Committee says thanks

The Walk Against Cancer Committee would like to thank the community for their support during our Walk Against Cancer on May 14. The inclement weather may have moved us indoors, but it certainly did not dampen the spirit of giving or camaraderie.

The Walk Against Cancer raised almost $30,000 for our local cancer patients of Jay County — many of whom we know as friends and neighbors. This was the first year for our luminary ceremony; 1,000 candle luminaries were purchased in honor or memory of loved ones afflicted with cancer.

The Jay County Cancer Society has been providing financial assistance to cancer patients in Jay County for the past 40 years. Thanks to all our golf sponsors: Alphabet, Jay County Hospital, Jay County Cancer Society, Jay County Knights of Columbus and Delta Theta Tau Sorority; Silver sponsors: Qualtech Tool & Engineering, Moser Engineering, Portland Eye Center, Burkhart Advertising, Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society, and Alpha Delta Gamma Nu Sorority.

A special thank you to our committee for their hard work and dedication: Barb Laux, Linda Leonhard, Linda Metzger, Lana Ninde, Rich Carducci, Bev Inman, Shirley Dollar, Bruce Hedges, Alice Strohl and Pat Sheffer. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.

There has been some confusion lately about the roles of the Jay County Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society in Jay County. Both organizations are not-for-profit, reputable charities serving cancer patients. Each one operates independently of the other, meaning that the Jay County Cancer Society is not a part of the American Cancer Society.

Each organization has its own fundraising signature events: The American Cancer Society has its 24-hour Relay for life and the Jay County Cancer Society has its Walk Against Cancer. The two organizations differ however in the disbursement of their donations.

The Jay County Cancer Society is made up of volunteers from here in our community. The minimal supply costs of the society have been covered by grants from local agencies or donated. The society does not have any paid employees or offices so that all funds can be given back to our local cancer patients. The society also provides Jay County cancer patients with up to $1,000 in financial assistance annually as funds permit to help them with costs related to their cancer treatment. All the money raised here in Jay County stays in Jay County.

The American Cancer Society’s local office is located in Muncie. The funds raised are used for administrative costs (employees, offices, etc.) and for much needed cancer prevention, detection, education and research. These activities are very important for treating and curing cancer worldwide.

Both organizations work hard to achieve their respective goals and support their missions. A donation to either society is a worthy gift. The decision lies solely with the donor in how they’d like to see their money used.

We hope that this clears up some of the confusion locally about the roles of the two organizations in Jay County. If you’d like to make a donation, volunteer or have any questions, please contact the Jay County Cancer Society at (260) 726-8110 or by mail at P.O. ox 614, Portland, IN, 47371. Both of these services are funded thanks to a generous grant from The Portland Foundation.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Carducci,

chairman, Walk Against

Cancer and vice-president,

Jay County Cancer Society[[In-content Ad]]