Local Organization Raises More Than $44,000 for Cancer Patients
 |
BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Cancer Center Community Crusaders, a grassroots community organization that works to fund local cancer research and the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center’s Patient Resource Fund, raised more than $44,000 in their last fiscal year.
The Patient Resource Fund decreases the financial burden of cancer by helping patients with non-clinical expenses. Funds have been used, for example, to pay for gas that allows patients to travel to and from their treatments as well as to support patients who needed costly dental work done before their treatment could begin.
“On behalf of the patients and families who receive help from this fund, I would like to thank the Crusaders for their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Charlene Ives, medical oncologist. “Their fundraising efforts help pay for some of the unexpected costs related to cancer treatment and relieves a little bit of the stress that patients and their families feel. That little bit of relief is so meaningful.”
The group, known as the 4Cs, formed in 2013 with the aim to raise funds that remain in the local community and support patient and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. It is made up of community members who are dedicated to providing financial, physical, and emotional support to members of the community and their families as they strive to obtain the best cancer care and treatment possible. A portion of funds are allocated for the support of local cancer research efforts.
Funds are raised primarily through events. The Cupcake Crusade and Community Remembrance, the group’s premier event, has been held each spring since 2013. The 2016 Cupcake Crusade is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, on the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center campus in Bennington. The 4Cs will be hosting their annual Cabin Fever Dance Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Bennington Elks Lodge.
New members and those interested in learning more about the cause are welcome to attend an informational gathering with current members 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov., 7 in the SVMC Employee Cafeteria. For more information, call 802-447-5017 or e-mail foundation@svhealthcare.org.
Tags: cancer, SVMC,
