Guest Commentary | You CAN help: Meaningful ways to uplift cancer patients and their families
July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and support for those fighting cancer diagnoses as well as to recognize the bravery and strength of those who fought the disease and won.
In 2025, roughly 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute. Furthermore, an estimated 5,410 and 2,190 people are expected to die from soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer, respectively. These are alarming predictions, but thanks to advances in treatment and care, more people than ever are surviving cancer and living full, meaningful lives.
However, those with a cancer diagnosis face an uphill battle that extends beyond their physical health. When medical bills compile with monthly credit card statements, and doctors’ appointments are fit within busy work schedules, these cancer warriors fight more than a terrible disease — they fight to maintain a sense of normalcy.
It takes a village to support patients and families as they navigate the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of the disease. At Cancer Alliance Network (CAN), our mission is to lend a hand to those fighting cancer by providing non-medical aid, including financial assistance, emotional support and other helpful resources, to patients and their families.
Our work is fueled by the generosity of community members who share their time, talents and resources to ease the burden on individuals and families affected by cancer. Volunteering, fundraising and donating are gifts that make a true impact in the lives of the nearly 400 families we serve each year.
Volunteering
Volunteers are involved in several ways at CAN. From administrative client support to volunteering at CAN events, volunteers are a crucial part of our organization.
Volunteers looking for hands-on and impactful ways to make a difference can help us with client activity support, by joining an event committee, supporting during a CAN fundraiser event and by joining our board of directors.
CAN also has a junior volunteer program, called KidsCAN, comprised of local high school students who are interested in being involved and giving back to the community. Each KidsCAN volunteer is asked to commit 15 volunteer hours for the academic year, and each hour can be used as community service credit.
KidsCAN focuses on community service, leadership development and fundraising.
Fundraising & Donating
Fundraisers and donations fuel CAN’s mission to provide non-medical financial support for cancer patients and their families.
A cancer diagnosis can mean overwhelming uncertainties and life-changing medical decisions. Coupled with everyday stresses and expenses, fighting cancer is one of the most challenging times in patients’ and their families’ lives.
When paying for medical treatments and visits to the doctor upend monthly budgets, CAN addresses the unique needs of each individual or family and provides financial assistance for rent/mortgage payments, utilities costs, car payments, groceries and other necessities.
A donation of $25 pays for gas for one week for one family, $50 pays for groceries for one week, $100 pays for a monthly utilities bill, a donation of $250 pays for a vehicle payment and $600 assists a family with rent/mortgage. Every amount of money makes a big impact in the lives of cancer patients fighting to make ends meet.
Fundraising events can make an even greater impact when groups, organizations and businesses unite to support CAN and the clients we serve. Events like golf tournaments, fishing tournaments, wine tastings and other fundraising initiatives are great ways to generate excitement and raise money for an important cause.
Why? Because the simple act of neighbors helping neighbors has the power to transform our community, bringing support, hope and normalcy to patients and their loved ones as they face cancer.
For more information about Cancer Alliance Network and opportunities to sponsor an upcoming event, donate to our mission, or receive assistance, visit CancerAllianceNetwork.org or call 239-366-4236.
Neftali Feliciano is the CEO of Cancer Alliance Network.
To reach NEFTALI FELICIANO, please email news@breezepapers.com