Foundation Donates $500K For Radiation Centre
The Bank of Bermuda Foundation pledged their support for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s radiation therapy initiative with a $500,000 grant.
“The radiation therapy unit is due to open in the next few weeks and will provide treatment for cancer patients and pain relief for palliative care patients. Treatment services will be provided to all residents of Bermuda, regardless of one’s insurance coverage or ability to pay,” BCHC said.
Bank of Bermuda Foundation Chair, Tom Conyers, said, “The Foundation is very pleased to support the BCHC in establishing a radiation treatment facility for the people of Bermuda.
“The initiative has been established by well-respected professionals and provides both cost effective treatment with the convenience of remaining on the Island with the support of family and friends.
“We are confident the affiliation with Dana Farber / Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre, along with specialist medical practitioners in Bermuda will provide a level of comfort for all patients requiring these specialised services on the Island.”
“One of our goals for making radiation therapy available in Bermuda is to greatly reduce the burden [financial and time] cancer patients and families face having to travel abroad for treatment,” says Judy White, President of the Board of Directors, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.
“Patients will receive the highest standard of care here in Bermuda, and our clinical affiliation with the Dana Farber / Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre [currently ranked 4th for cancer care in the United States by the US News and World Report] will ensure that patient care is delivered to a world class standard through the specialist support team in Boston who will be working in conjunction with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre team and medical director and oncologist, Dr. Chris Fosker”.
BCHS said, “No one should ever have to make the choice not to have life-saving treatment because they cannot be financially afforded. Currently in Bermuda, at least 300 people hear the words you have cancer annually.
“Radiation therapy will be recommended for almost 200 of these people, but currently only 100 people per year travel overseas for radiation treatment. Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre seeks to close this gap and will provide radiation therapy at no additional cost to the patient regardless of their level of insurance.
“The Board and Staff of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre are very grateful to the Bank of Bermuda Foundation. Their support is helping our charity to achieve our vision of ‘building healthier lives free of cancer and disease’. For more information on the facility, patient referrals or to make a donation to this life-saving cause, visit www.chc.bm.”
Bank of Bermuda Foundation operates as an independent philanthropic foundation. Over the years, the Foundation has given in the region of $75 million to the community. Annually the Foundation presently provides over $750,000 in scholarships and $2.5 million in grants or donations, all of which have augmented the quality of life in Bermuda.
