January 9, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The 7th Annual UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Center for Palliative Care fundraiser, "Passion for Compassion" will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at McWane Science Center, 200 19th Street North, in Birmingham.

Proceeds from the event will help support patients and families through counseling, nutritional services and art and complementary therapy.  The fundraiser will also assist the center's educational, training and research activities, provided at both UAB and at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Cost is $100 per person for tickets purchased by Jan. 16 and $125 after Jan. 16. For ticket information, call 205-975-0848 or e-mail kfarmerhall@uab.edu.

The 2009 guests of honor are Louis and Wadia Josof, who are being recognized for their tireless support of palliative care.

"Passion for Compassion", title sponsored by MedPlan Recruiting, Inc., includes live music from Goodfellas II, a cocktail buffet and live auction. Auction items include trips to Charleston, Key West and Sanibel Island and jewelry from Barton-Clay Jewelers. 

Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to caring for people with advanced, life-limiting or life-threatening illness. It is directed at supporting patients and their loved ones with a focus on the relief of physical, social, emotional and spiritual suffering.  The Center provides care from the moment of diagnosis through the final stages of an illness.

The center serves patients throughout the UAB Health System and the Birmingham VA Medical Center.