Virtual – Champions of Hope
Our uplifting recognition ceremony honoring four remarkable individuals for their achievements in the battle against cancer, took place virtually on Sept. 14. Normally conducted as an in-person event, for the safety of the honorees, their guests, and event registrants, the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation chose to conduct the celebration virtually this year.
Selected by a committee of community volunteers and area clinicians in conjunction with the MVH Foundation, the honorees were introduced by videos followed by their recorded acceptance remarks. The committee was chaired by Jeanne Ponziani, MSA-RN, retired director of nursing at Miami Valley Hospital South. Selected in four categories, the honorees included:
Person of Inspiration – Gail Moddeman, PhD, RN – A longtime MVH clinical nurse and cancer survivor, Gail is an educator, researcher and a professor emeritus of nursing at Wright State University.
Caregiver – Denise Nichols, MSW, LISW-S – An oncology Social Worker who has cared for MVH patients for 17 years, Denise is also a longtime community volunteer and published short story author.
Survivor – Pat Meadows, MSSW – A 25-year cancer survivor, Pat is a respected community advocate, speaker and volunteer who was the director of Social Services at MVH for 21 years, and then served as executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton.
Medical Professional – Ania Pollack, MD, FACS, FAANS – Instrumental in establishing several innovations in the MVH Neuro Oncology program, Dr. Pollack is noted for providing compassionate state-of-the-art care for her patients at the bedside and in the operating room.
Proceeds will enhance and expand integrative therapies for oncology patients, including specialized exercise, yoga, and massage classes. Proceeds also support a snack cart for infusion patients, and a discretionary fund for patients with unanticipated expenses associated with their treatment.
As in past Champions of Hope events, a tribute bouquet provided an opportunity for individuals to honor their personal champions in the fight against cancer. Bouquet donations of $25 were requested in honor or in memory of a loved one, friend, or colleague. Although the 2021 bouquet was virtual, nearly 90 honorees received tribute recognition as part of the event.
To donate, please text Champions2021 to 41444 or select Give Now. The Miami Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to the registrants, sponsors, committee and, most importantly, the honorees who shared their inspirational stories. They are all truly Champions of Hope.
Note: since this was the second year we were unable to conduct an in-person event, the following photos are from 2019.
Champions of Hope Honorees 2020/21 >
Thank you 2021 Gold Sponsors:
