I thank God that I took her advice this time. They not only helped with my gas they also helped me get in touch with the patient assistance people at the hospital. When I lost my job and my insurance they helped me get Medicaid .When I do not meet my spend-down they help get my prescriptions.

These ladies are angels on earth. They are not afraid to go the extra mile to help people dealing with cancer. I also have the privilege to work along with them as a volunteer. They have made my life more worthwhile because I now have an opportunity to pay it forward. A simple thank you seems so insignificant in comparison to what they have done for me. They will always have a special place in my heart.

My name is Rhonda Edmonds and I am a breast cancer survivor. I am writing this letter to ask for your financial donation this holiday season to Cancer Services of Grant County. CSGC is a local organization serving local needs. We are not connected to any national organization and we are one of only 50 such organizations in the United States. We are funded through grants (including the Komen Foundation and the Avon Foundation), United Way and individual donations. In 2009, we will have been serving Grant County for 50 years. I say "we" because Cancer Services of Grant County has become an important part of my life.

In May of 2005 I found a lump in my right breast. Two mammograms, an ultrasound, five tumors and a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Cancer; the word that has touched most of us, frightens us all, and took my breath away. Following my diagnosis, there were countless doctor visits, eight rounds of chemotherapy, 28 days of radiation, a week-long stay in Marion General Hospital with chemo poisoning, mastectomy surgery and, of course, I lost my hair - twice. Throughout the ordeal, I was keenly aware of the fact that I am one of the fortunate ones. I have health insurance and the modest financial means to pay the expenses that are not covered by insurance. Never again would I complain about our $500 per month (and rising each year) premium. My insurance coverage paid for hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Even so, in the two years following my diagnosis, my out-of-pocket expenses were in excess of $25,000.

Reading the above paragraph you might think I would have no need for Cancer Services of Grant County. They provide medical supplies and equipment like hospital beds, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower seats, linens, nutritional supplements, wigs, and mastectomy supplies. I could afford my own. They provide transportation to offices and treatment centers. I have a car and plenty of friends and family to take care of me. They provide education and information to guide cancer patients through their medical journey. I have the Internet, books and well-known, highly respected doctors. They provide financial assistance for prescriptions and help patients navigate the health-care system and find ways of paying medical bills. Through the BESS program, (Breast Education, Screening and Survival) they offer free mammograms to women who cannot afford them. I have my health insurance for that. They provide training for self-exams for breast cancer and testicular cancer. I visit my gynecologist yearly and have performed self-exams since I was 16 years old.

So why would I need help from an organization like Cancer Services of Grant County? I didn't. Or so I thought. My husband and I had, for several years, been volunteering our technology services to Cancer Services. We never imagined that we would ever need their help. Then, one day, we did. Jennifer Lane-Riefler, the Executive Director of the organization, became a lifeline for us; most particularly for my husband, Doug. She became a sounding-board, an education provider, an advisor and a friend. She called me often, just to check in, to see if there was anything she could do for me. The office of Cancer Services was a haven where I could take my niece and my friend (and hairdresser) to try on wigs, and laugh at myself as a blonde.

After almost a year of treatment and four surgeries, today I proudly call myself a survivor. I choose to talk about my cancer to help others on their journey. I serve on the Board of Directors for Cancer Services of Grant County, I humbly volunteer to assist patients through the CSGC office at Progressive Cancer Care, and I serve on the committee that presents Pink Friday - a banquet honoring breast cancer patients. I have met many courageous breast cancer survivors through their office, and cherish our time together.

I mentioned earlier that I am one of the fortunate ones. I am fortunate to have health insurance and the means to pay for my medical expenses. I am fortunate to have found my cancer early and to have access to the treatment that could save my life. I am fortunate to have family and friends to surround me. And, I am fortunate to be associated with Cancer Services of Grant County. So many local cancer patients are not as fortunate. With no insurance or inadequate health insurance and with no expendable income, they face certain financial disaster. Cancer Services of Grant County is a place where they can find help, and, perhaps even more important, hope.

Jennifer Lane-Riefler and her staff at Cancer Services of Grant County are deeply committed and personally invested in ensuring that all Grant County cancer patients' needs are served. They treat their clients with respect and concern. Your donation will help us achieve their vision; their mission:

"to lighten the burdens of illness, provide support, and empower the spirit to overcome"

I thank you, in advance, for your financial support.

With hope,

Rhonda F Edmonds

        
Ferrell Conner

November 6, 2006

Dear Friends,

Cancer is a word that at its mere utterance can take your breath away. Traditionally a cancer diagnosis meant a death sentence. It is during those times that the cancer patient and family need someone who can come along side them and offer support.

Marion/Grant County is 1 of 50 communities in the entire U.S. who have an agency that gives cancer patients hope. Our compassionate staff realizes that every person is unique, with unique circumstances.

Cancer patients receive financial assistance for medicines, transportation, medical bills, and home care equipment.

It is our intent to lift the burden of illness and help our clients navigate through their cancer journey.

Three years ago, I met a man who was diagnosed several months prior with prostate cancer. One of his friends told him about our agency and he came to our office as his last resort. As he spoke tears began to fill his eyes:

"Lady, my name is Ferrell Conner. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 9 months ago and I have been working all the time to pay off those bills. I have not had any treatment because I wanted to pay off the other bills first. I pay what I owe. I ain't ever asked for anything like this in my life, but I have no choice. I am self employed and have been all of my life and do not have the money to pay for medicine, or my treatment. If I have treatments I cannot work, so I cannot pay those bills. I don't know what to do. I am scared because it has been a long time since they told me I had cancer and if you can't help me I am going to take a 34 cent bullet out into the woods and end my life."

I explained to Ferrell how we could help him with transportation, medical bills, medicines and other things that he needed. We assisted Ferrell throughout his treatment and continue to provide assistance to him. To this day, Ferrell resides in Upland and has overcome his cancer.

This is just one story among many that can be told about the hundreds of men, women and children that the "Cancer Services of Grant County" has reached out to in our community. All of the funds that we raise remain in Grant County to educate and financially assist cancer patients that live and work in Grant County. We are not affiliated with any National Agencies.

That is the reason for my letter, at this Holiday Season the need for your support is great so that we can continue to give hope to local cancer patients. Will you join me today by giving a generous donation of $25.00, $50.00, or $100.00?

P.S.

Your gift will make a difference. For everyone who sends a gift we will include your name on a plaque that will be prominently displayed in our office as one of our 2006-2007 generous donors.

"Jennifer, if you didn't help me that day, I would have gone right out into the woods and put an end to it all." Ferrell Conner

Thank You,

Jennifer Lane-Reifler, CHES
Executive Director