Pictured in the photo: L-R Kristin Melville, Executive Director, WCA Foundation, Anne Sischo, Founder of the Shades of Pink Golf Tournament, Brooke Mareri, Mammographer at UPMC Chautauqua Mammography Department, and Tammara Hodges, Director of Imaging Services at UPMC Chautauqua. Anne Sischo presents the UPMC Chautauqua Mammography Department with the proceeds of the Shades of Pink Golf Tournament that was held on August 4, at South Hills Country Club.
Shades of Pink Golf Tournament founder and philanthropist, Anne Sischo presented UPMC Chautauqua’s Mammography Department with a check for $20,982 from the proceeds of the Annual Shades of Pink Golf Tournament that was held on August 4, at South Hills Country Club. Anne, a cancer survivor was diagnosed in 2015 with breast cancer. After receiving a full recovery, Anne wanted to pay it forward to help other breast cancer patients. While receiving care, she recognized the distinct benefits of clinical navigators. Clinical navigators guide patients through the health care system through the maze of scheduled tests, appointments, and shared information. Anne said, “Clinical navigators are critical to patients’ support systems by building relationships that ease the anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. Their support makes a significant difference in directing the phases of care from diagnosis, treatment, and surgery by coordinating their care each step of the way.” Anne and her husband, Steve Sischo, along with good friend, Randy Grey raised the initial funds to create an endowment at the WCA Foundation through their shared love of golf. The Shades of Pink Golf Tournament was born and has expanded over the past eight years bringing together more friends, families, neighbors, and business sponsors. Today, local patients have benefited from their philanthropy; the fund has grown to over $60,000. Funds from the endowment continue to support clinical navigator certifications, mammography staff development, and prevention education. The goal of the annual tournament is to raise funds so that every breast cancer patient receives what they need to move forward to their next stage of survivorship.
Kristin Melville, executive director of the WCA Foundation said, “ When I think of Anne and Steve and how they have rallied their community to help others, I think of the quote made famous by Margaret Meade, American cultural anthropologist, who said, “ ‘ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ‘ ”
For those who would like to make a gift to support the Shades of Pink Endowment at the WCA Foundation may visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or may contact the WCA Foundation at 716-664-8665, or mail a tax deductible gift to the WCA Foundation, Jones Health, 51 Glasgow, Avenue, PO Box 840, Jamestown, NY 14702-0840.