ALTOONA – The American Cancer Society selected Altoona Regional Health System’s Radiation Oncology Department for this year’s Division Citation Award.
This high honor recognizes the efforts of the Radiation Oncology Department in providing outstanding cooperation in carrying out the overall mission of the ACS in Pennsylvania. 25
“The American Cancer Society congratulates Altoona Regional Health System, President/Chief Executive Officer Jerry Murray, department Medical Director Jack Schocker, M.D., and his staff for their strong partnership in serving local cancer patients,” said Tammy Ahles, regional vice president of the ACS. “Together, we collaboratively served more than 400 local cancer patients and provided more than 1,000 services to help them get well this year.”
The local Hollidaysburg ACS office is in the East Central Division, which includes Pennsylvania and Ohio, where five Division Citation awards are divided between the two states. Altoona Regional‘s Radiation Oncology Department was one of two recipients selected in Pennsylvania.
“My staff makes it a priority to treat the entire patient, not just the cancer,” said Schocker. “Our caring staff is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that patients benefit from all of the Society’s local programs so they do not just survive, but thrive.”
“Cancer patients may feel overwhelmed during their journey,” said Nikole Johnston, regional health initiatives representative for the society. “We value the Radiation Oncology department’s efforts to provide patients with a seamless referral to programs to help meet their needs. For one patient it may be rides to treatment; for another, classes in coping with the appearance-related side effects. A third may just need the company of others in a support group. Having cancer is hard enough. Finding help shouldn’t be.”
“This award,” Ahles said, “is given to recognize the efforts of agencies, businesses, industries or institutions carrying out the mission of the American Cancer Society, which has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Working with partners like Altoona Regional, we are helping people get well and fighting back against cancer.”
Cancer patients in need of help can find it by calling the ACS toll-free at any time at 1-800-227-2345.