From left, certified registered nurse and HealthAlliance Dialysis Center Director Cheryl Ostrander and dialysis registered nurse Pam Mills stand behind one of the center’s new medical recliners with Mary Ellen Cologero of the Klock Kingston Foundation.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Dialysis center receives new medical recliners

Patients at the HealthAlliance Dialysis Center, Kingston, can now look forward to a more comfortable experience. Thirty-four brand-new medical recliners were purchased with a gift from the Klock Kingston Foundation and support from the HealthAlliance Foundation.

“We are so grateful for the new chairs,” said certified registered nurse and Dialysis Center Director Cheryl Ostrander. According to Ostrander, the Dialysis Center serves 140 people who receive treatment for about 12 hours each week. After 14 years of heavy use, the old chairs were no longer comfortable for patients required to sit for up to four hours at a time.

The Klock Kingston Foundation contributed $25,000 toward the replacement of the recliners. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Ulster County to advance education, literacy, the arts, public health and the sciences.

“This is right after my own heart,” said Mary Ellen Cologero of the Klock Kingston Foundation, recalling the experience of a family member who underwent dialysis. “When you have to go to treatment so many times per week, it is great to have a center that is so accommodating and responsive to patients’ needs.”

The HealthAlliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley’s mission, healthcare programs, services and facilities.

HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley is the alignment of HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary’s Avenue Campus and Broadway Campus, as well as Margaretville Hospital, Mountainside Residential Care Center and Woodland Pond at New Paltz.

Participants sought for fundraising event

The Committee of the American Cancer Society’s Kingston Relay for Life will celebrate their 20th year and 30 years nationally in 2015. The committee is recruiting teams for the Kingston Relay for Life event to be held on Saturday, June 13 at Dietz Memorial Stadium in Kingston.

All dollars raised go towards research, education, advocacy, services and programs of the local and National American Cancer Society. Individuals or groups may contact Tina Eckert at 845-440-2509 or visit www.RelayForLife.org/Kingstonny

Since the Kingston Relay began, the event has raised nearly $3 million to aid in the fight against cancer.

Free trees available to celebrate Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is Friday, April 24 and the Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free shade trees to those who join the foundation in April. New members receive red oak, sugar maple, weeping willow, bald cypress, thornless honeylocust, pin oak, river birch, tulip tree, silver maple, and red maple. The free trees are part of the foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

“These trees provide shade in the summer and vibrant colors throughout the fall,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the foundation. “Through the simple act of planting trees, one person can make a difference in helping to create a healthier and more beautiful planet for all of us to enjoy.”

The trees will be shipped postpaid with enclosed planting instructions at the right time for planting in April or May. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

To become a member of the foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Shade Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by April 30 or visit arborday.org/april

Do you have good news to share? Email items to life@poughkeepsie journal.com or call Bonnie Soto at 845-437-4886

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