MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star, recently donated $25,530 to the new outpatient cancer center at WVU Hospitals-East City Hospital. The money represents a major portion of the $30,000 raised state-wide for cancer projects.
Past Grand Matron Cynthia Strakal, a resident of Berkeley County, is a 30-month breast cancer survivor. Her sister, Carolyn Siviero, a registered nurse at City Hospital, served as chairman of the fund raising committee for the project.
“As a cancer survivor, I have seen and felt firsthand some of the many needs cancer patients experience while undergoing their treatments,” Strakal said. “It has been my honor to work with my sister, Carolyn, and Eastern Star members across West Virginia to raise this money for all of my cancer survivor friends,” she added.
The money is earmarked for patient needs in WVUH-East’s new outpatient cancer treatment center, which is scheduled to open in the McCormack Center on the City Hospital campus in late December. One item to be purchased with the funds is a blanket warmer for patients to use while undergoing chemotherapy.
“It is with much love and gratitude that I present this check to the outpatient oncology department at WVUH-East City Hospital,” Strakal stated during a presentation on Friday morning. She added that once the new center opens, the staff and her oncologist, Dr. Page Jones, will assess patient needs and determine how the remainder of the money should be spent.
“As October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities come to an end, we are pleased to be able to accept this generous donation for our outpatient cancer center,” stated Anthony Zelenka, chief administrative officer at City Hospital. “We are truly grateful to Cindy, Carolyn, and the Order of the Eastern Star for their support of local cancer patients and their families,” he added.
For more information on cancer services at WVUH-East or ways to support these efforts, contact the marketing and foundation office at 304.264.1223.