JACKSON, Wyo. — Stripping for a Cure is an annual celebration of women, fly fishing and philanthropy bringing amazing female anglers and community members together to raise funds for St. John’s Health Foundation. Stripping for a Cure’s mission includes spreading awareness, building community involvement and providing much-needed funds to assist patients and their families receiving cancer treatment.
In late August, 64 female anglers equipped with pink flies joined in healthy competition to fish various stretches of the Snake River. The Circus Party the following evening, featured an extraordinarily successful raffle, live and silent auction. This year’s event raised over $180,000, thanks to the generosity of donors. According to the direction of the Stripping for the Cure Board members, funds will be split evenly between the Oncology Patient Support Fund and the Cancer Survivorship Program.
“Another year, another overwhelmingly generous show of support from our Jackson community and beyond. As a result we are able to make what is once again, our largest donation to date to the St. John’s Health Foundation to benefit Oncology patients.”
Stripping for a Cure board member Shea Watkins
The Oncology Patient Support Fund provides financial assistance to patients in active treatment at St. John’s Health who need support with medical bills, pharmaceuticals, patient equipment, travel expenses to and from medical treatments, rent/mortgage, lodging while undergoing treatment, and other discretionary support associated with treatment.
St. John’s Health oncologist Dr. Melissa Cohen reflects, “The look of gratitude and joy from so many recipients is always a highlight of my job. I love knowing that due to this fund, we make the world go ’round for so many well-deserving patients. We make an anxiety-ridden time a little less daunting knowing that there is help beyond the core medical treatments.”
The Cancer Survivorship Program offers a wide range of services to St. John’s Health oncology patients and their caregivers as they manage the challenges that often result from cancer and its treatments. Services include acupuncture, massage, healing touch, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health counseling, wig boutique, wellness coaching, Pilates and yoga. In this last fiscal year, the Cancer Survivorship Program has assisted 98 cancer survivors and 26 caregivers access these expanded holistic services.
Thank you to Stripping for a Cure and their generous donors, we can continue to provide robust support to cancer patients in our community.
