Former Giants pitcher Dave Dravecky to "rock" chemo treatment room at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
Painting and redecorating begins Nov. 13 and concludes with media event on Nov. 16
Saint Francis Foundation and Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo are teaming up with former San Francisco Giants pitcher Dave Dravecky to help repaint and freshen up a chemotherapy treatment rooms at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco beginning Friday, November 13.
A cancer survivor and current Giants Community Ambassador, Dravecky will help the teams from Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo (RTR4C) finish painting one of three chemotherapy rooms at the hospital. RTR4C is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization devoted to creating positive, healing and uplifting spaces that spiritually, emotionally and physically support those dealing with chemotherapy. The project was funded in its entirety by San Francisco philanthropist Ms. Lola Bugatto.
A media event will take place on Monday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m. at 900 Hyde Street.
"We are excited to partner with the St. Francis Foundation and former San Francisco pitcher Dave Dravecky - whose cancer survival is both moving and inspirational - to 'rock' our 16th infusion center," said Nancy Ballard, founder of RTR4C. "Our goal at RTR4C has remained simple from the start: transform treatment rooms into positive, healing and uplifting spaces. We look forward to everyone's contributions and to helping Saint Francis Memorial Hospital's cancer patients through the hardships of cancer and chemotherapy treatment."
Kevin Causey, President of the Saint Francis Foundation, said: "On behalf of everyone at the Foundation and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, I'd like to express a heartfelt thanks to Lola Bugatto, Dave Dravecky, Nancy Ballard and the entire team at Rooms That Rock For Chemo. The work they are doing will have a very positive impact on the individuals and families who come to Saint Francis Memorial Hospital for world-class care from our outstanding physicians, nurses and staff."
A former All-Star, Dravecky had a seven-year career in Major League Baseball and pitched for the Giants from 1987 to 1989. While playing for the Giants, he was diagnosed with cancer and had his shoulder and pitching arm amputated. Since retiring from baseball, Dravecky has become a motivational speaker and author, and he runs the Endurance foundation with his wife, Jan.
The three treatment rooms being renovated are designed by Kelly Sabella and Cora Sue Anthony and will feature art donated by Art.com, stencils donated by Cutting Edge Stencils, paint donated by Home Depot and Behr Paint, and labor donated by Bay Area volunteers. Since 2011, RTR4C founder and artist Nancy Ballard, and hundreds of volunteers, have converted more than 110 rooms in 17 facilities into Rooms That Rock; all supported by 100% volunteer labor.
The Saint Francis Cancer Program utilizes expertise from the entire oncology community in order to set the highest standards for cancer treatment and care. The program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons and approved by the Commission on Cancer for improved oncology patient outcomes due to access, service, satisfaction, quality of care, and overall well-being.
About RoomsThatRock4Chemo
Rooms that Rock 4 Chemo (RTR4C) is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating positive, healing and uplifting spaces that spiritually, emotionally and physically support those dealing with chemotherapy. In collaboration with interior designers, volunteers and local vendors, RTR4C transforms physical spaces in facilities providing chemotherapy. As the hospital environment changes from sterile and drab to healing, lovely and soothing, the positive impact of emotional well-being, comfort and hope in patients' lives is monumental. The rooms provided by RTR4C are accomplished by working together with facility operators, volunteer professional designers, the local community and sponsors to create new physical surroundings for patients and their families. For more information, visit www.roomsthatrock4chemo.us
About The Saint Francis Foundation
The mission of the Saint Francis Foundation is to raise funds and make grants that support and enhance the ability of Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco to deliver exceptional health care services and compassionate care to its patients and to the communities the hospital serves. Established in 1979, Saint Francis Foundation is a public, non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide philanthropic support to Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, and the community that the Hospital serves. The San Francisco Foundation manages approximately $93 million in assets pledged to both the Foundation and the Hospital, representing the generosity of more than 4,000 donors. For more information, visit www.saintfrancisfoundation.org, or call 415-353-6650.
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