The Cancer Center Community Crusaders are delighted to announce that Dr. Marcus Martinez will be the guest speaker at the Second Annual Community Remembrance and Cupcake Crusade on Saturday, June 6, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington which begins at 7 pm. He will then assist in the lighting of the cauldron.
“We are delighted that Dr. Martinez will be speaking at our event,” said Erica Rogers, co-chair of the Cancer Center Community Crusaders Steering Committee. “He is an inspiration and we are so happy he is again seeing patients and able to join us.”
Dr. Martinez underwent treatment for cancer earlier this year and returned to his Hoosick Falls family medicine practice on April 13. He is a native of Hoosick Falls, where his father, Dr. Philip Martinez, practiced medicine for more than 40 years before retiring. In an open letter to the community, Marcus Martinez acknowledged that the cards, letters and prayers he had received had helped him to survive his cancer treatment. “Words cannot express my thanks and gratitude to all of you,” he wrote.
At the Community Remembrance, Dr. Martinez will share the podium with Tom Dee, President and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Health Care. A musical performance by Chris Jacobs will be part of the ceremony, and there will be the traditional lighting of the cauldron. Sandra O’Neill, RN OCN, a member of the Cancer Center Community Crusaders Steering Committee and a nurse at Southwestern Vermont Health Care, will lead the program.
The Cupcake Crusade portion of the day begins at 2 pm. This fun, family-friendly event features a cupcake baking contest, live entertainment, children’s activities, a chicken barbecue, raffles, vendors and more. Community organizations, families, friend groups and anyone else who would like to join the crusade to raise funds and support cancer patients and cancer research locally are invited to join the celebration and set up a game booth or activity to benefit the event. No commercial vendors please. Carnival games are especially encouraged.
For information on how to participate, call Beth Dillard at 802-440-4239 or e-mail beth.dillard@svhealthcare.org.
The Cancer Center Community Crusaders provide financial, physical, and emotional support to members of the community and their families as they strive to obtain the best cancer care and treatment possible. The group also allocates a portion of the funds it raises to support local and regional cancer research efforts.