After Years of Legislative Advocacy, Ann’s Place to Receive $250,000 to Complete Cancer Center
State Representative Jan Giegler (R-138) applauded the State Bond Commission for slating a $250,000 bond for Ann’s Place, a one of a kind cancer support center in Danbury.
For over two decades, Ann’s Place has provided comfort and support services to people living with cancer and to their loved ones. The organization provides family and patient support groups, mentor programs, financial assistance, wheelchair and supply loans, therapeutic counseling, wellness programs and educational resources in order to help in all stages of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Rep. Giegler requested the General Operating Bond to help pay for the remaining cost of a new, 17,000-square-foot home for Ann’s Place, which will expand their services. The vast majority of the $5 million project has been responsibly funded by donors, and much of the labor and materials have been donated.
“Ann’s Place provides invaluable resources and an enhanced level of comfort to those living with cancer and their loved ones.” Rep. Giegler said. “The new facility is having a profound impact on patients and their families who are faced with the heartbreaking burden of dealing with cancer.”
Rep. Giegler added “The organization has provided some desperately needed strength and peace of mind to families for over two decades, and it is my hope that with the money to complete their new facility, they can service more people and help build a community of cancer survivors. I want to thank the Bond Commission for approving this allocation, and other members of the Greater Danbury Delegation who have offered their support for this project.”
Writing dozens of letters of support over the course of her 3 years of advocacy, Rep. Giegler has acted as the single strongest legislative proponent for Ann’s Place. She has toured the facility many times and often attended events, presenting Ann’s Place leadership with citations for their service. Rep. Giegler has worked closely with the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to help secure funding and increase awareness.
Ann’s Place does not receive any federal or state funding; the entirety of their budget is obtained through fundraising.
The entire Greater Danbury Delegation, led by Rep. Giegler, have pledged their bi-partisan support for the approval of this bond, including Reps. Dan Carter, John Frey, Bob Godfrey, DebraLee Hovey, Christopher Lyddy, David Scribner, Richard Smith and Joseph Taborsak.
Ann’s Place, “The Home of I CAN,” was co-founded in 1991 by Pat Bragdon and Mary Burke. The new facility serves 700 people a month from over 14 Connecticut towns, and is located at 80 Saw Mill Road, Danbury. For more information on Ann’s Place, click here.
The State Bond Commission agenda states that the bond is slated to be passed at their next meeting on June 4 at 10:30am in room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. Although the agenda is subject to change, traditionally all items appearing on the agenda will be passed. The function of the Bond Commission is to determine whether it is in the state’s best interest to approve project funding requests and approve the amount and timing of bond sales as requested by the State Treasurer. To view the full Bond Commission agenda, click here.
