Cancer doesn't break for the holidays; Cancer OverComers helps patients

CLARENDON COUNTY - Cancer is a diagnosis that is not only physically ravaging, but also financially devastating, and around the holidays, it takes a toll emotionally.

With the holiday season here, some cancer overcomers are struggling financially. For some, it's a choice of putting food on the table or paying for their medications. For others, maybe it's paying their hospital bill or fueling their vehicles for trips to and from their doctor appointments. It's a struggle.

The Clarendon County Cancer OverComers offers help.

"We want to help our fellow overcomers who are needing a helping hand this year," said Mary Howard, CCCOC vice president and a cancer overcomer. "The holidays should be a time of fellowship and giving. We want to give back to our cancer overcomers. We want them to have a wonderful holiday season, and if we can help even just a little, we want to make their holidays merrier."

The CCCOC has an emergency financial assistance program that offers cancer patients help paying their medical bills amounting to $500 every six months. Checks are written directly to the health care provider and not to the patients. The CCCOC will provide a VISA gas card to pay for fuel for trips to and from doctor appointments. Issuance of the gas card requires the recipient to provide receipts totaling the amount of the gas card for the recipient to receive any future financial assistance.

CCCOC has aided local cancer overcomers by paying medical bills totaling more than $12,000 since the program was initiated.

The CCCOC has a financial assistance form that must be completed and returned to CCCOC, PO Box 656, Manning SC 29102. Forms can be picked up from the Harvin Clarendon County Library or by calling (803) 460-1725 or (803) 460-7334. Copies of the health care providers' invoices or documentation must be attached to the assistance form for the overcomer to receive help.

Information including the names and medical information of overcomers requesting assistance is kept confidential. A three-person committee votes on each assistance request. The committee does not know the name of the person requesting the assistance. Once the assistance has been approved, it takes just a few days for the invoices to be paid or the gas card to be issued. Applications are not judged on an applicant's socio-economic status, race or religion.

Donations are always appreciated. To make a donation, please make your check payable to CCCOC and mail it to CCCOC, PO Box 656, Manning SC 29102.

"From the CCCOC to you and your family, we hope you have a merry holiday season and remember to call, visit or check on your neighbors and friends who might need a smile or helping hand during this time of giving. Happy Holidays, and have a happy and healthy new year," Howard added.