Delivering Holiday Cheer to Upper Chesapeake Health Cancer LifeNet; Women In Defense Presents Record Check to Cancer LifeNet Team

From Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter:

This fall, the Women In Defense (WID) Mid-Atlantic Chapter hosted its tenth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon, benefiting the University of Maryland’s’ Upper Chesapeake Health Cancer LifeNet program. Featured speaker, Julie Chmura, challenged the defense community to simply donate five dollars, the average cost of a morning latte. WID proudly presented the results of that challenge – a donation totaling more than $6,000 – surpassing previous fundraising efforts to date.

Last week, WID volunteers Jaime Ruprecht, Diane Siler, and Sue Manning presented the check to Foundation Vice President and Executive Director Ken Ferrara and Kaufman Cancer Center Executive Director Diane Fitzgerald, who represented the incredible LifeNet team.

The Cancer LifeNet program provides unique, yet essential services to cancer patients to help them find balance between work, family and intense cancer treatment. Skilled professionals with an in-depth knowledge of cancer treatment provides vital emotional resources, helping patients to concentrate on fighting the disease instead of fighting the system. Navigator and supportive care services are provided free through the Cancer LifeNet program for all individuals in Harford and Cecil counties with a cancer diagnosis regardless of where they receive treatment. LifeNet services are financed solely through donations and the generosity of its community. WID could not be more proud than to contribute to this immensely impactful program.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker, Dr. Phil Nivatpumin, Medical Director of the Kaufman Cancer Center at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, delivered an eye-opening presentation on the history and evolution of cancer to dignitaries in attendance including, Major General Bruce Crawford and spouse; Dianne Crawford, Commander of the Communications and Electronic Command located at Aberdeen Proving Ground; Karen Conti, Women In Defense, National President; and Command Sergeant Major Dennis Kent and spouse, Gloria Dent, Communications and Electronics Command.

Women In Defense, A National Security Organization, promotes networking and professional development for women working in the national security sector. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter membership is open to military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors who support national security.