The Board of Directors and Executive Director of the WCA Foundation recently recognized Brian Durniok, Market President, Northwest PA and NY and Oncologist, Dr. Rohit Gosain for their contributions in the creation of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua. As an administrator and physician, their partnership, along with many professional staff and skilled clinicians have resulted in the formation of a high quality, innovative cancer center in Chautauqua County.
A former WCA Foundation endowment fund was renamed to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua to recognize both Durniok and Gosain’s accomplishments. A gift of $5,000 from the Board of Directors was presented in their honor at the WCA Foundation’s June Board meeting. The endowment funds will improve the quality of life for local patients receiving treatment for cancer.
While the WCA Foundation has several funds that are earmarked for specific purposes, the new fund will provide local patients receiving cancer care at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua help with basic needs.
Kristin Melville, Executive Director of the WCA Foundation said, “Support for patients receiving cancer care has been clearly apparent by the many requests we receive for basic needs. It is terribly disheartening to hear of patients who are concerned about transportation to and from treatments, utility bills, medications, or groceries. These are very realistic burdens that take away from their concentration to overcome cancer.”
Melville continued, “There is an unfortunate misconception local dollars donated to the WCA Foundation for UPMC Chautauqua do not stay local, or if they are needed at all. This could not be further from the truth. It is the WCA Foundation’s mission to raise, invest, and distribute funds for local patients receiving care at UPMC Chautauqua. I think we all are aware as consumers the growing cost of healthcare. Cancer care is a very good example. Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, their care can cost much more than anticipated. We are here to support local residents and to improve their quality of life here at home. The funds the WCA Foundation distributes are for you and me, and all who need a lift-up in their wellness journey.”
All donations of any size, gifts of remembrance and encouragement will be accepted to the new fund at WCA Foundation, Inc., Jones Health 51 Glasgow Avenue, PO Box 840, Jamestown, NY, 14702 c/o UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua, or online at www.wcafoundationjamestown.org. FMI contact: Kristin Melville at the WCA Foundation office at 716-664-8665 or Melvillek@upmc.edu