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February 4 , 2008

HRMC Auxiliary honored by Canton Relay for Life organizers

Haywood Regional Medical Center Auxiliary members were honored by Canton Relay for Life organizers for their fund-raising efforts for the 2007 Relay for Life event.

Ten auxiliary members walked in the Canton relay, which is one of numerous overnight events nationwide designed to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise money for research and programs through the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps.

Six members of the HRMC Auxiliary are cancer survivors. Among those walkers was auxiliary member Doug Roberson, who later lost his battle with cancer.

“Doug kept working as a patient escort and with the chaplaincy program as long as he was able. He was a real motivation and inspiration to all of us,” said Colleen Jakes, who served as co-captain for the HRMC Auxiliary relay team. Sarah Ledford, who not only walked as a cancer survivor, but also sold more than 50 American Cancer Society wristbands, assisted her.

Auxiliary members also sold luminaries and received donations, raising a total of $1,328 to qualify for the silver award category. Of that amount, $100 was given by the HRMC Auxiliary. A total of $93,033 was raised during the Canton Relay for Life event.

The auxiliary is a major financial contributor to the hospital, raising funds from the gift shop and other fund-raising events throughout the year.

Over the past 15 years, the auxiliary has provided $50,000 to the new outpatient surgery center; $35,000 for the new Hospice and End-of-Life Care Center; five $1,500 scholarships each year to Haywood Community College for students enrolled in a medical field; the canopy cover the hospital entrance; furnished a consultation room in the emergency department and a hospice room in the hospital; purchased an MRI, an oversized wheelchair and a blanket warmer for the emergency department; helped purchase a courtesy van for intra-campus use; and installed an automatic door on the first floor of the hospital.

HRMC Auxiliary members Ron Rookstool and Judy Ross will serve as co-captains for the 2008 Relay for Life team. The Canton Relay for Life event will be held at 6 p.m. May 16 at the Canton Recreation Park. The Waynesville Relay for Life will be held at 6 p.m. on May 9 at Vance Street Recreation Park.

Colleen Jakes and Sarah Ledford, co-captains for the Haywood Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Relay for Life team, are shown with the plaque the auxiliary received from Canton’s Relay for Life organizers Jan. 21 at the Colonial Theater in Canton for their fund-raising efforts.