News

BHS In the Community

Dinner Dance Raises Money for Colon Cancer Prevention
March 23, 2010 For Immediate Release DeMarsico Dinner Dance Raises Funds for Colon Cancer Screening The 2010 DeMarsico Polenta/Venison/Chicken Dinner Dance succeeded in raising over $20,000 for Berkshire Medical Center and its efforts to promote screening colonoscopy in the community. The event, organized by longtime BMC employee Drew DeMarsico and his wife Patricia DeMarsico, was held on February 27th at the Berkshire Hills Country Club. This year’s dinner raised $22,000 for a new patient care fund to help people who cannot afford to have a screening colonoscopy to offset some of the costs associated with their procedure. The DeMarsico Dinner Dance has in the past helped to raise funds for a patient care fund for breast cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. With the aid of screening colonoscopies, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, as the screening can help to detect pre-cancerous polyps in their early stages. “Those who attended and supported this event are helping Berkshire Health Systems to remove financial barriers associated with screening colonoscopy, the best tool available to help prevent colon cancer or to catch it in its early stages, when it’s treatable,” said Diane Kelly, RN, BMC Chief Operating Officer. “BHS cannot thank Drew enough for the enormous amount of work he has dedicated to this event this year and in previous years. His commitment to our hospital will help us to achieve the goal of having everyone in our community over the age of 50 screened every ten years. ” Numerous Berkshire County businesses, organizations and individuals supported the DeMarsico Dinner, generously providing financial donations and/or merchandise that was used in prize drawings during the event. A complete list of those who supported the event can be found on the Berkshire Health Systems web site – www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/2010demarsicodinner