Cancer is a scary word and equally scary diagnosis.
Patients are often left feeling confused, unsure, and wondering how they will navigate the following months or years after their diagnosis. It can take a toll not only physically and mentally but also financially. Two organizations in Antrim County are continuing their support for individuals facing cancer and treatment.
In 2019, Five Colors of Cancer was developed out of the Antrim County Hight Tea for Breast Cancer Awareness (ACHTBCP) after seeing growing need for support additional types of cancers. After a successful “Sock Hop” fundraiser, held at the Torch Lake residence of Jan and Mike McCrackin, a separate board was created to address this need. Funds raised from this event were matched by the Bellaire Family Health Center to provide support for individuals facing cancer diagnosis. Total funds raised totaled $21,000.
Five Colors of Cancer teamed up with Bellaire Family Health Center to help support individuals diagnosed with prostate, cervical, lung, or pancreatic cancers. This fund provides individuals who are uninsured or underinsured access to funds that assist with transportation, food, and home support.
“We don’t want anyone in Antrim County to go underserved with any of these five cancers. We are supporting prevention and providing support,” states Dee Lynch, founder of Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention and member of the Five Colors of Cancer board.
With the pandemic lessening, this partnership looks to continue their community support. The criteria to apply for assistance will be need-based (financially) and focused on uninsured and underinsured. The program is confidential and works alongside with the individual’s provider.
“Our goal is to offer more than just funds. It is about personalized care for the patient,” Lynch continues. “Supporting the needs people are experiencing that are related to the five types of cancer – on a patient-by-patient basis.”
To find out more about the program, contact Coleen Dewey, Community Health Worker at Bellaire Family Health Center, at 231-533-8649 ext 617.
Donations to help those battling the five cancers can be sent to the “Colors of Cancer Fund,” at Bellaire Family Health Center.
East Jordan Family Health Center, the parent organization of the Bellaire Family Health Center, contributed an additional $10,500 in funds to support Charlevoix County patients under this same support program.
