Wake Forest Baptist Named LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project Award Recipient

November 18, 2010

Organization will receive The Cancer Transitions Program to help people affected by cancer

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – November 18, 2010 – Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been announced as a LIVESTRONG®Community Impact Project award recipient, one of only four hospitals in North Carolina to become a finalist.

The project, created by LIVESTRONG,an organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to serve people affected by cancer and empower them to take action, will bring proven cancer support programs to 55 communities across the United States.

The $4,000 award will support the implementation of the Cancer Transitions™ Survivorship Program at Wake Forest Baptist. This is a program for adults who have completed cancer treatment and want to learn more about survivorship. The focus is to help men and women cope with common physical, emotional and practical issues and move forward with a plan for their lives as survivors. There is no cost to the participants of the program. Over the next year, the Medical Center plans to offer the program in several locations area.

“We are thrilled and honored to be named as a Community Impact Project award recipient,” said Marcy Poletti, oncology service line program administrator for Wake Forest Baptist. “This award will go a long way toward helping people in our community who are affected by cancer. We want to give special thanks to everyone who voted in support of this program. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.”

One hundred seventy-nine qualified hospitals, cancer centers and community organizations in eight regions across the United States were selected to participate in an online voting campaign. More than 260,000 votes were cast over a two-week period.  

“LIVESTRONG is dedicated to providing the best direct services to people affected by cancer and encourages our supporters to be actively involved in leading the unified LIVESTRONG movement against cancer,” said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of LIVESTRONG. “The LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project is exercising an innovative approach that engages more people in our mission and allows them to play a critical role in the organization’s programming.”

LIVESTRONG is committed to supporting community organizations in their efforts to help cancer survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the organization has invested more than $68 million in community-centered organizations.

Media Relations

Lisa Davanzo: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587

Bonnie Davis: bdavis@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-1597