WellStar Foundation Gala Raises $350,000+ for Fight Against Cancer

During a special evening featuring cancer survivors, fighters and supporters, more than 600 people attended the WellStar Foundation’s 16th Annual Gala on April 20 at the Cobb Galleria. The Gridiron Gala, which included several Atlanta Falcons’ players and cheerleaders, raised more than $350,000 for WellStar’s A Campaign Today for More Tomorrows.

“The evening’s fun and excitement was surpassed only by the generosity of those in attendance,” said Tracey Atwater, president, WellStar Foundation. “Funds raised that evening will make a huge difference in the lives of many, many patients of WellStar.”

Also part of the Gala celebration, Chief Surgical Officer William R. Mayfield, M.D., was recognized as the 2013 Honored Physician. Dr. Mayfield has been a driving force for WellStar’s Cancer Program, as well as participating in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP), a lung cancer screening collaborative program. A highlight video about Dr. Mayfield was part of the presentation. Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN6k_PIA5H0&feature=youtu.be.
 

Kathy DeJoseph, one-year lung cancer survivor, was selected as the 2013 Honored Patient. Kathy took advantage of a national study on the early detection of lung cancer and enrolled at WellStar Kennestone Hospital with Dr. Mayfield. The first few years of screenings showed no signs of lung cancer, but in year four, Kathy was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer. Being proactive helped Kathy have an early diagnosis and successful treatment plan. She now volunteers at the STAT Clinics of WellStar Kennestone and Cobb Hospitals and brings a warm, understanding presence to others undergoing treatment. To watch an inspiring video of Kathy’s journey, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2LAtuYEpSw&feature=youtu.be.

WellStar’s A Campaign Today for More Tomorrows seeks to align all cancer services under one roof, ensure that WellStar physicians are involved in the latest research with the most up-to-date technology, provide needed patient and family support services and patient assistance, and expand its early detection programs.

Local sports radio and television personality Chuck Oliver served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. The evening also included live and silent auctions, a drum line performance, music and dancing.

The WellStar Foundation’s annual gala raises support and awareness to help our System achieve its vision to deliver world-class healthcare. In just the past three years, the event has raised more than $1 million dollars to help fight two diseases that impact more Georgians than any other: cardiac disease and cancer.