“A local name that carries a special ring is Felner. Each year, St. Vincent’s Foundation presents the David Felner Caregiver Award at the Sports Gala to a First Responder who has shown outstanding care and compassion for cancer patients. The award is named in honor of the former Stratford Firefighter who passed away from cancer in 2002.
This year, St. Vincent’s Foundation surprised David’s parents, Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner and his wife Linda, by presenting them with the prestigious award. The Foundation’s executive director, Lyn McCarthy stated, “Dick and Linda Felner have been at the heart of this event from its inception 11 years ago. They were inspiring caregivers to their son, and to so many others in the community. Thanks to Dick and Linda Felner, we at St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound, have been able to provide much needed support and assistance to so many First Responders. We are sincerely grateful for the legacy they have shared by allowing us to honor their son all these years.”
The Felners were both honored and humbled by the award. Chief Felner stated it never crossed their minds that he and his wife would be chosen, but to be presented an award in memory and in the name of their son carried deep meaning for them.
Numerous First Responders who attended the event stated that the event was particularly inspiring and personal for them.“
ABOUT SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND
St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Since 1987, the SWIM has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer it brings with it. The SWIM serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing over 45 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information, contact the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visit www.SwimAcrossTheSound.org
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