NEWS FROM CANCER CARE CONNECTION AND DELAWARE HOSPICE, INC.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Breen, Cancer Care Connection
Phone: 302-266-9686
pbreen@can-connect.org
Arlene Boles, Delaware Hospice

Delaware Hospice Receives Arsht Beacon Award for Extraordinary Service

WILMINGTON, DE (December 5, 2003): The Honorable Roxana C. Arsht Beacon Award has been awarded to Delaware Hospice by the Cancer Care Connection (CCC). A tribute from Governor Ruth Ann Minner in which she personally recognized Delaware Hospice’s extraordinary service to the community was a highlight of the award presentation held December 4th in Wilmington. Over 40 Delaware Hospice staff, board members, and volunteers attended the ceremony.

The Arsht Beacon Award honors an individual or group for distinguishing themselves for their vision and actions to improve the lives of people affected by cancer in Delaware. Cancer Care Connection Executive Director, Paula Breen said, “Delaware Hospice, the state’s only nonprofit, community-based hospice, has been a beacon since 1982 for more than 17,500 patients and their families dealing with terminal illnesses. Delaware Hospice combines the highest standard in pain and symptom management with care and humanity. Their enormous efforts and commitment helps patients at the end of life and their families find comfort, courage and serenity.”

Susan Lloyd, Executive Director of Delaware Hospice, accepted the award from founding Cancer Care Connection board member, Joe Wear. On behalf of Delaware Hospice, Lloyd expressed gratitude to Wear for the honor and said that the award is truly a tribute to the current 137 staff, 500 volunteers and numerous individuals in the community. Their tireless efforts and dedication over the past two decades have helped the organization become the largest and most experienced hospice in the area, providing services and programs to meet the needs of the entire community.

The Arsht Beacon Award was first given in May 2001 and named for Judge Roxana Cannon Arsht in recognition of her inspiration for and start up funding of a new service to help people cope with cancer. The award is a hand blown glass candle holder to symbolize the light that shines when people make an extraordinary contribution to others.

Judge Arsht died in October of this year. Her daughter, Adrienne Arsht in Miami, Florida said, “My mother would be pleased to see the Beacon Award given to this outstanding organization. Every day, Delaware Hospice staff and volunteers take action in the world for the welfare of others – something my mother epitomized in her own life.”

For individualized cancer referrals call Cancer Care Connection, 302-266-8050 or toll free 1-866-266-7008, Monday through Friday 9 AM to 9 PM. Visit online at www.cancercareconnection.org.

Delaware Hospice’s philosophy emphasizes the quality of life for patients by giving them CHOICE, CARE and COMFORT. The dignity, sensitivity, and support of both the patient and family members are of primary importance. Call 1-800-838-9800 or visit online at http://www.delawarehospice.org.

Front row (left - right): Lisa Carr, Social Worker;
Irene Bricker, Business Office;
Marguerite Werner, Volunteer Coordinator;
Sandra Klima, President of the Board of Trustees.

Back row (left - right): Susan Lloyd, Executive Director;
Joe Wear, founding Cancer Care Connection board member;
Alex Tyree, Bereavement; Pat Wiesniewski; staff RN; Dale Lantz, Chaplain