American Cancer Society

South Palm Beach Chapter Announces

2013 Hope Gala

The holidays can be a stressful time for people whose loved ones are facing cancer. Jamie Lober, Public Relations Chairman for the American Cancer Society, knows this first hand. “I know it is okay to express different emotions and that I must take care of myself, get enough sleep and enlist support of friends,” said Lober. Entering her role as Public Relations Chairman for the American Cancer Society this fall is a choice she speaks of very seriously. “I should probably say I am in this because I have a lengthy background in public relations or that I want to be involved in the community but to be truthful, I am in this for my father and I will be doing this until rare cancer is cured,” said Lober. Lober joked that hopefully that means it will be a short term but said she has no plans to leave the organization and that it is an extremely gratifying way to spend her time. “Each member of the leadership accepted their role for a different reason but we share the common vision of creating a world without cancer,” said Lober.

The American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter leadership is pleased to declare Saturday, March 9, 2013 as the date for their 2013 Hope Gala. All proceeds will benefit R.O.C.K. (Reaching out to Cancer Kids) Camp, Florida’s first and only residential for children with cancer. “The camp was established in 1976 and serves youth between ages 7 and 16 who are referred by pediatric oncology centers and private practices and are currently or previously treated for cancer,” said Lober. Considering that one of the toughest side effects for kids with cancer is feeling different from their peers, R.O.C.K. Camp is a great way to put differences aside and enjoy the adventure and fun that summer brings.

The 2013 Hope Gala celebrates a very special milestone, the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society, an organization best known for their mission to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Over the years the organization has hosted fundraisers, provided rides for patients to get to treatment, distributed valuable information about cancer prevention and management and even helped to pass laws to defeat cancer. “You may not know that insurance companies cover cancer screenings like Pap smears and mammograms as well as colonoscopies because the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, got laws passed that required it,” said Lober. Smoke-free environments are becoming more common as a result of their efforts as well. “More than thirty states are now smoke-free because of our advocacy and devotion to keeping cancer a public policy issue and not just a medical one,” said Lober.

To join in celebrating their numerous accomplishments, the American Cancer Society will welcome 2013 Hope Gala Honorary Chairman, Peter R. Baronoff, CEO of Promise Healthcare in Boca Raton. Promise Healthcare is described as one of the leading LTAC hospital companies in the United States which owns 15 hospitals in six states and has plans for expansion. “I am glad Baronoff will grace us with his presence at this evening filled with a gourmet meal, live and silent auctions, entertainment and dancing,” said Lober. If you like what you are reading, you can contact Ellen Vaughan, unit executive director at (561)-394-7751, x5308 or [email protected] for information about tickets or sponsorships.