September 28, 2007

Turlock, CA - Legacy Circle, Emanuel Medical Center’s annual giving program enters its final week of the ongoing six-week fund drive campaign, having earned $694,543 of their $1.2 million goal for the Emanuel Cancer Endowment. 

The Emanuel Cancer Endowment is a $4 million permanent fund that will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer services in Turlock. Legacy Circle has committed to raising the initial $4 million to establish the endowment, but the fund will continue to grow as charitable gifts are donated for years to come.   

“Emanuel Medical Center and the surrounding community is filled with champions,” said Christopher Perkins MD, Medical Director and founder of California Oncology in Turlock and Fresno, CA. “The definition of champion, is to fight – this year’s Legacy Circle’s fund-drive gives us the opportunity to do just that. We fight for ourselves, our family members and friends who already have, or may develop cancer and will need care. We are fighting to provide more than just a service; rather, we are providing seamless care held under one roof at Emanuel Medical Center. This is our great opportunity, to make this community a better place to live.” 

Legacy Circle has received a strong response from the community, as the Emanuel Employee and Community team members from all different walks of life, volunteer their time to raise funds for the Emanuel Cancer Endowment. These two teams fuel the fund-drive, bringing member pledge cards to weekly reporting socials. The teams have brought in 1,078 pledges to date. 

After hearing Dr. Perkins speak at a Legacy Circle Chairman’s dinner, which was held a few weeks ago, a friend of the hospital, June Rogers was moved by the importance of the Emanuel Cancer Endowment. As a result, June and her husband John made a pledge of  $50,000 for this year’s campaign, with a continual pledge of the same amount for the next two years - totaling a $150,000 donation for the Emanuel Cancer Endowment.  

Husband and wife of 55 years, George and Zella Linn have been Legacy Circle Community team members since it began seven years ago. In just four weeks, they have collectively earned $26,400 for the Emanuel Cancer Endowment.  

“After working as a surgical attendant at Emanuel Medical Center for twenty years and George having been born in the original Emanuel Hospital almost 83 years ago, we love being a part of Legacy Circle,” said Zella Linn. “We love this community and we love this hospital because it helps our community.” 

Lazar Piro, Former President of the Assyrian National Council of Stanislaus and member of the California State University, Merced Board of Trustees volunteered to be a Community Team Owner for Legacy Circle because of the severity of the need to establish the endowment.  

“Everyone wants to provide some form of relief for those who have cancer,” said Piro, Legacy Circle Community Team Owner. “With my heart I said ‘yes’ to Legacy Circle and I’m so glad I did.”  

Legacy Circle Weekly Breakdown of Results 

Emanuel Employee Volunteers:
Week four total: $62,625
Total to date: $217,320 

Community Volunteers:
Week four total: $139,695
Total to date: $476,972 

Combined Total:
Week four: $202,320
Total to date: $694,193 

The Emanuel Cancer Endowment will provide services such as outreach and prevention, early detection, support groups, genetic risk assessment, counseling and testing, clinical research, and participation in national clinical trials. These services and leading technology will only further the reputation of Emanuel Medical Center as one of the top-quality medical organizations in the Central Valley.  

Emanuel recently joined in collaboration with Stanford Hospitals & Clinics and Stanford University School of Medicine to create the Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center. 

For more information on Legacy Circle, the Emanuel Cancer Endowment, or to join please contact the Office of Development at (209) 664-5180.