Antrim County’s Colors of Cancer (formally Five Colors of Cancer) has expanded to meet the needs of our community.
In the fall of 2022, the Colors of Cancer will expand their support areas to include bladder, kidney, liver, and skin cancers in addition to their original mission of supporting cervical, colon, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancer patients.
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. This expansion will help with transportation, food, and home support for uninsured or underinsured individuals facing the costs of cancer treatment. The program is confidential and works alongside with the individual’s provider.
“We don’t want anyone in Antrim County to go underserved with any of these 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 Colors of Cancer board.
“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 9 types of cancer – on a patient-by-patient basis.” Other cancer related requests are welcome and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
In 2019, 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.
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 9 cancers can be sent to the “Colors of Cancer Fund,” at Bellaire Family Health Center.
