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45 Years and Counting... Care. Support. Compassion. Always free of charge.
Summer, 2023
CST was able to ramp up its mission to enhance the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones across southern Westchester. Case management and social work services were added in 2000. “Today, we have six nurses (one embedded
CST Staff circa 2000
at White Plains Hospital Center for Cancer Care), two case managers, as well as a licensed clinical social worker,” board chair Walters points out. “And not only do we offer our services in both English and Spanish, all services are provided at no cost to patients and families.” Expanding North “Since first learning about CST nearly 20 years ago, I have always wondered why we only worked with patients and families in southern Westchester,” says executive director Tania Weiss. Unsurprisingly, the reason for the geographical limitation was financial. “So, when I joined as the executive director four years ago, expanding north became a personal goal.”
Dr. Arnold Wald, Founder
Gayle K. Lee, Founder
Who would have guessed that what started out in an office closet in 1978…would become a thriving organization helping thousands of cancer patients and their families? Cancer Support Team was the brainchild of radiologist Dr. Arnold Wald and Gayle K. Lee, a registered nurse and patient advocate. “They understood that dealing with this disease involved so much more than treating tumors,” says Rupert Walters, CST board chair and friend to both founders. “Their holistic approach included education, emotional and practical support.” Patty Vaughn, a registered nurse with
A goal that is becoming increasingly realistic thanks to funding from Swim Across America (and donors like
CST since 1989 explains that the agency’s approach was groundbreaking.
“The idea of going to a patient’s home to discuss treatment options, side effects, pain management, nutrition, transportation, emotional and self-image issues – even where to find money for medication – this was truly a novel concept.” As word spread, CST outgrew its closet at Rye Radiology. With an actual office staffed by two nurses, Wendy McManus, CST Volunteer, Patty Vaughn, and Judy Boyle (1990) CST Nurses
Current CST Staff 2023
Visit our website at www.cancersupportteam.org
CALLING ALL DONORS
45 YEARS AND COUNTING.... ( continued)
you). While not yet able to see patients throughout the entire county, CST has pushed its boundaries further north. For the first time, CST now sees patients from Ossining, Mt. Kisco and Katonah. “We are offering vital services to areas where there are large numbers of patients who need us,” says Bonnie Gould, board member and programming committee chair.
often affect patient outcomes. Education is key. Gould explains: “By offering our model of one-on-one education and support to patients and families, CST is trying to reduce healthcare disparities and increase access to essential healthcare services for those impacted by cancer.” It’s with no small sense of accomplishment that board chair Walters adds: “CST’s success over the past 45 years – and our on-going growth - is something we know Arnold and Gayle would be very proud of.”
We could not do the work we do without you! Yes, Cancer Support Team is fortunate that several institutional funders recognize the work we do and have provided significant support over the years. But as welcome as this is, those contributions fall far short of meeting the needs of all the people we serve. From its inception, we have relied on individual donors like you to make the difference. Because of you, we provide our Westchester neighbors the help they need, when they need it, without regard to ability to pay. We don’t bill DEDICATED DONATIONS Honor someone’s birthday or anniversary with a special gift to CST. The website makes it easy to do: www.cancersupportteam.org/DONATE. Memorial gifts are also a way to let a family know you are thinking of them. RECURRING GIFTS Monthly or quarterly donations are a reliable source of income and help CST budget better. “It’s easy, and I do not have to think about it,” says Christina Staudt, longtime CST supporter. “Small amounts add up to a major donation by the end of the year.” MATCHING GIFTS Many for-profit companies offer corporate matching gift programs that can enhance the impact of a personal gift. “I work for a Fortune 500 company that has a one-to-one match up to a certain dollar amount. Setting it up was very easy,” adds Severine Blond, a CST board member. REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS (RMDS) As of 2023, the age at which you must start taking withdrawals from your tax-deferred accounts (IRA, 401K, etc.) is 73. One way to reduce the tax bite on these distributions is to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). The maximum total amount of your QCDs is $100,000 per year. Mark Edmiston, CST advisory board member notes, “we started to use money from our RMD to support all the charities we are involved with. It just makes good sense. We want to donate anyway, and this is an additional benefit.”
insurance either, so our clinical staff are free to do what needs to be done without bureaucratic red tape. Not surprisingly post-pandemic, we are seeing a big increase in our census. We need to raise even more than we have in the past, and that’s where you come in. You may not be aware that there are many ways to support CST besides writing a check once a year (although we are more than grateful that you do!) To that end, here is a list of ways to donate to CST that you may find useful as you continue to support your neighbors through our unique organization: PLANNED GIVING Bequests to CST are a very effective way to help provide for CST’s future. John Gould is a retired attorney and longtime supporter. He and his wife Bonnie have been involved for over 20 years. John notes, “we believe strongly in CST and the importance and effectiveness of its work. We want to help provide support for CST’s future and are pleased to say that we have included CST in our estate-plans.” You can also quickly donate by scanning our QR code with any mobile phone! As a current member of CST’s board, Bonnie points out, “CST is working on establishing a Legacy Society.” She adds, “we hope you will let Tania Weiss know if you have already included CST in a bequest or other planned gift. Your willingness to be listed as a member of the Legacy Society will encourage others to follow your example.”
CST’s board is very aware of the so-called “hot spots” in Westchester where social determinants of health
LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS
CST is dedicated to educating the general public about all things cancer-related. In addition to participating in health fairs and community outreach, we also offer many ways to find information - our resource guide Life Lines , our website, this newsletter and our regular News & Views emails. CST is now on the radio as well. Let’s Talk About This with Tania Weiss is a new monthly program carried on
WVOX, Channel 1460 AM. We invite an expert --a doctor, scientist, therapist, or community partner to discuss the latest in cancer prevention, medical advances and treatments, and of course where to find help. The half hour program airs at 2:30 pm the first Thursday of the month. It is also available on the CST website as a podcast. Go to www. cancersupportteam.org/PODCAST for more information.
Dr. Sandeep Saluja, Hudson Dermatology and Tania Weiss, CST Executive Director
CELEBRATE SPRING A GREAT SUCCESS
Last May, nearly 200 people gathered to “Celebrate Spring” at the Bronxville Field Club. RuthAnn Brazill, longtime CST Board Member, and Phil Orlando, Advisory Board Member, were honored for their dedication and service to CST.
“It was wonderful to see such a large turnout for this event. Both RuthAnn and Phil have been so involved in raising money for us year after year, allowing CST to grow and help more cancer patients each year,” says Marlissa Westerfield, Board Member and chair of the event. “Their friends, family and many of our CST supporters wanted to let them know their efforts are very appreciated.”
The evening’s featured speaker was Reverend Anthony McLean, a CST patient who spoke from the heart about the services he has received and how meaningful this support has been to him and his family.
Reverend Anthony McLean CST Patient and Lou Altieri, CST Volunteer Driver
RuthAnn Brazill, CST Board Member and Honoree, Tania Weiss, CST Executive Director, Marlissa Westerfield, CST Board Member, Phil Orlando, CST Advisory Board Member and Honoree
WHY I VOLUNTEER TO DRIVE
MEET CST’S NEWEST NURSE - ANDREA PIATTI, BSN, RN Last winter CST nurse
When I retired, I was looking for a place to give back. I had the time and was thankful for my blessings. I love to talk with patients. I have never met anyone that was angry or sad. We talk about everything from cooking to travel to grandchildren. - Lou Altieri I have been a volunteer driver for the last 10 years. It actually lifts me knowing that in some small way I am helping people in a very critical time of their lives. - Peter Ricca CST is always in need of additional drivers. All you need is one free hour. You control the schedule; the application is easy, and training is provided. Lastly, it is so rewarding. To learn more about this wonderful opportunity, please join us for a volunteer appreciation event in the fall at CST offices. To RSVP call 914-777- 2777.
Providing rides for cancer patients to and from treatment is one of the core programs CST offers. There is a dedicated group of volunteers who drive sometimes once and often several times a week. We asked why they do it. My father-in-law has been battling cancer for over two decades. This just feels like gaining some control over such an out-of-my-control circumstance. - Lisa Sommer I get the deep and immediate satisfaction of serving someone who needs help, by providing direct support for another human being who is dealing with tough physical and emotional challenges. It is gratifying to pay back the kindness people have shown to my family and me. I want to be a “ray of sunshine” for someone else. - John Borden I drive patients because it is satisfying, rewarding, a way to give back to the community and pay it forward. - Jennifer Smith
She quickly learned CST was looking for a new nurse and applied. “What I love best about working for CST is that I can spend as much time as I want with a patient; I can return as many times as I feel the patient needs. There is no insurance company demanding that I meet a quota of so many patient visits per day.” In addition to being a visiting nurse for River Spring Health/The Hebrew Home, she was also an oncology clinical nurse manager at several health care facilities including Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, MA, NYU Medical Center, NY, Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY and Aptium Oncology, Desert Regional Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, Palm Springs, CA. Her background makes her a terrific new addition to the CST clinical team.
Caridad Aponte, made a home visit to a patient who recently had had surgery. While there, a visiting nurse arrived to check on the patient’s vitals post op. This visiting nurse was Andrea Piatti, and she was very curious to learn all about CST. She was also impressed with the type of education and support
Andrea Piatti, CST Nurse Counselor
Caridad was able to give to their mutual patient. “I’ve always loved working in oncology, ever since I started as a nurse over 20 plus years ago,” says Andrea. “The type of nursing that CST provides really caught my attention because it’s so different and so needed.”
SUMMER MEANS SWIM
Every year over 1,000 people from all over Westchester County help Make Waves to Fight Cancer by volunteering or swimming in our local Swim Across America pool and Open Water events. Cancer Support Team, a Swim beneficiary, provides lots of help to make this a success.
Whether working behind the scenes creating spreadsheets and sending emails, signing in swimmers, or manning the CST table, we helped the amazing volunteers of Long Island Sound’s Swim to have another amazing year – raising over $1.8 million!
Tania Weiss, CST Executive Director and Bonnie Gould, CST Board Member
Frank Webers, CST Board Member and Tania Weiss, CST ED
CST Swim Team: Andrew Mullan, Monica Mullan, CST Manager of Finance and Operations, Gianna Timpone, CST Intern, Tania Weiss, CST ED, Sabrina Fiddelman, CST Advisory Board Member and Jeffrey Fiddelman
Swim Across America Volunteers and Paulina Portero, CST Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Rupert Walters , CST Board Chair and Swim Across America Participant
MEET THE TEAM VIDEO
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
HEALTH FAIR MAMARONECK
Tania Weiss, CST Executive Director and Members of the Bronxville Rotary Club
Patti Lavan Horvath, Program Officer for the Field Hall Foundation and Rupert Walters, CST Board Chair
Mercedes Estabridis, CST Community Outreach Coordinator George Latimer, Westchester County Executive Zoila Condor, MSW, CST Case Manager
CST Fundraiser at the Temple of Daughter Elks, Community Sunset Temple in Yonkers
Hispanic Heritage Festival
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
To watch our Meet the Team Video please go to www.cancersupportteam.org/videos Special Thanks to Alan Weiss Productions for a great job!
Agatha Durland Foundation Bernard and Muriel Lauren Foundation Davatzes Family Foundation Hildegarde D. Becher Foundation John and Gayle Lee Family Foundation
Joseph and Susan Gatto Foundation Josephine Lawrence Hopkins Foundation
Old Oaks Foundation Phelps Healthcare Foundation Six String Giving Foundation
Lin and Susie Chen Foundation Michael Stanley Foundation Fund NY Community Trust
Stephen C. Chapin Memorial Fund The Woman’s Club of Larchmont, Inc.
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 44 White Plains, NY 10610
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2900 Westchester Avenue, Suite 103 Purchase, NY 10577
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rupert Walters Chair Mark Rice Treasurer Daniel Bernstein, Esq. Secretary
Severine Blond RuthAnn Brazill Marikay Capasso
Lisa Edmiston Bonnie Gould Naphtali Joseph Betty Kelly Carla Volpe Porter, Esq. Andrea Robinson Christopher M. Sediqzad, CFA Daniel Smith, MD Frank Webers Marlissa Westerfield
Celebrating 45 years of service: 1978 – 2023 SAVE THE DATE
24 th Annual Gayle K. Lee Health Awareness Luncheon “New Successes in Cancer Treatment” Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Scarsdale Golf Club One Club Way, Hartsdale, NY
Featured Speaker: Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD Meyer Director, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine
Design by Paulina Portero
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