A karate school in Winder is helping knock out breast cancer through a partnership with The Medical Center Foundation, and you can join the fight.
Master Pattillo Martial Arts is currently raising money for a “Spar-A-Thon” on October 13, where you can donate to sponsor students as they earn their special pink belt by battling it out in the ring – and 100 percent of the funds raised will be donated to benefit the Breast Cancer Navigator program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow and NGMC Braselton.
“This is a great way to show kids they can make a difference in their community just by doing the thing we love to do – karate,” says the Master Pattillo Martial Arts owner, Matt Pattillo. “Character is at the core of martial arts, and community projects like this are just one way we help students develop character that shines through at home, school and work.”
The money the students raise will ultimately provide much-needed support for some of the 35 to 45 newly diagnosed cancer patients who enter the Cancer Navigation program at NGMC Barrow and NGMC Braselton each month.
“To many of our patients, this diagnosis is devastating in more than just a personal way – as the stress of treatment can create financial problems, transportation issues, family instability and more,” said Sandi Clark, a registered nurse and breast cancer navigator at NGMC Barrow and NGMC Braselton. “We distribute gift cards every month to help these women in need and relieve some of that financial burden, and this generous contribution from our community will support that effort.”
Patients apply for the gift cards, which are distributed in increments of $50 or $100 depending on the need. An individual patient can receive up to $500 in support each year.
“We are so grateful for our community partners that want to help promote our mission of improving the health of our community in all we do,” said Chad Hatfield, president of NGMC Barrow. “Gifts to The Medical Center Foundation are a great way to ensure your dollars impact local lives, and I know these women and their families are thankful for the support of Master Pattillo Martial Arts.”
If you would like to contribute directly to the Spar-A-Thon, call Master Pattillo Martial Arts at 678-469-6320.
To learn more about how you can support local healthcare patients and initiatives through The Medical Center Foundation, visit TheMedicalCenterFoundation.org.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton and Barrow – the three NGMC campuses have a total of 713 beds and more than 800 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than 1 million people across more than 18 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.