Press / News

May 1, 2013
For Immediate Release
Contact name: Trisha Boisvert, 978-886-2561, trisha@sailingheals.org

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Names Dr. Lori Wirth and Sailing Heals Among Its 2013 One Hundred Nominees for Exceptional Contributions Toward Cancer Patient Care
 

May 2013, Boston, Mass. – Lori J. Wirth, MD and Medical Director, Center for Head and Neck Cancers at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and local 501c(3) non-profit organization Sailing Heals have each been named as two of MGHCC’s one hundred honorees for providing a novel, refreshing way for families and friends to share new experiences outside of the clinical environment.

Since 2011 when Sailing Heals was established with its mission to partner with sailors to offer VIP cancer patient guests and their caregivers a memorable day of healing on the water, Dr. Wirth has served as a founding board member and leader of its Medical Relations Committee.  For 2012, Dr. Wirth’s contributions played a pivotal role in helping Sailing Heals host more than 230 cancer patients and caregivers for spirit-lifting days at sea.

In addition to serving as a patient advocate for Mass General Cancer Center, Dr. Wirth’s ongoing counsel has helped Sailing Heals expand its cancer patient base. Her leadership has also helped Sailing Heals find and create more operational efficiencies to expand to other cities and medical centers throughout New England, New York and South Florida. Dr. Wirth was introduced to the organization at its very first “trial” outing in Marblehead, MA, during the 2010 sailing season. She proved to be such an enthusiastic participant, the founders of the non-profit organization promptly asked to her be among their first Board of Director members.

“Sailing Heals offers a wonderful free service for anyone going through a serious health issue. Being able to personally prescribe a day of restorative healing on a beautiful boat on the water is extremely motivating,” said Dr. Wirth.  “The most rewarding part of my work is hearing how my patients had the time of their life by being on the water.”

“Cancer took a back seat that day. We had the time of our lives.” – Linnea Duff, VIP Guest, Mass General Hospital Cancer Center. (Photo courtesy of Cory Silken Photography).

Dr. Wirth and Sailing Heals were each nominated by the general public to be among Mass General Hospital Cancer Center’s one hundred honorees. The annual gala dinner, now in its sixth year, will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at the Westin Boston Waterfront. The star-studded gala event is the cancer center’s major fundraiser and their most public way of recognizing 100 individuals and organizations each year for the contributions they have made toward the fighting cancer through the philanthropy, research, education and clinical care programs or efforts they support.

The one hundred dinner attracts many personalities from Massachusetts’ social, philanthropic and political circles as well as many famous faces from Hollywood. For the past two years, Academy Award winner Matt Damon has been on hand with his family for the event as his father has received cancer treatment from Mass General Cancer Center along with Secretary of State John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry who are both cancer survivors of the Center. This year, popular television and film star John Krasinsky, who hails from Needham, MA will be speaking at the event. Proceeds from the event support the Cancer Center’s many multi-disciplinary programs.  For a complete list of 2013 honorees, visit www.theonehundred.org.

Kent and Matt Damon at the 2012 “one hundred.”

About Dr. Lori Wirth
Based in Boston, Dr. Lori Wirth works for the Hematology/Oncology Department of Medicine at Mass General Cancer Center. She specializes in thyroid tumors, head and neck cancers, and endocrine Tumors.  She is a resident of Manchester-by-the-sea, Mass. Dr. Wirth received her MD from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, is a Brown University graduate and hails from St. Francis High School in Louisville, KY.

About Sailing Heals
Sailing Heals is a 501(c)(3) organization which offers enjoyable sailing experiences to VIP patient guests, their caretakers and staff who would benefit from a memorable and healing day on the water. Operating in Marblehead, MA, Southeastern MA, Nantucket, New York City, Newport and Miami, its mission is to give people in need an "escape for a spirit-lifting day at sea." Its second aim is to bring the great sport of sailing and the healing properties of the sea to people who might not ordinarily be exposed to its benefits; and its third aim is to be the charity of choice for sailing and boating enthusiasts who are keen to give back to others and share their beloved sport. Sailing Heals is supported by generous donors and sponsors, such as Founding Sponsor Officine Panerai, an Italian-designed, Swiss-made fine watchmaker which is the title sponsor of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, a Board of Directors, donors and volunteers. For more information, visit www.sailingheals.org.

About Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

An integral part of one of the world’s most distinguished academic medical centers, the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is among the leading cancer care providers in the United States.  U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center as one of the top ten cancer centers in the country. Its nurses were the first in Massachusetts to achieve Magnet status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in recognition of the hospital's exceptional nursing care.

Known for providing customized, innovative treatments and compassionate care to both adults and children, the Cancer Center comprises 24 fully integrated, multidisciplinary clinical programs and a vast array of support and educational services. Its network of affiliations extends throughout New England and the southeastern U.S.

The Cancer Center’s commitment to eradicating cancer is fueled by scientific investigation conducted as part of one of the largest hospital-based research programs in the nation. Through a powerful synergy between laboratory scientists and bedside physicians, the Mass General Cancer Center fosters innovation in all phases of cancer research. Physician investigators conduct nearly 400 clinical trials annually.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is proud to be a founding member of a Harvard Medical School consortium designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center. This prestigious seven-member center forms the largest cancer research collaboration in the country. The promising new treatments developed through this partnership are revolutionizing the future of cancer medicine.

Press Contacts:

Trisha Boisvert, Executive Director
Ph: 978-914-6609 or 978-886-2561
trisha@sailingheals.org