Leominster’s GazBar Benefits Cancer Support Services

Margaret Koch, Executive Director of the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center (The Healing Garden), the region’s premiere provider of integrative oncology care located on 8 acres of woodland in Harvard MA, today announced the receipt of a $16,000 donation from Leominster’s GazBar. All funds were raised from the 5th Annual Rock the GazBar 5K event which occurred on October 7th, 2018. Created by GazBar owner Erica Grinkis, the Rock the GazBar 5K has grown into an annual event hosting over 300 participants, all putting in the miles to support services for those suffering with cancer.

“We are thrilled to support The Healing Garden as the sole beneficiary of this year’s Rock the GazBar fundraiser,” said Grinkis. “My aunt Maryann’s experience with breast cancer several years ago inspired us to create a fundraiser that would both raise awareness about cancer and have a direct impact on those who are affected. We learned about the multiple mind-body services offered at The Healing Garden for men and women with cancer and knew this was exactly the kind of organization we wanted to help. We know these funds will help bring healing to individuals who are seeking compassionate support and help during cancer treatment.”

“We are so grateful to the GazBar for this generous donation,” said Margaret Koch, Healing Garden Executive Director. “This funding will help us offer individualized guidance and cancer support programs at low cost or free to patients, their families and caregivers during the most difficult times before, during and after cancer treatment. We thank Erica, her staff, and all of the wonderful runners and volunteers for going the distance in support of our mission.”

For almost 25 years The Healing Garden’s goal has been to optimize the quality of life for all those who are affected by cancer – men, women, and their caregivers – regardless of cancer type, prognosis, or financial ability to pay for services. The Healing Garden offers multiple services from fitness and wellness classes to healing therapies including acupuncture and oncology massage, many offered free of charge. The Healing Garden services clients from over 165 communities across Massachusetts.

For information about The Healing Garden’s mind-body support services please call 978-456-3532 or see our website at www.healinggardensupport.org

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1. Erica Grinkis, Gazbar Owner (5th from left) presents a check for $16,000 to The Healing Garden representatives including Margaret Koch, Executive Director (4th from right) and Kelly Marchand, Healing Garden Care Coordinator (far right). Also in attendance are Rock the GazBar event volunteers and GazBar staff members including (from left) Bob Cormier, Jamie Tessitore, Jason Tessitore, Samantha Seidl, Christie Cutting, Peter Cutting and Maryann Bradford.

2. Runners participate in the 5th Annual Rock the GazBar 5k on October 7th, 2018.

3. The Healing Garden offers support services for people with cancer, their families, and caregivers; services range from support groups to educational workshops to counseling. See www.healinggardensupport.org for more information or call 978-456-3532.