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With the partnership, the two groups will offer new support groups called “Living With Cancer” and Kid 2 Kid” aimed at providing a safe and social environment for cancer patients and their families through bi-weekly meetings at the hospital. HVHC and Gilda’s Club Westchester announced the partnership during a news conference Wednesday afternoon at the hospital on the one year anniversary of its cancer center.
The partnership represents the hospital’s approach toward complete and innovative care for its patients, said HVHC President John Federspiel.
“We’re going to be the exclusive provider among the hospitals in our area. They have a stellar reputation for being the premiere support service provider not only in the region but I would say on a national basis,” Federspiel said during the news conference. “When anybody talks about support of cancer patients and their families, you always think of Gilda’s Club and we’re very thrilled they have chosen the Hudson Valley Hospital Center and are bringing their model, their philosophy and their approach to supporting families and their cancer patients, which aligns very well with the culture we’ve established.”
White Plains-based Gilda’s Club Westchester recently chose HVHC as a second location to “make its services more accessible to upper Westchester and Putnam residents,” according to a release. Melissa Lang, the group’s chief executive officer, said she is looking forward to the “exciting partnership” with HVHC.
“We knew instantly that this was a very natural partnership for us,” Lang said. “We believe that emotional and social support is an essential compliment to traditional medical care and when we met with the staff, we got a sense of commitment to treating the whole person and extending that support to family members.”
Former prostate cancer patient Neal Castaldo said the new partnership would be a benefit for both groups and especially the patients.
“This cancer center will team beautifully because they stand beside what Gilda’s Club stands for,” Castaldo said. “When I came here, although I experienced the highest level of professionalism, I experienced nurture, care and warmth. Something that I will never forget.”
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