Get ready for a night of purpose and celebration! The Third Annual Pulse of the Community Gala is rallying support to advance critical cancer care services in our community. From incredible fundraising efforts to honoring dedicated healthcare heroes, this event is making a real difference. What impact will this year’s gala have on local lives?
The Third Annual Pulse of the Community Gala is set to make a significant impact on regional healthcare, uniting the Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), both Kaleida Health facilities, in a shared mission to elevate cancer care services across the region.
Scheduled for September 19, this distinguished black-tie event, presented by the Bradford Hospital Foundation (BHF) and Olean General Hospital Foundation (OGHF), invites guests to the elegant main lodge of Holiday Valley Resort from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a sophisticated strolling agenda, highlighted by a unique opportunity to win a $10,000 diamond tennis bracelet generously donated by ADJ ASK Design Jewelers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
This celebrated community gala has a proven track record of substantial fundraising, with past events collectively amassing over $340,000 to bolster local heart, vascular, and crucial cancer care services since its inception. These vital contributions are meticulously distributed to each hospital campus, BRMC and OGH, directly supporting healthcare initiatives funded by their respective local community sponsors, ensuring that every dollar makes a tangible difference.
“It’s truly inspiring to celebrate our third year of the Pulse of the Community Gala,” remarked Stacy Williams, Executive Director of BHF, emphasizing how the event brilliantly engages local communities, showcases the exceptional work happening within their facilities, and illuminates the promising future of regional healthcare. She highlighted the unique value of bringing staff and community members together in support of a cause that profoundly impacts countless lives.
A poignant segment of the evening will be dedicated to recognizing outstanding medical professionals, including the esteemed Golden Stethoscope award recipients. This prestigious award, presented biannually, honors a physician who demonstrates unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and collaborative teamwork in patient and family care. This year, Dr. Jakub Wojcik, primary care at BRMC, and Dr. Jose Orsini, intensivist in the ICU at OGH, will be celebrated for their exemplary contributions to patient well-being.
Furthermore, the gala will pay tribute to the Nightingale award honorees, an accolade named after the iconic Florence Nightingale, celebrating nurses who deliver exceptional patient care, excel in patient and family education, foster open communication, and serve as role models for their peers. The distinguished nurses to be recognized include Julia Jackson and Misty Sanders from BRMC, alongside Leah Brinsky and Rachal Lundy from OGH, all lauded for their unwavering dedication.
“The gala provides a cherished platform to honor our Golden Stethoscope and Nightingale awardees, who exemplify compassionate care every single day within our communities,” stated Steve Jackson, President of OGHF. He underscored that their steadfast dedication and profound commitment are a true reflection of the community’s collective spirit and the forward-looking vision for healthcare they are collaboratively building.
The importance of accessible local cancer care cannot be overstated, particularly for individuals in rural areas who often face average travel times of nearly an hour for essential treatments, with some requiring multiple weekly trips. Having specialized services available close to home not only alleviates the burden of travel but also fosters a deeply meaningful healing journey, providing comfort and support from familiar faces within their own communities.
Reinforcing the commitment to advanced local care, the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center has delivered over 82,660 radiation treatments since 2009, while medical oncology sites at Barry Street Health Center and BRMC’s oncology suite provided over 3,395 chemotherapy treatments in 2024. Both BRMC and OGH cancer centers are proud members of the Roswell Park Care Network, ensuring patients receive world-class radiation medicine and medical oncology services managed by Roswell Park physicians right within their own communities, thereby providing superior care while saving valuable time and resources.
