Sommers Among Four Prestigious Community Supporters Being Honored
GOSHEN, N.Y. (Oct. 16, 2023) – Hudson Valley Cancer, the region’s only independent cancer resource center, will celebrate four stalwart supporters, the nonprofit organization’s 10th anniversary and assisting more than 5,000 people affected by cancer at its Great Guys & Gals event on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
Hudson Valley Cancer provides a lifeline when it’s needed most, connecting patients and caregivers with vital resources and services that help maintain quality of life and provide routes to financial assistance. The nonprofit organization was created in 2013 after founder Casey MacDonald’s successful battle with lymphoma.
The honorees are Amanda Dana, Director, Orange County Tourism & Film; Joann Menendez, Vice President/Corporate Secretary, Walden Savings Bank; Josh Sommers, Founder and CEO, Focus Media; and Michael A. Turturro, Managing Partner, RBT CPAs, LLP.
“These selfless honorees represent the epitome of invaluable work, service, and commitment, all to ease the burden of cancer for patients and their families across the Hudson Valley,” MacDonald said. “Their support allows Hudson Valley Cancer to be a vital navigational beacon of hope, healing, education, support, and guidance for patients and their families.”
The Nov. 1 Great Guys & Gals event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at West Hills Country Club, 121 Golf Links Road in Middletown. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and an awards ceremony follow at 6:30 p.m., with entertainment and an auction at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $175 each. Sponsorships from $1,500 to $10,000 are available. For more information, visit HudsonValleyCancer.org/great-guys-and-gals.aspx, call (845) 457-5000 or email greatguysevent@gmail.com. Sponsors generously supporting the event are RBT CPAs; Walden Savings Bank; Richard (RJ) & Elizabeth Smith; Orange County Ironworks LLC; Belsito Communications; Advance Testing Co; Orange Bank and Trust Co; Ulster Savings Bank; Masci and Hale Advanced Dentistry; and Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan.
Hudson Valley Cancer started modestly, assisting about 100 patients in its first year. MacDonald’s passion and commitment fueled a decade of growth that has extended Hudson Valley Cancer’s reach to over 800 patients a year. The organization also provides comprehensive assistance that includes:
- Information about treatments, caretaking, hospice assistance, and support groups.
- Referrals to local, state, and national organizations for many of the most pressing needs during cancer.
- A Patient Assistance Fund to help with unexpected financial, co-pay, and prescription costs.
- Lodging options during treatment.
- Assistance for caregivers.
- An Annual Hudson Valley Cancer Survivorship Conference Survivorship Summit, an all-day educational conference with workshops led by experts in their respective fields of cancer care.
“Cancer is one of the most challenging health issues a person will face in their lifetime,” said MacDonald, a 27-year lymphoma survivor and nationally certified oncology patient navigator with a master’s degree in Health Advocacy. “Local families really need a helping hand to figure out all the issues that unexpectedly emerge during a life-changing cancer journey. Our extensive support network is at the ready, providing an understanding community that’s warm, welcoming and reassuring.”
More about the honorees:
- Dana has 25 years sales and marketing experience in the Hudson Valley region with 18 years in executive recruiting/talent management and 10 years focused on real estate and economic development.
- Menendez led the creation of Walden Savings Bank’s Community Service Program and Casual for a Cause days, as well as building an impressive legacy of community volunteerism and philanthropy.
- Sommers advises world-renowned companies on crisis communications, public relations, and marketing. His successes include helping guide Resorts World Catskills’ site-selection process and Simon Property Group in publicizing redevelopment of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Sommers also was a key consultant in securing approvals of the $500 million LEGOLAND New York Resort.
- Turturro’s extensive experience includes advising companies on structuring corporate transactions and reorganizations, business development; internal controls, acquisition and disposition planning; compensation-related matters; financing projections and analysis; federal, state, and international tax matters; and representation in federal and state audits.
“It’s so wonderful to get calls from patients who say, ‘I’m still here because of your organization,’” MacDonald said. “These four incredible supporters help make that possible.”
About Hudson Valley Cancer
Hudson Valley Cancer is the region’s only independent oncology resource organization, assisting patients regardless of cancer diagnosis, income level or treatment requirements. It strives to make the cancer journey easier by connecting the community living with and affected by cancer to resources, services, programs and organizations on a national, state, regional and local level. Learn more, donate and volunteer at HudsonValleyCancer.org, which provides an award-winning, innovative online directory of resources, programs and services.
