Susan Fine, director of marketing at Ingalls Memorial Hospital, is the Cancer Support Center’s 2017 recipient of the Richard K. Desser M.D. Spirit of Life Award.
Fine is being recognized for her ongoing work in developing programs and partnering the hospital with the Cancer Support Center.
According to a press release from the Cancer Support Center, Fine has coordinated all of the cancer related programming facilitated by Ingalls staff, and has overseen the success of the US TOO Prostate group the past seven years. She also orchestrated the combined marketing initiatives between the Cancer Support Center and Ingalls.
The award is named for Desser, an oncologist “who was ahead of his time, and supported the center and its mission to provide psychosocial support to those battling cancer at a time when that was not considered important to survivorship,” said Sue Armato, executive director of the Cancer Support Center.
“For years, Susan Fine has been a beacon of hope by creating opportunities and programs between Ingalls and the center for hundreds of cancer patients,” Armato said. “We honor her dedication to ‘walking the journey together’ as we work to bring help, hope and healing to those in the Southland who are struggling with the negative impacts of cancer.”
Fine, who has been on staff at Ingalls for 40 years, knew Desser and recalled the impact he had on the lives of his patients and those around him.
As a cancer survivor, Fine said she was one of the many who participated in classes and programs at the center.
“Of course, the ‘blessing’ of a serious diagnosis is that it gives you a real perspective on the priorities of life. Living in an attitude of gratitude takes work,” she stressed, “but is such a great feeling. Spirit is what life is all about…for me it’s doing what I love doing with as much enthusiasm and heart as possible.”
The Cancer Support Centers offers cancer patients and their families strength, guidance and support. The center is a community-based, volunteer-driven, donor-supported organization. Programs, resources and services are delivered free of charge by professional therapists, counselors, nutritionists and experts.
The Cancer Support Center is located at 2028 Elm Road in Homewood, and at 19657 LaGrange Road in Mokena.
For additional information on the center or its hospital partnership, contact Ed Grant at [email protected] or call 708-798-9171.
