For the first time in either organizations history the American Cancer Society and Gilda’s Club will combine forces to help community members deal with the hardships of cancer.
At a Thursday, June 24, announcement members of both organizations touted the importance of the merger and benefits ranging from improved services, increased efficiency and convenience and financial benefits.
We’re so excited that what we’re doing is keeping this great thing alive, said Robert Blackman, chairman of the board for Gilda’s Club Capital Region New York.
Gilda’s Club is located at One Penny Lane off of Wade Road in Latham and offers `social and emotional support` for cancer patients and their family.
Blackman said he is glad the research, data and information driven American Cancer Society can help increase the `breadth` and `scope` of available services for patients.
An enhanced medical research room with more information will be available at Gilda’s Club with the help of the merger, he said.
`Our goal is one plus one equals three,` he said, citing all of the hard work and vision put forth by both organizations.
Stuart Jones, an attorney and substantial donator Gilda’s Club said he is thrilled at the idea of merging the two organizations.
`Cancer is my cause. It should be everyone’s cause because it’s an epidemic,` he said.
He said no one should have to feel isolated after being diagnosed with cancer, and both organizations work hard to make people feel comfortable during the journey through cancer.
`This is a double win-win,` he said. `We’ve got work to do, but we’ve got the people who can make it happen.`
With the recent growth of those using services at Gilda’s Club, around 300 percent in recent years and the increased number of baby boomers who are diagnosed with cancer it is vital to provide support for them and their families.
In the last 12 months 191 cancer patients and their family began taking advantage of Gilda’s Club services, including `Noogieland` a kid-friendly environment where children learn to cope with cancer.
The free services are provided to a total of 271 members who are provided with education, workshops and social gatherings.
Dr. William Cromie, a cancer survivor and former president and chief operating officer of the Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan credited the `courage, vision and tenacity of the groups’ leaders touting the cutting edge research the American Cancer Society helps fund.
According to information from the ACS, close to $4.4 million is brought into Capital District research through seven active grants and the ACS is the largest private funding group for cancer research in the U.S.
Diana Martin, ACS regional vice president said if not for the willingness of the two organizations to work together and the `trust on the table on both sides, the merger may never have come to fruition.
She said the two organizations have always complemented each other and now the ability to increases efficiency and the `economy of scale` will help serve 3,300 patients locally.
The ACS Loudonville location will remain active through the merger although One Penny Lane will be the focal point of activity.
`We hope this will serve as a model for collaboration in the non-profit community.`
The merger is expected to take a few months with final approval from the New York State Attorney General having the final say in the fall.
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