Bike for Cancer Raises over $92,000

Kingston, N.Y. – Sep. 28, 2009 – 400 riders turned out to show their support of the Sixth Annual Bike for Cancer Care held on Sunday, September 20th, to benefit the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund. The event featured a 5-, 25- and 50-mile ride throughout scenic Ulster County. At the end of the day, riders and volunteers celebrated the success of raising over $92,000 at a finish line with a BBQ and awards ceremony. The Beichert Family and their friends, also known as Team Ozzie/APO, led the way as top fundraising team to bring in over $12,000 in pledges.

The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, in partnership with the Thomas A. Dee Cancer Center at Benedictine Hospital and the Benedictine Health Foundation, provides direct assistance to cancer patients undergoing treatment in Ulster County who are in financial need. The fund provides for products and services not covered by medical insurance, such as nutritional products, prostheses, gift cards to purchase groceries and gas cards so patients can get to treatment. Since the inception of the fund in 2004, over 450 families have received assistance.

“The camaraderie shared at this event demonstrates the commitment our community has to improving the quality of life for cancer patients in financial need,” said Dan Gruner, Event Chair. “The day is filled with emotion and the experience is overwhelming. The event grows each year because of our riders and their supporters, and our family is very grateful for their generosity. I would like to extend a special thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, River Radiology, and our Gold Sponsors: Cumulus Media, Ulster Savings Bank, Colonial Roofing, Timely Signs, Hannaford Supermarkets, Rondout Savings Bank and Anita Williams Peck,” said Gruner.

For further information on the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, contact Sarah Urech, Director of the Oncology Support Program at (845) 339-2071, or Barbara Klassen, Executive Director of the Benedictine Health Foundation at (845) 334-3186.

The Benedictine Health Foundation supports the quality healthcare programs, services, and facilities of Benedictine Hospital, a member of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valleyâ„¢.

Contact
Barbara Klassen
Executive Director
Benedictine Health Foundation
(845) 334-3186
bklassen@benedictine.org
www.hahv.org