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| Cancer Foundation helps patients cope with struggles |
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| News | |||
| Written by Brandon Steinert | |||
| Friday, 05 February 2010 09:00 | |||
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Fighting cancer is a battle, not only physically and mentally, but also financially. Kathleen Clark of Osawatomie fought this battle. She faced more than two months of radiation therapy. Without the help of a new local organization, this life-saving treatment would have been out of reach. The Miami County Cancer Foundation has been in existence for about a year and has already provided financial and physical help to dozens of cancer patients. To Clark, this help came in the form of Walmart gift cards to subsidize the items her Vision card wouldn’t pay for. She was also the recipient of gas cards, without which she wouldn’t have made it to Overland Park for her radiation therapy. “They’re aces with me,” Clark said. “By golly if you have cancer and you need their help, they’ll do everything they possibly can, they sure will.” MCCF president LeRoy Elliott said the organization has served many individuals, but they’re still looking to make their presence known. “The need is definitely there, but a lot of people have yet to find out about us,” he said. “We help local people. We’re using Miami County money for Miami County people.” The money the foundation uses comes from a combination of donations and revenue from fund-raisers. One such event, the second annual Dinner with Desire, will be March 6 at Evergreen Events. MCCF treasurer Vicki Belt said the dinner raised about $1,368 last year, which the foundation members hope will improve this year since they’re more well-known. The foundation raised more than $22,000 in 2009, which helped pay for the many services MCCF offers. Besides financial assistance, the foundation can loan out equipment like hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs and more. Members have also been known to shovel snow for those fighting cancer. “We try to do everything we can, from providing meals to making home visits,” said MCCF secretary Harriett Shaw. “Anything a neighbor would do, we do.” The Dinner with Desire will begin at 6 p.m. March 6 at Evergreen Events, 15 W. Wea St. Paola. The cost is $20 per person. Music will be provided by the Paola High School Madrigals beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 26. Mayors Curt Shreckengaust of Louisburg, Artie Stuteville of Paola and Phil Dudley of Osawatomie will be honorary guests. For more information, contact the foundation office at (913) 244-9711.
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