TYRONE – Chili’s, a company owned and operated by Brinker International, provided a grant in the amount of $1,500 to the Tyrone Hospital Foundation with funds to be directed to the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute of Central Pennsylvania’s (BCWHI) Breast Cancer Voucher Program.
The Breast Cancer Voucher Program assists women who have breast cancer and who are uninsured or underinsured by providing financial support.
“We at the Breast Cancer and Women’s Health Institute are very appreciative of the generosity of Chili’s in supporting our Voucher Program. Chili’s gift will help many of our patient’s in their time of need, said David Arbutina M.D., medical director of BCWHI.
Women battling breast cancer and their families are profoundly affected by this disease and deal with many stressors. Among them are financial stressors.
Costs associated with breast cancer care and recovery are numerous and significant. There are costs for direct medical care, transportation costs associated with cancer treatments, expenses for medical supplies and other items, such as wigs and prosthetic bras.
Women who are underinsured or who do not have health insurance often find themselves with mounting expenses intensifying an already stressful experience. Additionally, the process of cancer treatment and recovery is typically lengthy keeping working women away from their jobs which can significantly reduce a family’s income.
Brinker International Inc. is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies. It owns the Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant chains.
Brinker International’s goal is to Make People Feel Special, and one of the ways the organization accomplishes that is through giving back. Giving back to communities served by Brinker International restaurants is one of Brinker’s core values. Health is one of Brinker International’s main areas of giving.
Pictured are employees of the Chili’s restaurant in the Logan Town Center in Altoona presenting the donation to representatives of the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute of Central Pennsylvania.
From left to right are Stevie Daus; Cari Hainsey; Jewelen DeStefano; Clay Glenny, assistant manager; Ronda Hescox, assistant manager; Lannette Johnston, director of outreach at Tyrone Regional Health Network and the Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute; Mary Jo Cox; John Cox; and Chelsea Henderson.