Southcoast Health Bowl Returns to Support Cancer Patients

This week's Southcoast Health Community Spotlight shines on a great cause that will let you rock a pair of bowling shoes while supporting local patients battling cancer. The Second Annual Southcoast Health Bowl returns Saturday, February 7, at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford.

A Fund Focused on Comfort and Dignity

The event benefits the Rhonda Couto Patient Comfort Fund, a program that supports patients receiving care at Southcoast Health cancer centers in Fairhaven and at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Ethan Kehoe, Director of Mission Advancement at Southcoast Health, said the fund helps patients in ways that go beyond medical treatment.

“A cancer diagnosis can feel like a natural disaster,” Kehoe said. “Treating cancer is about treating the whole patient. Access to care, dignity, and comfort all matter, and that’s where this fund makes a real difference.”

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How the Rhonda Couto Fund Helps Cancer Patients

The Rhonda Couto Patient Comfort Fund was created by Kenny Couto after his wife Rhonda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013. She was 45 at the time. Couto said the experience was overwhelming, but Rhonda’s first instinct was to help other people dealing with the same fight.

“She never complained,” Couto said. “Her first thought was always about helping other people.”

The fund provides things that help patients feel more like themselves during treatment, including radiation robes, port shirts, scarves, and other items to make them feel a little more comfortable. Kehoe noted that many cancer patients also face financial hardship because of loss of work, and these supports can help them make ends meet.

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What Is the Southcoast Health Bowl?

The Southcoast Health Bowl will take place in two sessions on February 7. The morning session begins with registration at 10 a.m. and bowling at 11 a.m. The afternoon session begins with registration at noon and bowling at 1 p.m.

Teams of six will compete. Everybody gets pizza, shoe rentals and t-shirts.

You can register online now to take part.

Explore Land and Sea at Bristol's Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Need a day of hiking, biking and seeing a 33-foot North Atlantic Right Whale replica? Then you need to head to the Rhode Island Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.

You can hike through various habitats, enjoy a peaceful pondside picnic and even enjoy an interactive aquarium full of native fish and sea creatures.

Fun for the whole family can be found at this hidden gem of Rhode Island.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall