NCH receives donation from Schaumburg firefighters
designated for local cancer patients

Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) was honored to be one of three recipients of the proceeds from Local 4092’s Schaumburg Firefighters’ 2021 Pink Tie Ball that raised $50,000 for cancer research, community outreach and awareness. The $20,000 grant to NCH Foundation will support the NCH Cancer Patient Assistance Fund that provides compassionate assistance to patients fighting cancer and who need help with basic living expenses while undergoing treatment at NCH.

Lieutenant Jenna Werdell, chairperson of the event, as well as Firefighter-Paramedics Kyle Marcussen, Jeanine Liska, Monique DeAvilla, and Erik Vitols visited NCH on February 21 to present a check to Executive Director of Cancer Services, Rhea Trbojevic, and Medical Director, Stephen Nigh, M.D.

For these firefighters, the motivation to help fight cancer is deeply personal. At the Pink Tie Ball, everyone is encouraged to wear the particular ribbon color and share photos of their family and friends that inspire them to take part. Personal connections are also the motivation behind the NCH cancer program and its mission to bring outstanding care close to home.

“Personalizing the event helps us to never forget those currently battling, survivors and those we have lost,” said Werdell. “While the first Pink Tie Ball focused on breast cancer, it quickly grew to support patients facing all types of cancer. The now 600 person event with representation from more than 30 fire departments includes a raffle, silent auction, amazing gift baskets, dinner, drinks, dancing and camaraderie to raise money for those fighting cancer.”

NCH finds special meaning in this gift given by those who already do so much to protect and care for our communities. “I was really touched by the families of the firefighters who I spoke with at the event and how cancer impacted them,” said Dr. Nigh. “We see how interconnected we all are. The camaraderie I sensed at the event amongst the firefighters and their extended families reminded me a lot of NCH and the bond we share in helping others. We really appreciate this support for our patients and this special relationship with our firefighters.”

For more information on the Firefighters’ Pink Tie Ball and their next event being planned for spring 2023 visit pinktieball4092.com or email pinktieball4092@gmail.com. To learn more about the NCH Foundation and the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund visit nch.org/foundation/about and their latest newsletter that includes a powerful letter from a grateful patient helped through this fund.