Each year, the Center for Building Hope recognizes one member of the medical profession and one lay person who have shown extraordinary service and commitment to the cancer community for this prestigious honor. The Keystone Award honors were presented during the “Celebration of Hope” dinner event on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
Medical Profession Honoree, Issam D. Soussou, M.D. is Board certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1980 and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons, Dr. Soussou established his medical practice in Sarasota that same year. He was named Chief of Surgery at Doctor’s Hospital in 1985. At Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Soussou served as Chief of Surgery from 1989-1990 and then as Chief of Staff in 1994-1995. He joined Intercoastal Medical Group in 2000.
The Lay-Person Honoree, Nancy Ambrose is a living example of how a three-time cancer survivor can continue an excellent quality of life. A resident of Holmes Beach, Nancy serves as a tireless volunteer, lobbyist and loyal advocate for cancer patients and their families.
Since 1996, more than 14,000 individuals have made more than 60,000 visits to the center in Sarasota and at satellite locations throughout the area.
Lasting Looks of Sarasota has been a satellite location for the Center for Building Hope since 2011 and offers free educational classes and services to cancer patients 4 to 5 times a year. Mary McAndrews and Victoria Kimball, of Lasting Looks of Sarasota both served on the organization committee for the event and enjoyed attending the event.
Through professionally-led support groups, informational workshops and mind/body programs, The Center for Building Hope helps people affected by cancer learn vital skills to improve the quality of their lives and make them better partners with their medical professionals.
For more information: www.CenterforBuildingHope.org.
