Hospital Foundation plans annual Colors of Cancer events
While we’ve all endured a difficult year, those struggling with a cancer diagnosis and compromised health have had an even heavier burden during the pandemic. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the Daly Hospital Foundation want to honor those cancer warriors with their annual Colors of Cancer fundraising campaign during the month of October. This year, funds raised will not only support charity care for breast health, but will support the hospital’s future construction of a new cancer and infusion center to benefit all cancer patients.
Director of Philanthropy Stacie Duce said the timeline for the groundbreaking will rely even more on donations due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the hospital’s operations and the whole healthcare system.
“We were very excited about this campaign this spring after the hospital board approved the project and our fundraising efforts, but it all has been put on hold,” she said. “We are still excited, but now feel the heavier responsibility that if we want to do this for the community, we will have to dig deep, reach out and have this be a serious investment by the community.”
She said the hospital is ready to proceed when the funding is available and that’s it’s part of a whole next phase of renovations to match the capabilities of an amazing staff.
“This campaign will be a great way to rebound [from COVID impacts],” Duce said. “We are going to push through, move forward and make this dream a reality. The preparations are in place.”
For the Colors of Cancer grassroots efforts, this year will have fewer in-person events and no large gatherings due to COVID-19 precautions. Color Teams are encouraged to offer virtual opportunities, in-store promotions, or donate items to the online auction, which will launch at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18.
The hospital will host an outdoors kick-off event on Thursday, October 1 in the MDMH east parking lot. Food trucks will be onsite (including Big Sky Grub, MineShaft and Zaxan Coffee) as the cafeteria will be closed for lunch for annual maintenance and employees are encouraged to order lunch outside. A portion of each meal purchased will go toward the Colors of Cancer campaign. Pre-orders are also available for employees to reduce lines and gathering. The community is welcome to attend and pick up lunch for a good cause.
The second event this week is the third annual 5K run on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Canyons Athletic Club. Colors teams form, wear designated colors to signify a particular cancer, and hopefully color-themed masks, for which there are prizes.
Duce said the 5K is a heartfelt event.