The physical and emotional benefits of massage for cancer patients are extensive, including improved relaxation, sleep and circulation, and decreased pain, anxiety and nausea.
Thanks to the generosity of one member of the Lebanon community whose life has been affected by cancer, patients of the WellSpan Sechler Family Cancer Center can take advantage of the benefits of massage, free of charge and onsite at the cancer center.
Tom Gerhart funds the massage program through The Anne Fund, a nonprofit organization established in memory of his mother, who died in 1996 at age 62 following a year-and-half-long battle with cancer. Gerhart, a Cedar Crest High School graduate who had a 10-year professional football career that included playing defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles in the early 1990s, hosts an annual sports memorabilia auction to benefit local cancer patients and their families.
Over 19 years, the sports memorabilia auction has generated more than $350,000 for cancer organizations and families battling cancer. Two years ago, The Anne Fund became a major donor to the WellSpan Sechler Family Cancer Center and has contributed $18,000 since the relationship began.
The 20th sports memorabilia auction is scheduled for April 18 in Lebanon. This year’s event will feature 20 items in the main auction and 20 items in a silent auction. Food will be provided by an assortment of local restaurants.
“Our mission is to make a positive impact for families in our community that have been affected by cancer,” Gerhart says. “I cannot think of a better relationship to have than with the WellSpan Sechler Cancer Center. The cancer center is making a difference for many in our community, and The Anne Fund wants to help that cause.”
WellSpan in the community
Visit WellSpan.org/Neighbors to learn more about how WellSpan makes a difference in the lives of its patients, friends and neighbors across central Pennsylvania, and to read our current Community Benefit Report.
Across the communities of Lebanon County, grateful individuals like Tom Gerhart and area businesses support the care of cancer patients at the WellSpan Sechler Family Cancer Center and other WellSpan services in Lebanon County by giving to the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. To learn more, contact Mike Kuhn, director of development, at (717) 270-7733 or MKuhn3@WellSpan.org.