HISTORY OF THE MULTI-COUNTY CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK

In January of 1992, approximately 20 people gathered at a local church to discuss the possibility of forming a cancer support group. In that meeting we discussed how nice it would be to form a group where cancer patients, survivors, and their family members could find support from other people that understood what they were going through.

To gauge the interest in the community, we decided to hold a program, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, called "I Can Cope." It was an eight-week series of meetings where a speaker talked on the many areas of concern - from medical and financial to emotional - that can face a family when one member is diagnosed with cancer. At the end of each meeting, a cancer survivor or family member shared their own battle with cancer and how they coped. These survivor talks offered inspiration to all of us and continue to be a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The program spanned across eight weeks and was a big hit with as many as 40 to 50 people attending.

It was at that point that we realized we had stumbled upon a real need so we decided to officially form a support group under the name Multi-County Cancer Support Network. Our mission was simple - to provide support to cancer patients and survivors, their families and friends with support ranging from emotional and educational to financial.

MCCSN has grown by leaps and bounds since its beginning. We sponsor an annual fundraiser, an 18-hour Walk-a-thon which funds our services. Some of these services are: transportation for patients undergoing treatments; monetary aid for those needing financial assistance; our office manager oversees our resource library, loan wigs, and make referrals to those wishing to speak with someone with similar experiences; and a monthly newsletter.

Regardless of the services we provide, one of the most important aspects of our group is the togetherness, the optimism of its members and the support everyone receives from each other. Cancer has served as a wake up call to our community making us realize that life is too short to spend feeling sorry for ourselves or being bogged down with everyday troubles. Instead, we know that life is a precious gift to be cherished, shared, and celebrated.

That is why we extend a personal invitation to all those in our eight county area to come out to our monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month to find out more about how we can help you get through the very trying times of cancer diagnosis and treatment.