Press Release:
Gala of Hope Foundation Honors and Supports Veteran Cancer Patients in November
Beavercreek, OH, October 18, 2023
Gala of Hope Foundation deepens its honor and support of veteran cancer patients in the greater Dayton community, launching a Veterans Hope Fund to give greater hope to those in active treatment. Its first initiative, Boxes of Hope, tied into Veterans Day, applauds veteran cancer patients for their service and reminds them others stand with them in their journeys.
In the month of November, Gala of Hope will deliver a Box of Hope to about 100 veteran cancer patients in active treatment. A Box of Hope provides important care items including limited non-perishable food items and grocery gift card; hat, gloves, scarf, and a lap blanket for the winter months; and other helps to whole health. Along with each box, transportation for the duration of treatment is also assured for that patient recipient and two others.
Generous support has already provided over half of the Boxes of Hope needed. Gala looks to see the remainder covered by October 31. A gift of $350 covers a box and associated transportation. CareSource Foundation has joined this effort with a challenge grant of $10,000 to encourage additional gifts from other individuals and organizations. “Supporting the Gala of Hope Foundation is a direct reflection of CareSource’s commitment to the health and well-being of our military personnel, veterans and their families,” said Selene Martin, associate vice president of corporate affairs for CareSource Military & Veterans. “The Veterans Hope Fund addresses specific challenges veterans face during cancer treatment, such as transportation and food insecurity. It's not just about medical coverage; it's about comprehensive care and enhancing their overall quality of life, and we are honored to support this meaningful work."
“Cancer patients generally face significant financial challenges, and most see their expenses increase on average $800 per month for the duration of treatment,” shared Jeff Brock, Executive Director. “For most, steady transportation to and from treatment becomes difficult along with food insecurity, as they often make choices on how to spend limited funds. Military veterans are three times more likely to face these challenges. This initiative is intended to help reduce, if not relieve, transportation and food insecurity struggles for these veterans who have done so much for us.”
Helping coordinate this initiative for Gala of Hope is its newly formed Defense Advisory Council, led by Carly Cox, president of JJR Solutions and a member of Gala’s Board. “Veterans play a vital role in our community, thanks to Wright Patt AFB, and many veterans anchor businesses serving the defense industry and beyond,” explained Cox. “We care for veterans, particularly veterans in need. Boxes of Hope will help show that care first-hand. No one battles cancer alone, and veterans must know we are here for them. Steady transportation to and from treatment and food security better ensure they become survivors. This is quite a commitment for Gala of Hope, but we believe our generous community will step up to help. We’re thankful for those who already have, and we encourage others to join them.”
Gala is pleased to announce generous partners helping give this care to veterans: Victory sponsors: Hometown Heroes/Dayton Development Coalition, CareSource Foundation, JJR Solutions, PNC Bank, Wright Patt Credit Union Sunshine Community Fund, Hope Sponsors: Anderson Financial Strategies, Battle Sight, BTAS, City Hope Church-Springboro, Clark Family Dental, The FoodBank, Mile 2, Pepsi
To join them and give, visit www.galaofhope.net/boxesofhope
“Our veterans deserve the best of care,” Cox said. “Who will take better care of them than their community? Dayton does it like no other, and Gala of Hope wants these veterans to have the best of care to help them beat their cancer, perhaps their greatest battle. Let’s give them hope!”
About Gala of Hope Foundation
Gala of Hope Foundation was founded in 2014 to serve the Dayton region as a financial resource for cancer patients, cancer treatment, and local cancer research. At its core, Gala of Hope Foundation was created and is sustained by gifts from generous people committed to changing the face of cancer in the Dayton region, intent to diminish cancer and its effects on patients, reduce the number who perish in cancer’s grip; and ultimately the number who face cancer.
For more information, contact Jeff Brock, Executive Director at 937-239-5482 or visit www.galaofhope.net