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Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 28 December 2012 28 December 2012

2012 Adopt-a-Patient

Photo: Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Foundation President Jean Fortenberry (left) and GRMC Foundation Coordinator Ashleigh Garcia (left) hand Gila Regional Cancer Center Director Mike Torres (center) an “Adopt-a-Patient” holiday donation to benefit five southwest New Mexico families who have a member receiving cancer treatment at the Cancer Center.

Cancer doesn't take a holiday! “Being diagnosed with this disease can be a very difficult time for many of our patients, not only medically and emotionally, but also financially,” says Mike Torres, Director of Gila Regional Cancer Center. “These generous gift cards from the hospital Foundation members have enabled us to help cancer patients in our community during the holidays, giving them the ability to buy things they need most,” shares Torres.

Members of the Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Foundation Board made donations directly from their pockets this holiday season to  an “Adopt-a-Patient” effort.  This effort provided gift cards to patients who could use the extra help this holiday season.

Five Gila Regional Cancer Center patient families were selected who reside in various GRMC service areas -- Deming, Glenwood, Hanover, Lordsburg and Silver City. Patients are currently receiving treatments for various diagnoses to include breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma and rectal cancer.

“We hope these gifts alleviated some of the added stress that can come along with the holidays. Best wishes to all for the New Year from GRMC Foundation,” stated Ashleigh Garcia, GRMC Foundation Coordinator.

While the need for help is most acute at the holidays, families coping with cancer can use a hand at other times of the year. Gila Regional Medical Center Foundation offers a Guardian Angel Gift Card Program where monies donated go to buy $25 and $50 gift cards to help Gila Regional Cancer Center patients and their families pay for basic needs – be it prescriptions, fuel, or groceries.

For information about the GRMC Foundation, visit grmc.org/The-Foundation.aspx or call 575-538-4138. Donations are tax-deductible.