June 24, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham women's basketball team is continuing their long-standing relationship with Union Community Health Center (UCHC) as the team comes together for the "We Care" project, a program that will provide help and assistance to former patients of the center throughout the course of the summer.

"UCHC is honored to collaborate with the Fordham women's basketball team as both institutions strive to meet the needs of our neighbors," said Mr. John Tognino, Chair, Fordham Board of Trustees and Chair, Board of Directors for UCHC. "The outstanding women of the Fordham basketball team are a wonderful example of the traditions of both institutions as UCHC is celebrating 100 years of providing health care in the Bronx and Fordham University has a rich tradition and mantra of service to others."

Under the "We Care" project, spanning from June 1st through July 24th, the players will check up on former patients a week after they have received services at UCHC clinics to make sure the care the patients received was satisfactory, that they were doing well after their visit, and to ultimately thank them for using UCHC as their medical care provider.

"I personally appreciate the enthusiasm and passion of our players to help those in need," remarked Fordham women's basketball head coach Cathy Andruzzi. "We are blessed with so much that anytime we have the opportunity to bring smiles to a few faces with just a simple phone call, we are indeed showing our gratefulness."

This is not the first time the women's basketball team has donated their time to UCHC. Over the past two years, the team participated in an annual donation program where the team brought toys and spent time with the children who were being treated at UCHC.

"Our student-athletes recognize their social responsibility to give back to the community," continued Andruzzi. "They have dedicated the summer to provide this community service while they are here attending summer school."