Cancer Challenge grants promote education, prevention, early detection, treatment, and research of cancer through local programs. The majority of these programs are focused on meeting the needs of the underserved, uninsured population. To date over $7.5 million has been awarded to area health organizations in the fight against cancer thanks to the tireless efforts of its supporters.
The following organizations are recipients of the proceeds from the 2008 event.
Community Clinic at St. Francis House, Springdale & Rogers
Funds support the Quit Now! Tobacco Cessation Program to provide low-income adults in NWA a resource for quitting tobacco use and includes group counseling, cessation education, and prescription medications. Grant also supports the ABCD program (All ‘Bout Cancer Detection) to provide screenings, testing, surgeries, and follow-up care for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer for the medically underserved.
NARTI, Fayetteville, Springdale & Bentonville
A grant provides for Cancer Education and Screenings to include free prostate, skin, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings and various school-based and community cancer education programs. Funds also provide for a Patient Navigator to assess patients to identify possible barriers to care, resources needed by the patient and/or family members as well as assist with communication with the health care team. Cancer Challenge funds also provide for transportation services for radiation oncology patients and the Regional Cancer Registry that collects data on cancer patients diagnosed in our area.
Washington Regional’s Cancer Support Home, Fayetteville & Bentonville
Funds support the general operations and programs of the Cancer Support Homes in Fayetteville and Bentonville including support groups, community education, a wig and prosthesis boutique, library resources, overnight guest accommodations, prescription drug assistance, and free cancer screenings for breast, gynecological, prostate and colorectal cancers.
Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale
It is the mission of the hospice program to comfort patients and families facing terminal illness and to empower them to cope successfully with the normal process of death and dying. Cancer Challenge funds provide for a Community Bereavement Program focused on assistance to those experiencing loss issues.
Jones Center for Families – Community Health & Wellness, Springdale
Save-A-Life Cancer Education & Screening Services provide periodic and on-going screening services for breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancers for the medically indigent, underserved and minority populations. Funding is also for education and community outreach including self-breast and self-testicular examinations and smoking cessation classes.
HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Excel), Fayetteville
HOPE lessens the emotional and financial impact of cancer through assistance with living expenses, transportation, prescriptions, crisis intervention, professional counseling and connecting patients to outside support. Cancer Challenge support is given to the Patient Assistance Program to assist oncology patients with accessing pharmaceutical prescription drug programs and emergency funds Funds also support research through clinical trials.
To find out more about The Cancer Challenge or any of the grant recipients, call Tina Waggener at 479-273-3172 or visit the website at www.cancerchallenge.com.