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Community Health Network Foundation receives largest gift in its history

For release on October 26, 2016

$1.5 million gift will expand integrative oncology programs to all Community Health Network campuses

Indianapolis, IN—Community Health Network Foundation has received a $1.5 million cash donation from Anthony D. “Tony” Alderson, whose gift is the largest donation from an individual in the Foundation’s 40-year history.

Alderson, president and co-founder of Alderson Commercial Group, made the gift in support of Community Health Network’s innovative integrative oncology program, which offers holistic services proven to decrease pain, anxiety and depression like art therapy, yoga, tai chi, massage and more to cancer patients. Alderson’s donation will be used to develop a comprehensive plan to implement and grow the integrative oncology program across all six of Community’s Central Indiana regions.

According to Alderson, he made the gift on behalf of those he considers members of his immediate and expanded family, which includes friends, colleagues and employees of Alderson Commercial Group.

“When individuals are diagnosed with cancer, each family member’s life is disrupted,” said Alderson, whose father passed away from a cancer-like illness in 2007. “My reason for making this gift is to help make it easier for more patients and their families to get through this challenging time. Giving back is the only way I can understand the blessings I’ve been given, and I’m honored to be able to make a positive impact in the lives of oncology patients across Central Indiana.”

Community Health Network President and CEO Bryan Mills says the connecting walkway between Community Hospital North and the new Community Cancer Center North will be named the Alderson Family Bridge of Life in honor of Alderson and his record-breaking donation in support of Community Health Network’s patients.

Alderson Family Bridge of Life

“This historic gift speaks volumes of Tony’s compassion for our cancer patients and his love for those individuals fortunate enough to be considered part of his family,” said Mills. “His remarkable generosity is an inspiration to us all and will greatly impact patients who turn to us for support and healing of mind, body and spirit in their time of need.”

Alderson is a longtime supporter of Community’s work and mission as an individual donor, corporate sponsor and volunteer through Serve360°, Community’s employee volunteer program.

“We at the Foundation are profoundly thankful for Tony’s longstanding support and in particular this $1.5 million donation, which will undoubtedly impact countless individuals battling cancer in our community,” added Foundation President and CEO Joyce Irwin. “This gift is an investment in Community’s mission to advance health and well-being, and we are proud to be a steward of his philanthropy.”

A video message from Tony Alderson can be found here.

About Community Health Network Foundation
Community Health Network Foundation is the not-for-profit philanthropic organization of Community Health Network, Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them.  Donations support patients, caregivers and Central Indiana communities.  For more information, visit eCommunity.com/foundation or call (317) 355-GIVE.

Bridget Cleveland, Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Health Network Foundation
Bridget Cleveland
Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Health Network Foundation