Friends of Mel Foundation Becomes Sponsor for Gilda's Club South Jersey

Gilda's Club South Jersey Receives Grant to Support Cancer Wellness Programs

HINGHAM, Mass., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Gilda's Club South Jersey is set to receive a grant from the Friends of Mel Foundation (FOM) in support of their wellness programs for cancer patients. The organization was selected as the recipient of the Mel's Magic award for February 2011. Mel's Magic was created by FOM in May 2009 to familiarize their supporters with other organizations that work tirelessly to make a difference in the cancer community. Each month, FOM gifts $1 of every Mel's Bracelet donation to a deserving organization who shares in their mission to help those affected by cancer.

"We believe that it's important to fund programs that provide support services for cancer patients and their caregivers – free of charge. Research shows cancer patients prefer to experience these services outside of the hospital setting. Gilda's Club South Jersey meets this need," commented Pauline Alighieri, Executive Director of the Friends of Mel Foundation.

The Friends of Mel Foundation was founded in 2006 in memory of an exceptional woman named Mel Simmons. Mel was a spiritual woman of legendary generosity and boundless energy.  Humor was her trademark.  In 2000, Mel was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her battle five years later, however, along the way Mel used her unique talent to raise the spirits of anyone who came in contact with her. Today her legacy spearheads fundraising efforts by FOM that benefit cancer research and education programs, as well as organizations who strive to meet the immediate needs of cancer patients and their families.

The Gilda's Club South Jersey opened its doors in 2002 and since then has grown rapid. In 2010 they boasted over 1,400 members and over 14,000 visits to their programs – all free of charge. The Gilda's Club offers lectures, workshops, networking events, support groups and social activities each month. These programs are offered to all different age groups and all individuals are welcomed to join. To learn more about Gilda's Club South Jersey and the programs they provide visit www.gildasclubsouthjersey.org.

About Friends of Mel Foundation

Friends of Mel Foundation's mission is to provide quality cancer care for the whole patient by funding cancer research, education and support. Their goal is to support creative and promising projects that impact patient care at both the grass root and institutional levels. To date, through donations received for Mel's Bracelet, over $2,500,000 has been gifted to programs that support their mission. Currently, the Friends of Mel Foundation is in the process of planning their first conference dedicated to cancer survivors and their caregivers; The Art of Living – Life Beyond Cancer. It is scheduled on June 4th, 2011, at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy, MA. To make a donation and join the thousands of women around the world who are wearing Mel's Bracelets, visit www.friendsofmel.org or call 781-740-2511.

SOURCE Friends of Mel Foundation