Mission Blue Skies
Mission Blue Skies (MBS) provides supplemental support to make cancer therapy more manageable for Veterans and their caregivers through educational and medical research activities. It was inspired by the life and service of U.S. Air Force Veteran, Matilde Cruz, and the heroes who serve our nation. Mrs. Cruz frequently cooked for her cancer treatment team and fellow Veterans receiving cancer therapy at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. Her cooking and ongoing support to other Veterans created a comfortable and conducive environment that helped patients endure intense treatments.
Veteran and Bronx Living Legend, Jose Rivera, championing MBS at the Bronx VA
Ongoing contributions to the program fund essential services such as meals and transportation for low-income Veterans undergoing cancer treatment, health education for patients and their caregivers, including nutrition guidance designed to alleviate cancer-related or treatment-related discomfort, and access to technology, equipment, and supplies that make cancer treatment more comfortable for hundreds of patients. Additionally, gifts help advance quality improvement initiatives for the oncology treatment clinic and address funding gaps in cancer research, ensuring continuous advancements in care.
Air Force Veteran Matilde Cruz, whose strength and service inspired MBS
In her final days in February 2024, Mrs. Cruz continued to reflect on how to further support the quality of care provided by the Bronx VA Oncology team to Veterans. She requested that, instead of flowers, family and friends donate to BVMRF to support ongoing quality care in the Bronx VA Oncology Clinic. To honor her wishes and her legacy of service, BVMRF established the Mission Blue Skies program. The program serves as a permanent channel for fundraising and support for Veterans undergoing cancer treatment at the Bronx VA, ensuring they receive the most advanced and compassionate care available.
Research has shown us that the backbone of effective cancer care relies on robust infrastructures and well-functioning health systems with adequate resources.
Mission Blue Skies provides Veterans, their families, and caregivers with experiences that improve their understanding of their diagnosis and equip them with tools to improve or maintain their health and compliance with treatment plans. Mission Blue Skies also provides education and access to research to the oncology team to expand their understanding of advances in treatment technology that may increase therapy options for patients during treatment.
Veteran, Caregiver, and Bronx VA Staff Impact
Programs
Mission Blue Skies
To support Mission Blue Skies, you can contribute to ongoing fundraising by making a one-time gift, becoming a recurring donor, or leading a fundraising campaign. You can also partner with us as a campaign ambassador or help connect us with organizations ready to champion this initiative. Your support ensures that Veterans battling cancer receive the most advanced and compassionate care available throughout their treatment journey.
How You Can Support Mission Blue Skies
Contact the Mission Blue Skies Program at the Bronx VA Oncology Clinic.
BVMRFAdmin@va.gov
(718) 741-4442
130 West Kingsbridge Road
Bronx, NY 10468