Cancer Coalition of South Georgia is a small nonprofit organization with a big mission – ‘…to prevent cancer and increase survival among the people of South Georgia.’ So what’s the key to making a mission like this a reality? Cancer Coalition CEO Diane Fletcher says it’s all about relationships. “We are constantly forming relationships in the 32 South Georgia counties that we serve. These may be businesses, individuals or other organizations, and these partnerships help us further our work fighting cancer locally,” said Fletcher. 

One way that the Cancer Coalition has been able to build relationships and give back to the community is through its Cancer Care Grants: Helping Patients and Their Families Through Local Organizations. Now in its eighth year, the Cancer Care Grants initiative has given over $200,000 to local organizations dedicated to caring for cancer patients. The cancer centers at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, South Georgia Medical Center and Tift Regional Medical Center will each receive a $3,000 grant this year to support their cancer patient assistance programs. In addition, the following organizations will each receive a $4,000 grant.

Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, Tift County – Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation is a nonprofit organization promoting cancer awareness through education and aiding cancer survivors during and after diagnosis. The grant will allow the organization to assist with lymphedema garments, mastectomy forms and bras, post-surgical garments, wigs, food, rent and utilities.

“We are a non-profit organization made up of volunteers some of whom have had breast cancer. We are proud to be able to help breast cancer survivors in our area with necessary items that insurance only partly covers or does not cover at all.” said Gail Fleming, President of the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Grady County Help Agencies, Grady County – Grady County Help Agencies is a non-profit organization in Southwest Georgia providing emergency assistance to those in need as efficiently and fairly as possible. The grant will allow the organization to address the needs of financially burdened Grady County residents with cancer diagnoses by providing counseling and voucher help for utilities, transportation and medications.

Barbara Garcia, President for Grady County Help Agencies said “This Cancer Care Grant really makes a positive difference in the lives of our clients. You can see and feel their relief when the Help Agency, through these funds, helps reduce the financial stress they face. Peace of mind is a big part of healing and coping with cancer and this grant provides that for our clients. 

“As a local nonprofit organization the Cancer Coalition is so grateful for the financial contributions we receive. It is a wonderful opportunity when we can give back a portion of those funds to help other groups who are serving cancer patients in our communities. These organizations are grassroots efforts that ease the burden for our friends and neighbors going through cancer treatments.” explained Jennifer Johnston, Chief Financial Officer for the Cancer Coalition.

For more information about Cancer Coalition of South Georgia and to learn how your organization might partner with them, visit www.sgacancer.org.