Cancer Society Honors Danbury, New Milford Hospitals

WILTON — The American Cancer Society raised nearly $38,000 at its 13th annual spring charity event, the Stardust Ball, at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Saturday, April 2. More than 150 people attended the black tie event, which featured a silent auction, dinner and dancing.

In addition, Jean Cummings, American Cancer Society community executive, presented Joanne Ballerini and Denise Mariconda with the Angel Award and named Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital as the spring charity ball honorees.

Since 1999, the Angel Award is presented annually to someone whose allegiance to the fight against cancer has been constant, sincere, and has helped to uphold the values and the mission of the American Cancer Society.

This year, Joanne Ballerini and Denise Mariconda received the Angel Award. Both have shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the Connecticut community and have instilled the highest standards of competence, compassion, and concern in providing cancer care to patients struggling with this disease.

Joanne Ballerini is the cancer care coordinator at the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, where she works to ensure that newly diagnosed cancer patients get the support, resources, guidance, and direction to help them through their battle. Implementing breast cancer classes for newly diagnosed women, she is an important link in the Bridges program, a collaborative effort with Ann’s Place — The Home of I Can, and the American Cancer Society.

Denise Mariconda is clinical coordinator of breast services at New Milford Hospital. As an advocate of screening for cancer, she gives educational programs for breast cancer awareness, mammograms, and treatment.

The American Cancer Society announced that for the first time in history, two organizations were chosen as honorees: Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital. Danbury Hospital has been a longtime collaborator with the American Cancer Society, implementing activities to benefit cancer patients.

Reaching out to the community through town meetings and educational programs, Danbury Hospital continues to prioritize and contribute to the mission of the American Cancer Society. Through the Community Cancer Collaborative the public is better prepared to cope with cancer through education and support for patients and their families.

“This honor goes to the staff [of Danbury Hospital] that meet the needs of the cancer patients who walk through the Praxair Cancer Center doors,” said Frank Kelly, chief executive officer of Danbury Hospital, as he accepted the award.

Accepting the award for New Milford Hospital was Dick Peau, CEO. Sharing thoughts of pride about leading the way in cancer treatment, Mr Peau saluted the honorees, as well as Danbury Hospital, acknowledging “the fight in cancer we’re all involved in.” New Milford Hospital has been a supportive partner in cancer control and development programs with the American Cancer Society for more than a decade. The Multi-Disciplinary Committee of New Milford Hospital has reached out and included the American Cancer Society in its program of work.

All proceeds raised at the spring charity ball directly benefit the American Cancer Society’s programs of service, education, and research. For more information about the spring charity event, the Stardust Ball or the American Cancer Society, contact Deirdre St Jacque at the American Cancer Society office at 203-563-1509.