Relay brings programs to Vernon County residents

Nevada Herald

It brings men, women and children together for an overnight gathering of celebration and remembrance. It raises funds for the fight against cancer; a disease that will affect one in three Americans in their lifetime, and that will account for more than 1,372,910 cases this year. What is it? It's Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society's signature activity, and it's happening soon in our community.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is one important way to make a difference in the fight against cancer. This year, nearly three million Relay participants in 4,200 local communities across the country will raise millions of dollars to fuel the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

So what happens when you support Relay For Life? Here are just a few examples:

National call center and Web site

Trained cancer information specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities, and provide information on local events.

This user-friendly Web site includes a cancer resource center containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Answers are provided to questions about the nature of cancer, causes and risk factors, the latest strategies for prevention and early detection, new diagnostic techniques, and the latest treatment options. Selected content is available in Spanish.

American Cancer Society's research program

The American Cancer Society is the largest source of nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States and has invested $2.7 billion in research nationally since 1946.

Advocacy

Thousands of American Cancer Society volunteers serve as grassroots advocates, working at the local, state, and federal levels to make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer by supporting efforts for clean indoor air, coverage for treatments, patients' rights, research funding, and more.

Cancer Survivors Network (www.cancer.org)

This "virtual" community provides anonymity, accessibility, and connectivity to survivors and their caregivers. The Cancer Survivors Network's online services contain survivor and caregiver content including radio talk-show conversations/interviews, personal stories, personal Web pages, discussion forums, an expressions gallery, and survivor recommended resources.

TLC"-- A catalogue of products for women with cancer

A unique catalogue, "TLC" (tender loving care), offers wigs, mastectomy, forms and products, a wide selection of hats and head coverings, and other accessories at reasonable prices.

Scholarship for youth who have had cancer

When a child has cancer, families face many challenges -- including the financial costs of medical care. This scholarship program, made possible by donations to the American Cancer Society, helps offset the costs of higher education. It is open to childhood cancer survivors age 25 and under pursuing a college, graduate, vocational, or technical school degree. For an application, call (877) 398-8285.

Reach to Recovery

Breast cancer survivors offer one-to-one support. These volunteers are trained to respond to individuals with a concern about breast cancer, facing a possible diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as people recently diagnosed who are going through treatment.

Personal care items

Nutritional supplements are available for pick up at the Nevada Regional Medical Center. Free wigs, turbans and breast prosthesis are available for pick up at the American Cancer Society office.

Look Good…Feel Better

This program teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-confidence during cancer treatments. These programs are offered regularly at Nevada Regional Medical Center.

Hope Lodge

Located in Kansas City and St. Louis, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge centers provide free housing for patients receiving treatment away from home.

Transportation support

Mileage reimbursement helps patients receive needed treatments, mileage reimbursement is provided (certain restrictions apply).

Guest room housing

For many patients, cancer treatment requires extensive travel far from home. Some treatments are administered over a period of several weeks, or even months, which can be a burden both physically and financially. Because of the hardship this may cause, some areas offer Guest Room Housing, a free service provided to cancer patients who must travel 50 miles or more from their home, one way, for treatments. The American Cancer Society works with local hotels/motels to provide these rooms to cancer patients and their families, as-available.

Angel Flight

Angel Flight is a charitable organization that provides free flights for patients who cannot afford commercial airfare when traveling to their medical facilities (certain restrictions apply). Your American Cancer Society and Angel Flight work together to communicate the availability of this service.

For more information about the American Cancer Society call toll free at (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.