- Champions of Hope 2008
Remembering Sandi
The SAMC Foundation’s Fall issue of “The Contributor” is dedicated to Sandi McCool a Medical Center Foundation volunteer who lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer November 23. Sandi was the inspiration and driving force behind Champions of Hope, the Foundation’s annual fall event benefiting breast cancer services and programs offered by Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
Sandi became involved with the Foundation in the spring of 2008 when she joined Foundation staff and friends over coffee to discuss her desire to unite the regional community around a single cause — the fight against breast cancer. During the meeting she outlined her vision of an event that would help advance breast cancer awareness and early detection initiatives, and expand treatment options and the availability of information about the disease. Proceeds from the event, she stressed, should also be used to offer hope and comfort to those impacted by breast cancer.
On October 25, 2008 when some 500 people gathered on the front lawn of the Women’s Center at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for the inaugural Champions of Hope, Sandi couldn’t stop smiling. Wrapped in the Champions’ ceremonial pink satin cloak, the newly crowned event honoree waived her scepter and thanked participants, sponsors and volunteers for making her dream to help others a reality. And then surrounded by her “posse” of family and friends, she urged everyone to help make the event even larger in 2009.
Her enthusiasm was infectious. Over the past four years, Sandi and her “posse,”and more than 100 dedicated event volunteers, have joined the Foundation staff in promoting the event and encouraging the community’s involvement and support of Champions.
Sandi lived to see Champions of Hope 2011 attract more than 2,200 supporters and raise some $115,000. Her desire to have a positive impact on the lives of other survivors has resulted in a total contribution of $262,000 for the advancement of breast cancer services and programs offered by Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
Since 2008, proceeds from Champions have been used to purchase stereotactic breast biopsy equipment, underwrite a comprehensive resource manual for every newly diagnosed patient, provide breast cancer post-mastectomy patients with a comfort bag, and provide ongoing annual support for the Southeast Regional Screening Program.
Sandi McCool was a true champion. She was determined. She was compassionate. She was visionary. And her gentle spirit will live on through her legacy — Champions of Hope.
To request a printed copy of the contributor please call 334.673.4150 or for a downloadable version please click here.