Taste of the '20s
A near capacity crowd of more than 400 enjoyed a “Roaring Twenties” celebration at the Butler Health System Foundation's 14th annual Crystal Ball on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township.
The event raised more than $135,000 which will help start a palliative care program at the Butler Health System.
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life and can include patients diagnosed with chronic conditions, including cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, COPD, AIDS or Alzheimer's.
Dr. Kathy Selvaggi spoke Saturday about her vision for the palliative program at the health system. She will join the medical staff this fall to direct it.
Throughout her career, Selvaggi has been interested in increasing joint efforts for care, specifically between palliative care and oncology. In 2010, she was hired to direct this initiative in Boston at Brigham and Woman's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Selvaggi now is an assistant professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School and the director of the Intensive Palliative Care Unit and Clinical Director of Adult Palliative Care Services at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Ken DeFurio, president & CEO of the health system, said, “I am truly thankful for the generosity of those in attendance.
“This model for collaborative care has been one that Butler Health System has embraced over recent years. Creating a palliative care program will enable us to continue to provide outstanding care to our community and region.”
The annual Women of Legacy Award was presented to the Oakview Ladies Golf League.Since 2000, this ladies group has had a golf tournament to support the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Butler and surrounding counties.Proceeds from those outings have helped pay for equipment at the health system's Women's Imaging Center, including funds for a breast tomosynthesis unit which features 3D technology.To date, more than $120,000 has been raised by this group and dedicated to breast cancer programs and services at the health system.The Women of Legacy Award honors those who have contributed to the health and well-being of the community through excellence in patient care, overcoming personal illness or crisis, or improving some aspect of our community's health.It was started by a donation from Dr. William A. DiCuccio in memory of his mother, Catherine Mae DiCuccio. She had an intense desire to see that medical care in Butler was the best that it could be.As a wife, mother, hospital auxiliary member, and a community volunteer, she was a woman who understood the essence of family and the fullest sense of healthy living, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
The Women of Legacy Award has been given 12 times.The Crystal Ball was planned by Kris Bowser, BHS Foundation development specialist, along with an event committee.“The guests really embraced the theme and enjoyed dressing in '20s attire. We heard so many positive comments throughout the event,” said Bowser.Lead sponsors for the event included Concordia Lutheran Ministries and the Pennsylvania Brain and Spine Institute.Bowser said, “This event would not be possible without the continued support of our business community, and the hard work and dedication of our committee and volunteers.“We are proud to raise money to provide needed services to our community and region and are thrilled at the success of this event.”For information on events or to donate to the foundation, contact the foundation at 724-284-4716 or visit BHS-Foundation.org.
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