Superheroes for Hospice

Press Release

Superheroes For Hospice is hosting their 2nd Comic Book Show on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Corporate Building, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange.   All proceeds will support the patients and families of the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC).

This project started in December 2008 by Volunteer Coordinator, Spiro Ballas.  “I’m reliving my youth for a good cause,” says Ballas. SBHPCC relies heavily on donations and fundraising projects to bridge the gap between the cost of care and the insufficient reimbursement received from insurance companies.

Over 25,000 comic books have been donated to the project, some of which have been converted into over $800 for SBHPCC.

“It is a win/win situation for all involved,” thinks Ballas, explaining, “1st, comic book donors get a tax write-off for their generosity—which can be more valuable than what they would get in today’s market if they tried selling them on Ebay—2nd, comic book fans will pick-up books at the show at a very strong discount, and, 3rd, hospice receives extra revenue to support their special kind of care.”

Comic books are still being collected for this and future shows.  Area artists and writers are welcome to showcase their material at the show, as long as a percentage of sales at the show is donated to SBHPCC.

For more information about the show, or to make a comic book donation, please contact Spiro Ballas at SBallas@SBHCS.com or 973-322-4866.

Established in 1981, the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange, provides comprehensive care for patients with advanced illness, and their families, throughout ten counties in the State of New Jersey.  The Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center supports inpatient units at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ, as well as Van Dyke Hospice at Community Medical Center in Toms River.  It also provides home care and services for individuals in long-term care and assisted living facilities.