ABOUT

HOW WE GOT STARTED

"My wonderful wife Susan lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer in 2013. During our
challenging journey together in the face of this terrible disease, we witnessed first-hand the
invaluable work and compassionate care of Oncology Nurses. In Susan's loving memory and as a tribute to this critical "first line" of caregivers, I decided to partner with several leading cancer care Hospitals to establish a Summer Internship program—the Susan Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship Program—for rising senior undergraduate Nursing school students.

Susan was an extraordinary mother, a loving and devoted wife, and a widely-admired and caring
friend to many. In addition to being a successful businesswoman and a Master Gardener, she was
also an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer. We hope you enjoy the Photo Gallery included with
this page."

- Fred Flynn, Founder

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

  • We have significantly expanded our Fellowship program, from 13 internships in 2014 to 33 planned positions in 2021, including customized programs in both Adult and Pediatric oncology nursing
  • We are partnering with several leading cancer hospitals to train the next generation of oncology nurses; many of the top undergraduate nursing schools participate in our program
  • Since 2014, 202 nursing students have completed our Fellowship program; of the 162 in the workforce so far, 116 are already Oncology Nurses!
  • Our annual Golf Marathon fundraising event (in September) historically supported a large part of our programming costs (i.e. stipends paid to Interns); however, our recent program growth requires a more comprehensive fundraising effort which is underway 
  • In 2019 we expanded our scope to include a post-grad scholarship program in partnership with Jonas Philanthropies; it is exclusively available to our Fellowship program grads who are pursuing their DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree (see article in MEDIA section)

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

  • Support our cause with a donation - click here
  • Share our website to anyone who may be interested in donating to our cause
  • Refer applicants or apply. Our applications for 2021 are available here
  • Follow us on social media: Instagram  Facebook

GOVERNANCE

Our volunteer Board of Directors consists of five professionals, all of whom have been personally touched by cancer. Meet them here.

A GIFT OF PEACE & COMFORT; THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR PROGRAM

“The compassion and care that Donna and her team gave to my family was remarkable. Donna is not just a great medical practitioner, she is an incredibly compassionate and spiritual person. She made an unbearable situation bearable.”

Fred Flynn first learned about the Palliative Care Program at Greenwich Hospital in April, 2013 when his wife, Susan, was in the final stages of her three-year battle with ovarian cancer. As Susan’s health deteriorated and her pain intensified, Fred became overwhelmed trying to manage her condition on his own.

That is when he heard about Donna Coletti, MD, and her skilled Palliative Care team. Within 24 hours of his first call to Dr. Colleti, she was able to develop a treatment plan to get Susan’s pain and symptoms under control so that Susan could live out her last days peacefully in the comfort of her own home.

In honor of Susan and to ensure that the Palliative Care Program can care for other families faced with life’s most trying circumstances, in September 2013 Fred launched a matching gift campaign to raise a total of $125,000 by the end of the year. He began with an initial gift of $25,000 that provided the resources for round-the-clock weekend staffing. In addition, he pledged to match donations made to the program, up to $50,000. Over $140,000 was raised in three months. These much needed funds allowed for additional staff resources to better meet the growing need for Palliative Care services at Greenwich Hospital.

Fred Flynn with Donna Coletti, MD, Medical Director of Palliative Care at Greenwich Hospital. Mr. Flynn sponsored a fundraising program that raised over $140,000 to support the valuable services of the Palliative Care Program at Greenwich Hospital in honor of his late wife, Susan.
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