News
»Local group offers cancer healing help
Posted Local at Nov 24, 2010
Photo cutline: CHART members pictured from left, Dianna Anderson, Rod Anderson, Kim Fuchs, Jean Hines and Kathy Smith.
By Tim Huether
A group of local volunteers have formed an organization to assist people in the area suffering from cancer, with information and assistance.
Cancer Healing Assistance Resource Team (CHART) was started recently in Bennett County by several community members.
The group elected Kathy Smith as the president, Kim Fuchs as vice president, Jean Hines as the secretary and Dianna Anderson as treasurer.
Smith said many people had discussed finding a way to keep more of the money raised in the area following the Relay for Life events held in Martin and two years ago, she and Belinda Ready talked about finding a way to help raise local funds.
From that discussion, hat day at the grade school was launched, with students and faculty able to wear a hat all day for 50 cents, each Thursday during the school year. Funds raised that year benefited a local cancer patient.
The members point out the many difficult situations from living so far from care centers where treatment is available and how costly it is for transportation, meals and motel rooms, creating a financial burden on many families.
The board members said they would like to provide information on the best cancer treatment and provide financial assistance with such expenses as fuel, lodging and meals for the patients and one family member who may be accompanying them for treatment. They also plan to work with local medical facilities and the cancer treatment centers to assist those in need.
“The cancer rate in Bennett County is higher than the national average and the income here is lower than most places in the nation, adding to that, having to travel far for treatment creates a big burden on families,” said Rod Anderson.
Rod’s wife, Dianna, agreed, adding, “it’s something that is needed here.”
Since the group is just getting off the ground, they are in the planning stages of future fund raisers and are raffling off a gift basket with many items at $5 per ticket. They are available through the members and will be available at the Parade of Lights Craft Fair at the American Legion Dec. 4. They will also be selling beautiful cancer magnetic ribbons for $5.
There is an account set up at Security First Bank for those wanting to make contributions to CHART.
Smith said they would like many more members to join CHART and invites the public to attend one of their next meetings to join in, or to find out more information.
“We would like help with this organization from anyone, regardless if you have had cancer,” added Smith.
They will be meeting Monday, November 29, at 5 p.m. at the Martin Grade School Activity Center Community Room, then they will meet on the third Monday of every month at 5 p.m. at the Martin Grade School Activity Center Community Room.
The members of CHART invite those in need of cancer related information of financial assistance, to contact them. Kathy Smith may be reached at 685-1177, Dianna and Rod Anderson 685-1139, Kim Fuchs 685-6191, Jean Hines 685-2074.