Breast cancer awareness raised with Delicious Designs auction

STERLING — A virtual silent auction at airauctioneer.com will go to support area OB moms and breast cancer awareness through the CGH Health Foundation Delicious Designs online event.

Bidding will begin 7 a.m. Thursday and run through 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Auction items will include gift baskets, experiences, services, desserts, gift cards and Wish List items for patients.

To donate or sponsor a basket, experience, service, dessert, or gift card, contact: Lindsey Fiorini 815-677-7049; Lindsey Pistole 815-878-7564; or Joan Hermes 815-625-0400, ext. 5672.

A virtual Pink Ribbon Tribute can be made in memory of or in honor of a loved one who has been affected by breast cancer. Virtual ribbons will be posted in a gallery on the CGH Facebook page. Go to www.cghmc.com/forms/pink-ribbon-tribute/

Half of the funds raised will go toward a new day of CGH Ways to Wellness counseling solely dedicated to pre/postpartum OB patients.

The CGH Health Foundation works with the hospital in providing screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs to area women. Diagnostic tests, breast biopsies, ultrasounds and MRIs are also partially covered. Comfort bags for breast cancer patients and meals for CGH Medical Center chemotherapy patients are funded as well.

An additional counseling day was added after a review of the past fiscal year showed patients assisted jumped by 31%. Among that group was a large number of pregnant and new moms, who were affected by the isolation and stress resulting from mandated restrictions. A YouTube yoga class and Zoom support group are also being offered this year.