SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – July 14, 2015 – With lung cancer being the most common form of cancer for men and women—surpassing prostate, colon, and breast—the need for early detection is more important now than ever.
In response, Harrington HealthCare System is hosting a family-friendly fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 1 to heighten the awareness and importance of early detection screenings for lung cancer. Proceeds will benefit The Cancer Center at Harrington.
“Bobby’s Benefit,” in honor of two family members of Harrington employees who passed as a result of the disease, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Harrington’s 79 Sayles Street lot. It will feature a community dog show competition, with prizes awarded for the top dogs in several categories.
There is a $10 minimum donation per dog for entering the competition. Dogs can be entered into any of the following categories:
Pre-registration is encouraged by calling Jeffrey Hamilton at 508-765-3146.
The dog show will start at 12 p.m. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Aggressive dogs or dogs that cannot be around other animals or children should not participate in the competition.
The event will also feature face painting, DJ, refreshments, and a dunk tank, in addition to education about lung cancer.
Harrington recently launched an early detection screening program, which identifies at-risk individuals and offers them a low-dose CT scan that can identify abnormalities in the lungs. Since March, Harington has already identified more than 140 people who fit the criteria for an early screening. The program is a comprehensive, individualized care plan that includes the patient’s primary care physician, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center radiologists who reads scans at Harrington, and a nurse navigator.
Bobby’s Benefit is the creation of the Harrington Physician Services (HPS) orthopedic and general surgical office in Southbridge.
“We wanted to rally to support this important cause following the death of family members of our staff and call attention to a program that can save lives,” said Patti Munsch, manager of the HPS surgical office.
About the “Bobbies”
According to family members, Roberta “Bobbie” Malboeuf was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in June of 2014. Under the care of the Harrington staff, she fought a very courageous battle while never forgetting the important things in life—family and friends. Her door was always open, her ear always willing to listen, her heart would never judge. Although she lost her battle in December, the love in her heart lives and breathes in everyone and everything she touched. A truly beautiful soul, she nurtured every furred and feathered friend who happened upon her doorstep.
Also submitted by his family, Robert “Bobby” McGilvray was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer August of 2013. He was a loving and caring man; he would put the needs of others before his own needs. Bobby always had a smile on his face and a great outlook on life. He gave the best advice and it always came from his heart. He lost his battle October 2013, and not a day will go by that his memory will not live on in the hearts of anyone who knew him.
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