An early Mother's Day gift benefits Traci's Hope
 
By: Wendy Post  05/03/2009
 
With Mother's Day just around the corner, what better gift to receive than a donation that will carry out your legacy.  Before Traci Gibson lost her battle to breast cancer in October of 2006, she established a fund that would assist women during their fight; a fund that would continue for years to come.

On April 30, representatives from Klemmt Orthopaedic Services and Amoeno USA Corporation presented a check to Traci's family in the amount of $2,000, along with flowers for her mom, Mary Shiner.

The idea to donate money to Traci's Hope came to light when both Shelia Randolph of Klemmt Orthopaedic Services, and Christina Rotondo of Amoena USA Corporation found they were processing payments that were provided to breast cancer patients in need through Traci's Hope foundation.

By raising money each year through the sale of pins designed by cancer survivors, Amoeno USA Corporation was able to raise $1,400 dollars to donate towards the efforts of Traci's foundation.

Julie Klemmt, owner of Klemmt Orthopaedic Services in Johnson City, decided to bring the amount to an even $2,000, and kicked in the extra $600.

"It's not often that you see charitable money in action," said Klemmt about the number of women who are able to gain services they need because of Traci's efforts.

And those involved with providing services to local residents with breast cancer appreciate what Traci Gibson has done.

According to Shelia Randolph, a certified fitter for post mastectomy at Klemmt Orthopaedic Services, they are seeing more and more women needing services.  She also noted that the increase is due to better methods for early detection.

 "More women are discovering their breast cancer earlier, and are able to treat it before it becomes life threatening," said Shelia.

Present to receive the check on April 30 were Traci's sons, Jesse, Nate and Shane; her parents Mary and Gordon Shiner, and her husband Brian.

To learn more about Traci's Hope you can visit her website at www.tracishope.com. To learn more about Klemmt Orthopaedic Services you can visit them on the web at www.klemmtortho.com.

 
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