January 12, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - "Passion for Compassion," the eighth annual University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for Palliative Care fundraiser, will be held Saturday, Feb. 6 at The Harbert Center, 2019 Fourth Ave. North in Birmingham.
The event, titled sponsored by The Thompson Foundation, will feature a reception hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a seated dinner and program. Cost is $125 per person for tickets purchased by Jan. 25 and $150 per ticket after that. Dress is business attire; valet and deck parking are available for guests. For ticket information, call 205-975-0848 or visit www.palliative.uab.edu.
The 2010 guest of honor is Betty D. Morrison, who is being honored for her leadership and commitment to raising awareness about palliative care in the community, linking those in need with the services of palliative and supportive care.
The UAB Center for Palliative Care, which serves patients throughout the UAB Health System and the Birmingham VA Medical Center, provides palliative and supportive care services to patients and families experiencing advanced or serious illness. Beginning at the moment of diagnosis, palliative care can help address symptoms and set goals for care, supporting patients and families through challenging times. Care can be delivered at any stage of the treatment process.
Proceeds from the event will help serve patients and families by funding supportive care services, such as counseling and grief support, nutrition services, and art and complementary therapy. Funding also will be used for educational programs for physicians, nurses and other members of the health care team in palliative care and symptom management, best practices research on care for patients with advanced illness, and general operations of the center.
Members of the Center's Community Advisory Board are: Kelly Bownes, chair; Jim Townsend, past chair; Lydia Cheney; S. Collins Compere; Deane Corliss, J.D., State Rep. Paul J. DeMarco, R-Jefferson; Sarah Sumner Duggan; Michael E. Fleenor, M.D.; Kathy Harrington, Ph.D.; Louis Josof; Robert D. Hunter; Judy Mason; Betty D. Morrison; Marc Perlman; Robert Pless; Lynn Rathmell; Paul Romjue; Jane S. Webb; Lex Williamson; and Mary Wier.
About the UAB Center for Palliative Care
The UAB Center for Palliative Care is a national leader in the field of palliative and supportive care, with demonstrated leadership in compassionate clinical care, collaborative research, community outreach and training.