February 23, 2018—(BRONX, NY)—Earlier this week, in a crowded conference room in the Price Center/Block Pavilion, members of the Einstein-Montefiore community hosted a special visit from U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY, 14th District). At his office’s request, Rep. Crowley met with more than a dozen BOLD Buddies, volunteer peer mentors who provide support for cancer patients and survivors in the Bronx. Members of the group shared their personal stories and explained their commitment to offer their support, hope and encouragement to others facing cancer and treatment at all stages of disease.

Congressman Crowley, Dr. Moadel-Robblee, Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.“There's nothing more rewarding than seeing these generous and compassionate role models receive the recognition they deserve by a personal visit from Congressman Crowley,” says Alyson Moadel-Robblee, Ph.D., director of the Bronx Oncology Living Daily program (BOLD) at Einstein and Montefiore. “It was wonderful to bear witness to the inspirational stories and pride of our peer mentors, who provide a community touch to our healthcare team.”

Members of the BOLD Buddy program, most of them cancer survivors themselves, act as treatment companions, offer phone support, and provide bedside visits to those going through treatment. Also at the event were two volunteers in the BOLD Brothers/Sisters program, a peer mentorship program connecting teenage and young adult children of cancer patients and survivors with each other.

Peer mentors in the BOLD Buddy and BOLD Brothers/Sisters programs, with Congressman Crowley, Dr. Moadel-Robblee and Dr. Perez-Soler

The BOLD Program, an initiative of the Psychosocial and Integrative Oncology Program, at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, is a free, wellness and support program that was launched in 2008 to meet the particular needs of those affected by cancer in the Bronx. BOLD provides a range of services and group classes to cancer patients, survivors, and anyone touched by the disease. To learn more about BOLD, find a schedule of upcoming events, or learn about volunteering, visit the BOLD website.