine
Registration from 8:30am - 9:30am at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Libby Street Entrance/ Lower Parking Lot
Route will be announced at Registration
Fire & Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Station 144 will be hosting this year's event. For Tickets please call Holly @ (508) 941-7179 for more details.