CCS dedicated to helping fight cancer
“I recently have been diagnosed with cancer. I was feeling scared, alone, and unsure of what steps to take next. A friend told me about Community Cancer Services, so I ventured over to their local office on Michigan Street.
“When I walked into the office, I was greeted warmly by the friendly and compassionate staff who genuinely cared about me and what I was going through. They offered me some hot tea and a tour of the office, which was warm, inviting and full of great resources. They had a complete library of books that have helped inform and comfort many others before me. They also had a beautiful boutique full of wigs, hats and scarves in case I might need or want them in the future. Prosthetics and bras were also there for post-mastectomy clients.
“There was a large room with comfortable chairs where I was told that licensed clinical social workers provide individual and group counseling — at no cost.
“I told the staff that I would be taking at least three trips into town for appointments this week and that money was tight, because let’s face it, no one budgets for cancer! To my surprise and delight they said that they would love to help. I was given vouchers to local gas stations and grocery stores and told that if I needed someone to drive me that they would be able to help with that, too. What a blessing! And to top it all off, I was invited back for a free weekly yoga class taught by a master yoga instructor.
“Leaving the office I felt a small sense of peace, that even if no one else could be there for me, Community Cancer Services would be. I knew I had a difficult journey ahead, but that it might be made a little easier with this new found resource that gave me hope.”
This is just one story told by a cancer patient. Community Cancer Services doors opened in 2003. It was the vision from Heather Gibson, a local ski enthusiast who at the time was battling metastatic breast cancer. She realized there were no resources for cancer patients in our area. Her goal was to create a place where people could go for support and resources in a non-medical setting.
She made it her mission to reach out to and help others and with the help of many dear friends, Heather’s House, now Community Cancer Services was formed. Heather lost her battle in August 2006, but her memory and spirit for those in need lives on.
We currently consist of eight board members, a grant writer, a licensed clinical social worker, and a director. We serve the local community of Bonner and Boundary counties. Requirements of clients are fairly simple; that they live in either county and have a verifiable cancer diagnosis. All of our services come at no charge and are not income based whatsoever.
In 2003, CCS was able to assist about 18 clients. Since then, we have grown to serve between 200-300 clients in need! We offer many programs helping clients with physical, financial, educational, and spiritual needs but our most popular program is our gas voucher program. We provide gas vouchers to clients traveling to appointments in Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Spokane and even Seattle. Some clients travel up to five days a week. Some clients cannot drive and are in need of a ride, which we also provide at no cost to them.
This August, Community Cancer Services is teaming up with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Sandpoint program on a “Got Gas” campaign. Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000! Donations are being accepted at Panhandle State Bank, Sandpoint and Bonner’s Ferry Super 1 Foods locations and at the Community Cancer Service’s office at 1215 Michigan St., Suite B, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864. Or you can visit the CCS website at www.CommunityCancerServices.org to donate by credit card.
Every $15 you donate will purchase a gas card for someone in need and 100 percent of your donation will benefit a client of CCS.
We are a non-profit organization and funding is provided primarily by fundraising, grants, and charitable donations like those coming from “Got Gas.” Community Cancer Services is just a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to the support cancer patients need, but we are so happy to be able to serve this amazing community and those in need. Cancer is a reality for many in our community and the best way to fight cancer is together.
For more information please call 208-255-2301 or email jess@communitycancerservices.org.
JESSICA MARTIN
Sandpoint
Community Cancer Services