Summer 2023
Message from the Board Chair of the Rhode Island Hospital Foundation
Dear Volunteer Leadership Council (VLC) Member,
Welcome to the summer eNews for our family of volunteer leaders.
As you read through this latest issue, please know how appreciative we are to have you by our side. You are part of a special group of leaders willing to share your talents, skills, and treasure in service to health care and community. We applaud you for your dedication and commitment.
Here are a few updates:
Renovations Planned for Rhode Island Hospital Lobby – Creating a Space to Match the Quality of Care Provided
More than three years ago, creating a modern and welcoming lobby that reflects the high-quality healthcare provided within was a big dream. But … thanks to a handful of visionaries, that’s just what we plan to do!
Providing excellence in care is an essential component of our mission at Rhode Island Hospital. We also know that the patient experience often starts in the lobby. A growing number of studies are finding that lobby aesthetics support community engagement and improve health and wellbeing. That’s why we are committed to bringing a modern and welcoming lobby design to Rhode Island Hospital in 2024!
Tricia and John Ferreira were the first to raise their hands in support of our lobby renovation project. “This is our opportunity to give back to Rhode Island Hospital for being there 24/7 for our family and our community,” they say. The Ferreira’s $2.5 million leadership gift will help ensure that the hospital’s new entrance provides thoughtful design features that leave patients feeling relaxed, cared for, and confident in the quality of their experience. But the Ferreiras are not alone in stepping up. Eduarda and Anthony Calandrelli, Sandy and Andy Delli Carpini, Carol and Tom Depetrillo, and Virginia and Tony Thomas have also pledged significant gifts of a quarter of a million dollars or more. Please join us in thanking these families for their tremendous generosity in support of Rhode Island Hospital’s lobby of tomorrow. This is a testament of our Volunteer Leadership Council’s spirit of giving.
In the coming months, our “Lobby Renovation Committee” will be recruiting a few more members to help raise additional funds for this project. Please let us know if you are interested in being involved. Learn more
Hasbro Children’s and Malloy Strong Golf Invitationals Raise Close to Half a Million in Support of Patient Care
A flight of 30 foursomes at Rhode Island Country club swung into action on July 24 to raise $402,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital, which exceeded the goal of $325,000! Once again co-chaired by the amazing duo of Larry Aubin and Jamo Carr, this annual event has raised over $5 million since its inception in 1996.
Hats off to Malloy Strong Golf Invitational co-chairs, Julie Abilheira and Nick Rodrigues, along with the 132 golfers on June 19 at Quidnessett Country Club, for raising $85,000! Funds raised from this successful inaugural event will provide financial assistance for patients in need during their oncology treatments at Lifespan Cancer Institute.
$10 Million Grant to Train Diverse Cancer Researchers of the Future
Right: Local students began their training at Rhode Island Hospital on July 12, 2023
With the goal to grow high technology cancer research and innovative education in Rhode Island, the Lifespan Cancer Institute received a $10 million grant from the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) in 2022. The funds have made possible a new mentoring program for BIPOC youth - the Future Gen Cancer Scholars program - and provide for cutting-edge research that will bring together researchers at Lifespan, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and students in the scholars program. Learn more
Pediatric Medical-Psychiatric Integrated Care Programs Celebrate Milestones
From left: Wayne and Jeanie Charness, Judge and Cynthia Selya, and Joe Pannozzo
On June 1, two milestone anniversaries for our nationally recognized medical-psychiatric programs were celebrated. Hasbro Children Hospital’s Partial Hospital Program celebrated 25 years and the Bruce M. Selya Integrated Care Unit (Selya 6) celebrated its 10th anniversary! These programs are essential in addressing the needs of children receiving treatment for psychiatric and medical illnesses at the same time.
In closing, as a member of Rhode Island Hospital’s VLC, your support is vital to strengthening both philanthropy and community engagement. Thank you for your passion, creativity, generosity, and resolve in helping us move the needle forward to achieve our hospital’s fundraising goals.
With sincere appreciation,
Robert K. Vincent
Chair, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation
Volunteer Highlight
Denise Chakoian – Business Owner, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Trustee,
and Cancer Survivor with a Passion for Giving Back
Why have you chosen Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals as an area of focus for your philanthropy and your time?
“I have lived in the Ocean State all my life and see its small size as something incredibly special that binds us together in a positive community. Both my mother and aunt worked at Rhode Island Hospital and our dinner table conversations were often filled with stories about the importance of caring for others. So… when I was approached to be on the board of the Rhode Island Hospital Foundation, I was honored and welcomed the opportunity.”
Denise has been in the fitness industry for 30 years and is the owner of Providence’s CORE Cycle. Fitness. Lagree Studio. She spends her days inspiring clients to reach their health and fitness goals. In addition, she goes the extra mile by using her business as a platform to raise funds for non-profits, especially for those treating cancer patients. During COVID her team did an on-line class as a fundraiser that resulted in the purchase of 10 iPads for cancer patients, allowing them to better connect with their families. And this past November, CORE Studio hosted its 15th Annual Thanks + Giving Turkey Throwdown, which raised $44,000 to benefit Lifespan’s Cancer Institute’s Wellness and Survivorship Programs.
As someone who underwent treatment for stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Denise is deeply grateful to the team at Lifespan Cancer Institute for the exceptional care she received. “When I was first diagnosed, I sought a second opinion at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and determined that the treatment I would get in my home state was likely to be of the same quality. Furthermore, the team in Rhode Island had already started to provide me with such warm personalized care that they felt like family. High quality care close to home – that made my decision easy.”
Today with her cancer in remission, Denise has broadened her career by becoming a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. As part of her gratitude to the hospital and commitment to giving back, she now works part time at the Oncology, Wellness, Lifestyle, and Survivorship (OWLS) Clinics at Rhode Island Hospital and in Lincoln, Rhode Island, run by the Lifespan Cancer Institute. There she brings her knowledge of exercise oncology – and an entirely individualized approach to helping individuals during and after breast cancer treatments. Together, they work to navigate challenging side effects by developing personal fitness protocols and goals. Based on her own experience, Denise passionately believes that a carefully crafted cancer exercise program can enhance a survivor’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Today, data has emerged to back this up.
What advice do you have for other members of our Volunteer Leadership Council in their quest to assist in strengthening philanthropy for our hospitals?
“My advice to new members of the VLC is to spend some time inside the hospitals getting a first-hand glimpse of the lifesaving work going on. I strive to make sure that all staff members at CORE Studios (currently 25 strong) have a chance to do just this and it has inspired our team’s fundraising efforts. Last summer we participated in one of Hasbro Children’s cookouts for patients and families. It was truly heartwarming to see my team flipping burgers and serving food while talking with children, their parents, and staff.
Another suggestion for new VLC members is to join one of the hospital’s event committees, and get one of your colleagues, or friends involved as well. Last year and again this year, I am co-chairing the Heroes Ball and have found the overall experience extremely rewarding. Not only do I get to work with co-chairs Melisa Verrecchia, Lynne and Keith Kelly, and a great committee, but I get to meet some incredible staff members, including awesome leaders, all while sharing the experience with other VLC members. I am now better able to articulate how important our hospital’s work is for our entire community.
In closing, I feel deeply grateful for the exceptional care I received at Rhode Island Hospital and the lessons I have learned on my journey as a cancer survivor. In the years to come, my hope is that philanthropy for our hospitals continues to thrive and the wellness programs at Lifespan Cancer Institute’s OWL clinics expand so that all cancer survivors have the opportunity to enhance their fitness and well-being.”
Please join us in thanking Denise and everyone connected to CORE Cycle. Fitness. Lagree Studio for their steadfast commitment over the years to strengthening philanthropy at Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals and bettering the lives of those with cancer!
Special Acknowledgements