Trinity Health Foundation revealed a new oncology donor wall on Wednesday, June 1, that recognizes the generous community members who have supported Quad Cities patients and families touched by cancer.
At a news conference unveiling the new signature wall at UnityPoint Health Trinity Cancer Center, Moline, foundation and hospital leaders praised the hard-working and compassionate hospital staff, generous donors, and courageous patients along with their families.
“It’s not a wall that separates us but a wall that binds us together,” UnityPoint Health President and CEO Robert Erickson “My hope is that everytime someone passes by that wall they recognize that we are here for the community and our community is here for us and that we are in this fight together.”
Donors who gifted $1,000 or more to the foundation are featured by name in a series of circles covering the wall. In some cases, the circles honor the name of a loved one who lost or fought a cancer battle.
“Every circle represents a different story and the foundation wanted the wall to represent movement and the journey their patients go through,” Trinity Health Foundation President Mary Macumber Schmidt said.
She said the wall symbolizes the importance of providing cancer care in the local community to aid in the healing of the patients. Thanking the donors in attendance, she added: “You believe in local cancer care and without you this wouldn’t be possible.”
Local support, she said, ensures “that patients who live here in the Quad Cities are able to get the care that they need without having to travel outside (the Quad Cities), which we know really aids in their healing.”
Since 2020, Trinity Health Foundation has helped raise $380,000 for cancer care. Funding has been used to support patient assistance such as transportation, care items, breast screenings, colorectal screenings, and at-home equipment.
“Generous donors have made a tremendous impact on the patients of Trinity Cancer Center,” Ms. Schmidt said. “Their generosity has supported patients on their path to recovery and helped fighters become survivors. It is a privilege to honor them in this way.”
The wall, designed by Edwards Creative in Milan, can accommodate additional donor names.
“I think the wall is a very nice artistic expression,” said Dr. Costas Constantinou with Trinity Medical Oncology & Hematology Clinic. “But the reality of it is that the philanthropy and the community spirit that you are showing is actually diffusing through the walls and it’s visible to the people behind the walls (of the Cancer Center).”
Larry and Ann Luka, of Decatur, Illinois, donated to the wall in memory of Ms. Luka’s sister, Judy Hamrick. Ms. Luka applauded the care that her sister received and how everyone made her feel very cared for and welcomed.
“We would love it to be where, especially pancreatic cancer, can be found sooner than when it’s already stage 4 because that’s how it was with Judy,” Ms. Luka added. “We’re hoping and praying through donations that all cancer can be wiped out…”
To donate to the foundation and the Trinity Cancer Center, visit unitypoint.org/trinity-healthfoundation, call (563) 742-7610 or email [email protected].