Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center to Receive $500,000 Donation
East Stroudsburg, PA – Sanofi Pasteur demonstrated its commitment to Pocono Health System and the Pocono Mountains community as the company announced its donation to benefit the new Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center. The $500,000 contribution, presented by Frank Epifano, vice president, North America and Global Finance Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur; and Phil Hosbach, vice president, Immunization Policy, Sanofi Pasteur; will be used toward the construction of the Center.
“We are extremely grateful to have received this generous donation from Sanofi Pasteur for the new Hughes Cancer Center — a project vitally important to our community as cancer rates grow four percent each year in Monroe County,” said Kathleen E. Kuck, president and CEO of Pocono Health System/Pocono Medical Center (PMC). “The new, state-of-the-art Center allows us to bring our world-class technology, protocols, physicians and staff under one roof, close to home for our patients.”
The design of the new Hughes Cancer Center will offer a healing environment, contributing to the health, well-being and optimism of local cancer patients and their families. The Center, which is scheduled to be completed this year — complemented by an expansion of PMC oncology service staff — will meet a critical need in the region, as cancer has now become the leading cause of death in Monroe County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health 2011 County Health Profile.
“Sanofi Pasteur is honored to partner with and contribute to Pocono Health System’s new Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center,” said Hosbach. “As a member of the System’s Board of Directors, I have seen firsthand the important and admirable accomplishments of this organization, and in particular, how their life-saving work aligns with our goals and interests at Sanofi Pasteur. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts toward a healthier Monroe County and a strengthened Pennsylvania.”
Kuck added, “I would like to thank the entire Sanofi Pasteur team for their kind support of this project and remind them how the lives of tomorrow’s cancer patients and their families will be significantly impacted in a positive way because of Sanofi Pasteur’s efforts in making the new Hughes Cancer Center a reality.”
Sanofi Pasteur’s collective contributions to Pocono Health System — including today’s donation, have supported critical areas such as oncology, cardiovascular health and the construction of the Mountain Healthcare facility. These donations mark just one example of Sanofi Pasteur’s steadfast commitment to local Corporate Social Responsibility.
Other highlights include the company and its employees exceeding $1 million in philanthropic giving in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011, supporting hundreds of other local non-profit organizations. The company also strengthens the local community through spearheading efforts such as the annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, which has benefitted thousands of local residents. More company information is available at the Sanofi Pasteur Community Relations website: http://community.sanofipasteur.us.
About Sanofi Pasteur
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company’s heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
