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VNA teams up with the Lincoln Stars for “Pink in the Rink”

September 13, 2017 | VNA Staff | Press Releases

Oct. 13 event raises funds for VNA’s Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 13, 2017 – Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is partnering with the Lincoln Stars for “Pink in the Rink” to raise funds for its Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program (BCPAP). Fans will have the rare chance to bid on player jerseys worn during the game on Friday, October 13, at the Ice Box Arena in Lincoln. Jersey sale proceeds and a portion of ticket sales purchased through VNA will be used locally to provide financial and emotional support to men and women battling breast cancer. As October 13 is also Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will be issuing proclamations in recognition.

“VNA is excited to partner with the Lincoln Stars for this fun event,” said VNA President and CEO Jamie Summerfelt. “‘Pink in the Rink’ is a chance for people to enjoy a night out and support a great cause.”

The funds raised for BCPAP through “Pink in the Rink” will allow clients to not have to make a choice between receiving treatment and providing food or shelter for their family at a very stressful time. One client stated, “My family used your gift to buy my kids each a present, purchase our Christmas dinner and the rest was used for gas to get to Omaha for my treatment. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. Thank you!”

“We are excited to partner with Visiting Nurse Association and help support the Visiting Nurse Association Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program,” Senior Director of Ticket Sales Scott Foley said. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and painting the ice for a great cause and a historically special night in the Ice Box.”

Preparations for “Pink in the Rink” will begin immediately following the Stars home opener the week before — when, for a donation of any size, fans will receive a paint brush and pink paint to paint the rink pink with names, messages of hope, scripture verses or pictures in honor of those affected by breast cancer.

BCPAP provides short-term financial assistance and emotional support to men and women across the state of Nebraska and in western Iowa who are in active treatment for breast cancer.

Since 2010, BCPAP has provided financial assistance and supportive services to over 850 individuals undergoing treatment in 67 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. The program is customized to each individual to maximize impact, with assistance provided for immediate short-term needs like rent, utilities, groceries or gas to access treatment. The program’s Patient Advocate also helps connect patients to a statewide network of services and resources to help optimize the success of treatment.

VNA has served breast cancer patients ranging from 23 to 92 years of age and distributed more than $605,000 in funds to help alleviate stress and allow people to focus on what matters most: healing and recovery. Sixty-two percent of those served by the program in 2016 stated that the assistance they received greatly reduced the financial stress they were experiencing.

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About the Stars

Since joining the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 1996, the Lincoln Stars have strived to provide fun, affordable entertainment unmatched in the Lincoln area and become a pillar of the community.  As a member of the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league, the Stars have won two Clark Cups (1997, 2003), three Anderson Cups (2000, 2001, 2003) and developed notable alumni including David Backes (Boston Bruins), Brandon Bollig (San Jose Sharks), Ryan Dzingel (Ottawa Senators), Jared Boll (Anaheim Ducks) and Paul LaDue (Los Angeles Kings).

The Stars play in the Ice Box, a 4,300-seat arena located on the former Nebraska state fairgrounds and adjacent to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. On game days, the Ice Box is known for its iconic pre-game light show and unparalleled support from the best fans in the USHL. In 2014, The Pipeline Show on TSN 1260 recognized the Ice Box as having one of the top five arena atmospheres in the United States.

 

About Visiting Nurse Association

After more than a century, Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) continues to provide valued expertise, comforting perspective, innovative leadership and industry-leading solutions around the health issues of the day in the communities we serve. Our team of more than 400 compassionate healthcare professionals is dedicated to shaping tomorrow’s care, today, by providing the highest quality care to individuals at home and across the community – no matter their age, station in life or available resources. To learn more about VNA’s unique commitment to fostering a healthy, thriving community, and the services available to meet each client’s ever-changing needs, visit vnatoday.org or call 402-342-5566.

 

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