May 19, 2005
Genesis Gala Raises Funds For Nursing Scholarships, Cancer-Fighting Equipment
Davenport, IA – Genesis Medical Center patients battling prostate cancer will have a new technological weapon and nursing students will receive affordable educations from the proceeds of the annual Genesis Health Services Foundation Gala.
The April 8 event at the Rogalski Center on the St. Ambrose University campus raised more than $140,000. The funds will support the Gala Nursing Scholarship and Loan Program and the purchase of 3-D ultrasound equipment.
The Gala Committee pledged $90,000 toward the purchase of new, 3-D imaging technology. With the imaging equipment, the therapist can receive more accurate images of the prostate position, which results in more precise targeting of radiation doses directed at cancer. Damage to surrounding healthy tissue is minimized, and side effects are reduced.
“This new system will allow Genesis patients to receive more effective and comfortable prostate cancer treatment,’’ said Amy Gellerman, Chairperson of the 2005 Gala Committee. “We hope our efforts will also raise awareness about this disease every day and call attention to the need for early detection through regular prostate exams.’’
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, other than skin cancer and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind only lung cancer.
The Gala Committee pledged $50,000 from the event for use toward scholarships for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing at St. Ambrose University, the University of Iowa, Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Mercy College, Coe College or Clarke College. The scholarships are awarded as $5,000 forgivable loans. Repayment of the loans is waived if the recipients agree to work full-time at Genesis for two years upon completion of their degrees.
More than 120 auction items were donated to the event. Rita Harkins, Davenport, was the winner of the raffle drawing for $10,250.
Area businesses sponsorships for the event totaled $45,500. Patron Sponsors were Quad City Bank & Trust Company, RSM McGladrey, Inc. and Drs. Shauna Roberts and Gerald Early. Media Raffle Sponsors included the Quad City Times, WFXN Fox Sports Radio 1230, WOC Talk Radio 1420 and WQAD-TV-DT News Channel 8.
The Genesis Health Services Foundation exists to develop, manage and grant charitable support to meet the health-related needs of the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. The foundation raises more than $1 million annually to benefit community and Genesis Medical Center programs and services.
