ELLICOTTVILLE, N.Y. — Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, will host the Third Annual Pulse of the Community Gala on Sept. 19.

The event is presented by the Bradford Hospital Foundation (BHF) and Olean General Hospital Foundation (OGHF) to unite to improve cancer care services in the region. The black-tie event will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Holiday Valley Resort’s main lodge with a strolling agenda that includes a chance to win a diamond tennis bracelet worth $10,000. The diamond giveaway was donated by ADJ ASK Design Jewelers.

“It’s exciting to be celebrating our third year of our Pulse of the Community Gala,” said Stacy Williams, executive director, BHF. “This event has been a wonderful way to engage our communities, showcase the incredible work happening in our facilities and highlight the future of local healthcare, all while bringing together our staff and community in support of a cause that touches so many lives.”

Cumulatively, the gala has raised more than $340,000 for local heart, vascular and cancer care services since its inception. These funds have been instrumental in supporting our healthcare services. Each campus, BRMC and OGH, receive the funds donated by their local community sponsors.

The celebration will also recognize the previous Golden Stethoscope and Nightingale award recipients. The Golden Stethoscope is presented to a physician who exhibits an exceptional level of professionalism, integrity and teamwork in caring for patients and families, as well as interacting with hospital staff and other physicians. This is given out twice a year to a physician throughout the healthcare system. The two providers that will be recognized at this year’s event will be Dr. Jakub Wojcik, primary care, BRMC, and Dr. Jose Orsini, intensivist in the ICU at OGH.

The Nightingale award, named after Florence Nightingale, is awarded to a nurse who provides exceptional patient care, excels in patient and family teachings, creates an environment of efficient open communication with patients, as well as serving as a role model for peers. This prestigious award is presented quarterly to one nurse. The nightingale honorees include Julia Jackson at BRMC, Leah Brinsky at OGH, Misty Sanders at BRMC and Rachal Lundy at OGH.

“The gala is a night to honor our Golden Stethoscope and Nightingale awardees, who provide our communities with compassionate care each and every day,” said Steve Jackson, president, OGHF. “Their dedication and commitment reflect the very best of who we are as a community and the future of health care we’re building together.”

The average travel time for an individual from a small rural town to travel for essential cancer care services is 59 minutes. Some treatments require multiple trips per week.

“Our communities in both Bradford and Olean are fortunate to have essential cancer care services right here, close to home,” added Williams. “There is something truly meaningful about receiving care and treatment from your very own neighbors — people who understand you, support you and are committed to your healing journey.”

Since 2009, the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center has provided more than 82,660 radiation treatments to thousands of local patients. The medical oncology sites at Barry Street Health Center in Olean and the oncology suite inside BRMC provided more than 3,395 chemotherapy treatments in 2024.

BRMC and OGH cancer care centers are members of the Roswell Park Care Network, providing both radiation medicine and medical oncology services with additional resources to support the services.

“Our cancer care services, chemotherapy infusions and radiation medicine treatments, are managed by Roswell Park physicians right here in our own communities. These doctors have access to a wealth of support from fellow Roswell Park providers. So, not only do our community members receive the same great care they would at Roswell, but they get to save time, money and other resources,” added Jackson.

To support the cause, anyone can purchase a ticket for $150 each, which includes an open bar, endless hors d’oeuvres, as well as an entry into the $10,000 diamond giveaway.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit brmc-ogh.org.