By The Post-Journal
The Italian American Charity Golf Association recently presented WCA Hospital with a $50,000 check, proceeds from their 2012 golf tournament and other fundraising activities. This was the final installment of the IA’s three-year, $150,000 pledge to enhance local cancer care at WCA Hospital through the purchase of a minimally invasive lung navigation system which will result in earlier diagnosis and treatment options for lung cancer patients.
“The long-term success of the Italian American would not be possible without the annual investment of numerous businesses and individuals in our community who are firmly committed to the highest quality of local cancer care,” said Jack Munella Jr., chair of the Italian American. “We are genuinely appreciative of their outstanding commitment of their time and resources, because we know our families and friends are well served here at our community hospital.”
On the heels of this success, the IA announced a new, three-year $150,000 pledge to once again enhance local cancer care at WCA Hospital through the purchase of a Fluoroscopic C-Arm. This imaging device is used to guide a needle or guide wire while watching it on a live X-ray screen and is especially useful for a variety of diagnostic and interventional procedures. Related to cancer care, the Fluoroscopic C-Arm will be used to guide placement of PICC lines and medical ports for all cancer patients who will be receiving chemotherapy, chemotherapy with concurrent radiation, and/or long-term IV medications, and would also be utilized for additional imaging during cancer-related surgeries.
“This technology will truly benefit many of our patients,” said Betsy T. Wright, president/CEO of WCA Hospital. “On behalf of WCA Hospital and all those we are privileged to serve, I want to thank the Italian American for their unwavering dedication to the enhancement of local cancer care.”
The 43rd annual Italian American Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 6-8, once again at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Since its inception in 1971, the Italian American Charity Golf Association has contributed over $1,050,000 to support local cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The Italian American Charity Golf Association event was the brainstorm of a small group of community-minded men who wanted to raise money for a local charity. Their dream was to create a golf tournament where one member of each two-man team was of Italian descent and the partner was of another nationality. Charitable gifts to the IA are accepted online through PayPal at www.IACharityGolf.com, or can be mailed to: Italian American, PO Box 352, Jamestown, NY 14702-0352.
Jack Munella Jr., chair of the Italian American Charity Golf Association, presents a check in the amount of $50,000 to Betsy Wright, WCA Hospital president/CEO, representing the proceeds from 2012 Italian American and the final installment of a three-year, $150,000 pledge for the purchase of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer at WCA.