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Breast Friends support cancer fund and local patients
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Courtesy photo Breast Friends Breast Cancer Support Group members present a donation to the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Back row, from left: Nancy Farmer, Sheri Ellis, Dolores Baker, Juanita Heinrich, Paula Brozek, Mary Beth Higgins, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Judy Gorham and Janelle Lange. Front row, with check: GBCF representative Teresa Mazouch and Debbie Finn, founding member of the group.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop

One local support group is going beyond its members and its mission, to help members of the community. In 2019, the Breast Friends Breast Cancer Support Group decided to hold a couple of big bake sales at the courthouse in hopes to raise money once again for the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Fund. In addition to the bake sales, they also helped a local high school group with a breast cancer awareness fundraiser. They sold T-shirts, sweatshirts and raffle tickets and were the recipient of the proceeds that they also donated to the GBCF Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Fund. 

“The money raised by these fundraisers will be used to continue to help area cancer patients in need,” stated Debbie Finn, founding member of the group.

The Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Endowment Fund, a part of the Golden Belt Community Foundation, provides small grants to persons in Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties that are experiencing an unexpected financial hardship caused by cancer. In 2019, the fund assisted over 50 people with shelter, caregiving, nutrition, medical supplies and transportation needs.  

“There continues to be a great need to assist individuals dealing with a current cancer diagnosis, and the associated financial hardship that often comes with treatment, such as increased travel, medications, and supplies,” said Teresa Mazouch, program officer. “Even the most basic necessities, such as housing and food for example, can become a burden, due to these extra costs.”  

Anyone living in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, or Stafford County who has a current cancer diagnosis and who is experiencing a financial need may apply for assistance. For more information call the Golden Belt Community Foundation, 620-792-3000.