Sunday, November 15, 2009
Yankee Stadium, One East 161st Street, Bronx, New York
5K Run/Walk begins at 9:30 am
Kids Fun Run begins at 1:30 pm

What will it take to strike out cancer?

Join us on Sunday, November 15, 2009 for the inaugural Runyon 5K, a unique cancer research fundraising event at Yankee Stadium.  Run or walk the concourses and ramps, climb the stairs between levels and enjoy incredible views of the Stadium from all angles.  You’ll finish with special access to a victory lap on the warning track circling the field – where you will see the Stadium from a player’s point of view!

Children (ages 5-12) can also help support cancer research by taking part in the Kids Fun Run – one lap around the warning track that surrounds the field where their heroes play.

100% of all donations you raise in support of your run/walk will go to cutting-edge cancer research by today’s most brilliant and promising scientists, funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.  For 63 years this cancer charity has selected and supported the rising stars of science – cancer researchers who have great potential to achieve breakthroughs in how we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.  So far, the Foundation has funded more than 3,200 scientists, including 11 Nobel Laureates.

REGISTER TODAY
Entry is limited to the first 2,500 registrants.

Registration Fees

The entry fee for adults who plan to run or walk the 5K route is $50.
$25 of this fee is a tax-deductible contribution to cancer research.

The entry fee for children and students (ages 5-18 or students with valid ID) who plan to run or walk the 5K route is $35.
$10 of this fee is a tax-deductible contribution to cancer research.

The entry fee for children (ages 5-12) participating in the Kids Fun Run (one lap around the warning track) is $35.
$10 of this fee is a tax-deductible contribution to cancer research.

Participants can register as individuals or get friends, family members and colleagues together to form a team.  Participants are also encouraged to raise additional contributions, 100% of which will directly fund cancer research.

For more information including FAQ and Volunteer Opportunities, follow this link:

http://www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium/

I spoke with David Pulli at the Manhattan office of the American Cancer Society a few weeks ago and he was *thrilled* at the prospect of having willing volunteers help out local cancer patients.  Here are his immediate needs for the Patient Navigator Program, which allows people to work directly with cancer patients who need… well… navigating!  It’s a fantastic program – one which we have already placed three people in – that is as rewarding for the volunteers as it is beneficial for the patients.

Summary:

• The Patient Navigator serves as a contact person to those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
• The Patient Navigator is trained on how to guide the person through their cancer journey.
• The Patient Navigator ensures that the person’s needs are met through their initial contact, and provides additional support and information regarding community resources, programs, and services, basic cancer information.
• The Patient Navigator does not address the medical needs of the patient, rather they serve as a resource to guide them to the proper referral source.  No medical advice is given to the patient and/or their caregiver.

The volunteer navigator will partake in a comprehensive training program prior to placement on-site at the hospital, including both a 4-hour seminar on the Patient Navigation Program, and 8-hours of in-hospital shadowing of a trained Patient Navigator.

Hours are flexible.

Responsibilities;

• Maintains the strict confidentiality of the patient
• Completes in-take form with patient at time of initial contact
• Provides general information about cancer and it’s treatment
• Provides referral to local community and national resources
• Promotes the programs and services of the referring hospital
• Assists patients/caregivers in obtaining support information
• Maintains accurate records for continued follow up

Qualifications;

• Demonstrates knowledge and commitment to the Patient Navigator program
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to follow-up with patients/caregivers
• Recognizes importance of maintaining the strictest of confidentiality and record keeping, signing both hospital and ACS confidentiality agreements
• Appreciates diversity
• Ability to handle difficult or emotional situations and has the knowledge base to make appropriate referrals with the patient’s permission
• Ability to locate appropriate information utilizing available resources
• Demonstrates computer skills or willingness to learn is desirable, training may be offered
• Able to respond to direction and recommendations

Support Provided; ACS Patient and Family Services Staff and Oncology staff of local hospital.

Contact Person:

David Pulli LMSW

Director, Patient and Family Services

American Cancer Society

132 W. 32^nd Street

New York, NY 10001

212-237-3843

David.Pulli@cancer.org