A group of local residents has launched a new effort to provide financial assistance to Fayette County cancer patients. The first organizational meeting for the Fayette County Cancer Fund (FCCF) was held in October. A not-for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Old Capitol Foundation, FCCF’s mission is to “unite our community by meeting the needs of those with cancer.” This will be done by providing financial help to local cancer patients who have submitted an application that will be confidentially reviewed.
Officers elected for FCCF are Doug Knebel, president; Darryl Tjaden, vice president; Janet Elam, secretary; and Fran Rickman, treasurer. Dean Black, Liz Heinzmann, Daisy Hipsher, and Lori Sasse are serving as board members.
FCCF was created in response to questions about whether local citizens were directly benefiting from funds raised in the past for cancer. The FCCF’s focus is on keeping money local, helping residents in tangible ways. This could include gas cards, meal vouchers, and other incidentals incurred by patients that are not covered by insurance. The foundation is a 501c3 under the umbrella of the Old Capitol Foundation.
The organization was recently given a major boost when an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the cause.
Anyone interested in learning more about the FCCF is invited to attend a kick-off breakfast Saturday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m. at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 727 W. Gallatin in Vandalia. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.
For more information on the Fayette County Cancer Fund or to assist with fund raising, contact Janet Elam at (618) 704-9035 or jelam@frontiernet.net.