A much-valued transportation program helps cancer patients keep their treatment appointments.
When cancer patients need chemotherapy or daily radiation treatments that can last for weeks at a time, finding rides to and from the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center can be a struggle. To ease this burden, Community Medical Center (CMC) provides free transportation for these patients.
“We’re so proud of this program because it’s funded through the generosity of donors to the CMC Foundation,” says Richard J. Pallamary, Vice President for Development. “The patients who get rides are extremely grateful—not only for the transportation but also for the friendly and caring drivers who are there to assist them at a very difficult time in their lives. ”
The program started in 2007, when the first vehicle was purchased and two part-time drivers were hired. That car was retired after 150,000 miles. Today, the hospital owns two cars and employs three part-time drivers who make 2,000 round trips a year transporting patients to and from the Cancer Center. The annual CMC Foundation Red, White & Brew Wine Tasting event helps fund the transportation program.
The event is organized by the Wine Tasting Committee, which works tirelessly to make each year’s event more successful than the prior year. Held at the Toms River Country Club, with more than 400 community members attending, the wine tasting features local restaurants and distributors who donate food, wine and beer. At the event, a deserving individual is recognized with the Rosanne L. Citta Community Impact Award.
This year, the wine tasting will be held on June 5 with live music, as well as a raffle and silent auction. The event has raised more than $1 million since its inception and brings in approximately $100,000 annually. Last year, the funds were used for the transportation program and renovating rooms on the oncology inpatient unit. “We’re grateful for the support we receive through this event and sincerely appreciate the time the committee spends to improve access to care for our patients,” says Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer.
For more information about the Red, White & Brew Wine Tasting event, call 732.557.8131 or visit www.CMCGiving.org.