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"I am excited about the groundbreaking treatments the Shands Cancer Hospital at UF will bring, but I know something as important as this cannot be accomplished without the generosity of others. Raising Hope is something we can all participate in so the best healthcare will be available for our patients now and in the future. This is an opportunity for us all to make a difference."

Mary Ellen Bentham, pictured during the mid-90s
when she was receiving breast-cancer treatment
at Shands at UF and pictured today.

THE GROWING NEED FOR CANCER CARE

Mary Ellen Bentham is celebrating 16 years of living cancer-free. She knows the importance of the Raising Hope Campaign. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, Bentham feels fortunate to now give back.

"I remember how it felt to be confused and anxious, and now, through this campaign, I am providing Hope for those stricken with cancer."

Bentham asks that you join her in the fight against cancer by giving to the Raising Hope Campaign to support the construction of the Shands at the University of Florida Cancer Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility will open in November 2009 and will speed the pace of research and discovery in cancer treatment for our community and the world.

The Shands Cancer Hospital at UF will provide the compassionate care and clinical excellence our patients deserve while they battle this disease. Click here to learn more and become a part of this historical $388 million, 500,000-square-foot hospital. Help us Raise Hope.

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STORY OF HOPE
Mark and Mary Wise
The Wise Family began their involvement with Shands HealthCare on Thanksgiving Day 1992 when Mary and the volleyball team visited Shands Children’s Hospital. However, one Wednesday during vacation, Mark and his family became more involved with Shands than they could have ever imagined. On June 12, 2007, Mark and Mary Wise learned exactly how big a part of their lives Shands would become. Mark was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. Almost immediately, they began aggressive treatments with radiation twice a day for six weeks and chemotherapy once a week for seven weeks. Even when treatment concluded, the long and difficult healing process left Mark with a feeding tube after losing 30 pounds, fighting off cancer sores, nauseous, and without half his goatee. For three months, Mark was confined to the living room chair, while Mary, their friends and neighbors, were by his side. Even when Mary and the volleyball team had to travel, the same community who helped raise their two boys, continued to help Mark heal. They gathered together to mow the lawn, pick up medicine and deliver food. Their Shands community paid attention to detail, explained the procedures, and helped make the daily grind feasible. Even after the initial treatments, the fight was persistent. One final surgery, a neck dissection, would tell the Wises if the cancer cells were alive. The report came to Mary’s cell phone as she was about to address her team before a match. No live cancer cells were found. This was means for celebration. However, the Wise family chose to enjoy more of the small celebrations that took place in their fight against cancer, like the day Mark’s feeding tube was removed or when their youngest son made the basketball team. Now, there are scans every three months and even more blood tests, but the statistics are on their side and it is time to give back. As honorary chairs for the community fundraising campaign for the Shands at UF Cancer Hospital, it is time to rally, put the coaching blinders on, and provide hope to those, just like Mark, who are in for their toughest fight.
NEWS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Moonlight and Martinis to Benefit Al'z Place
Join us on Feb. 6 at the Touchdown Terrace at the University of Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for a fun-filled evening supporting Al'z Place.
Al'z Place provides care for people age 18 and older with Alzheimer's disease or severe memory impairment. The adult program is available five days per week, eight hours per day. Therapeutic activities include physical exercise; active and quiet games; reminiscence; validation therapy; doll therapy; and other failure-free activities. Lunch and two snacks per day are provided.
For more information about the Feb. 6 event, click on Moonlight and Martinis.
You can also call (352) 265-9243 or e-mail claria@shands.ufl.edu.