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December 6, 2016

Mercy Medical Center begins Annual Gift of Light Campaign

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Julie Beaulieu

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SPRINGFIELD – The Annual Gift of Light Campaign, which raises money for cancer support groups and patient services, began with a special tree lighting ceremony held at Mercy Medical Center on Dec. 5.

Ron Woznika, who is battling stage four colon cancer, says the cancer support group has meant a lot to him.

“I’ve been with the group just over a year. In the beginning, I had surgery. I had stage three colon cancer. I was clear for eight months and then the cancer grew in again,” said Woznika.

“I went for chemo (chemotherapy). I think it’s a great program, people sharing their experience, strength and help. We identify with each other. I think it gives us strength to keep the hope going. It’s a great program with a lot of love and caring for one another,”

This year’s honorary chairperson is Brenda Garton-Sjoberg, former news anchor at WWLP and currently a communications professor at Western New England University.

“There is not a person in this room, including my husband, John, and myself, where cancer has not impacted our families personally,” said Garton-Sjoberg. “We’ve all been through a lot, but it’s places like Mercy Medical Center, the Sisters of Providence Health System, who get you through any and all stages of cancer,”

“The holidays are a time when people are going to parties, shopping and there’s the glitz and glamour, and the sparkle of the holidays, and, in all of that, we have to remember that the true light of the holiday is about helping others and feeling loved, loving others and caring for others,” she said. “That is so symbolic of what the cancer support group is all about here at Mercy Medical Center with Sister (of Providence) Madeleine,”

“It’s not an easy time (the holiday season) for so many people,” added Garton-Sjoberg.

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“In fact, it can be a downright depressing time for many people and all of us are going through different stages of what life brings, but I can tell you that the support group, Sister Madeleine, and all of the staff here at Mercy Medical Center are here every day of the year; no matter if it’s a holiday, or any day of the week, they can help people. There are people here that care and can hold your hand, especially near the holidays,” said Garton-Sjoberg.

Sister of Providence Madeleine Joy facilitates both the cancer support group and also a bereavement group, each held Monday evenings in the Deliso Conference Room at Mercy Medical Center.

“Holiday time is a time to be connected to other people, so it’s important, as much as possible, to have a plan that includes a presence with other people,” said Sister Joy. “Christmas is about family, friends, love, and giving and receiving. So, to be present with other people rather than in any type of isolation is my message.”

“The cancer support group meets every week. People can be treated anywhere because our mission, as a Sister of Providence, is to make an impact in the community for which we serve. This is an open group. I’ve had it for 26 years. It’s for people with any type of cancer and caregivers,” said Sister Joy.

Some of the monies raised go to informational speakers, dinners and outings for those in the support group.

“Working with patients and their families every day is truly an honor,” said Dr. Scott Wolf, president of Mercy Medical Center and Sisters of Providence Health System, as he addressed the attendees.

Dr. Philip Glenn, who assisted in lighting this year’s tree, said that the support group helps patients face their physical battles knowing that they have social and emotional support.

For more information on the cancer support group, call 413-748-7370. For more information or to make a donation to the Gift of Light Campaign, log on to www.mercycares.com/gift-of-light.

 

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