Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 9, 2009
Local McDonald's Conducts Fundraising to Support Cancer Center and Patients
Having a loved one fight the battle against cancer is a life-changing experience. Having the support and guidance of a compassionate physician and a local cancer program to meet the patient's and family's needs can make all the difference.
Deanna and Don Witzel, owner/operators of Vermilion County McDonald's experienced the journey first-hand last year with Deanna's mother's battle with lung cancer. She succumbed to the disease November 30, 2008.
"Everyone we came in contact with was so compassionate when they would hear our story," stated Deanna Witzel. "It was then I realized just how many people have been touched by cancer in one way or another. And we wanted to do something to make a difference."
Now the Witzels are paying tribute to Deanna's mother by conducting a Cancer Ribbon Campaign during their 10th anniversary celebration. From June 26-July 11, each of the Vermilion County McDonald's locations will be selling $1.00 patches to show support in the local fight against cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation to be utilized for the Cancer Center, under the direction of medical director Jo-Mel Labayog, MD. The Witzel's will personally be providing a match of up to $10,000 of the funds raised.
"Dr. Labayog provided compassionate guidance to me during my mother's illness and offered hope and encouragement along the way," stated Witzel. "We are so fortunate to have a physician with his expertise and professionalism here in Vermilion County and I'm personally thrilled that he will be remaining here in Danville with Provena."
The Cancer Ribbon Drive will be held in conjunction with McDonald's customer appreciation week, which culminates in the "McPack the Place" event at the Danville Dans game Saturday, July 11, at the Danville Stadium. At that event, the Witzels will make a special presentation to Provena during the 7th inning stretch.
"If anyone wants to make a larger donation to this campaign in addition to the $1 patch, they can do that directly with the Foundation. It's a great way to honor a loved one," said Witzel.
"We are very grateful to the Witzels and their continual support of the medical center and the people of Vermilion County," states Chad Hays, Vice President of Development for Provena. "I think helping to raise funds to make cancer treatment better for local patients and families is one of the best ways to honor a loved one."
For more information on the McDonald's Cancer Ribbon Campaign, contact Deanna Witzel at 217.446.5456, or the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation at 217.442.6583, or visit www.provena.org/usmc. Donations can be sent to the Foundation office at 801 W. Fairchild St., Danville, IL.
