Stories of Hope: Patients to share personal stories at ‘virtual’ Rose of Hope benefit Sept. 25

FAIRFIELD, CT (Sept. 18, 2020) – Breast center patients during the Sept. 25 Rose of Hope Virtual Evening Edition to benefit the Norma Pfriem Breast Center will speak about their experiences as they navigated the medical, emotional and financial challenges of treatment and recovery.

Also on the agenda for the webcast is a musical performance by Tony and Grammy Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, who played Alexander Hamilton’s sister-in-law Angelica in the original cast of the Broadway hit Hamilton. The webcast starts at 7 pm. Login credentials will be provided at the time of registration. For information, tickets and to preview or bid on vacation getaway auction items, visit ROH2020.givesmart.com.

Bank of America is the lead corporate event sponsor.

“Bank of America is honored to continue our support of this year’s Rose of Hope Virtual Gala, as we remain committed to connecting communities to resources they need to thrive,” said Bill Tommins, Southern Connecticut market president for Bank of America. “Here in Southern Connecticut, Norma Pfriem Breast Center provides invaluable, caring support and health services to women throughout our community, regardless of financial means. We look forward to an inspiring and uplifting evening of hope, courage, community support and healing.”

Other sponsors include Connie and John DeMattia and the DeMattia Charitable Foundation, and Judy and David Nessel and the Nessel Family Foundation (in memory of Amy Nessel). The event co-chairs are Elise Bucknall and Lynne Taikowski.

“I’m in awe of our patients who show amazing strength during a crisis,” said Donna Twist, PhD, executive director of the center and vice president of development for the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation. “Their stories offer hope, and we all need hope during these difficult times.”

"Funds raised by the event directly impact the center’s ability to provide medical care, patient navigation and support services at the level of excellence our patients have come to expect from our breast cancer and other oncology programs in Bridgeport, Fairfield and Trumbull," Twist said.

“Our patients are navigating two crises: breast cancer and the pandemic. Through fundraisers like the Rose of Hope, we’re able to offer care and compassionate services regardless of a patient’s financial situation. Thanks to our supporters, the evening will truly be a story of hope,” she added.

This year’s event also includes after-party music provided by DJ Nomad NYC. In addition, each sponsorship or ticket includes a virtual party package featuring light fare and a mini-bottle of sparkling wine.

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org