Located in the hospital district of Fort Worth, Cancer Care Services (CCS) partners with healthcare providers and various community organizations to ensure that cancer patients of all ages have the resources necessary to complete treatment, gain support and strength, and learn new coping skills. Cancer Care Services also provides ongoing education and support to survivors and caregivers and serves Tarrant, Hood, and Parker counties.
Deanna Stuart, director of Community Outreach & Events, shared with Fort Worth Moms Blog how the purpose of CCS impacts the community: “Our mission is to provide help and hope to cancer patients and survivors and their families and caregivers through direct financial, emotional, spiritual and social programs, services, and activities. Since 1946, Cancer Care Services has been meeting the ever-increasing needs of people facing what is often the biggest crisis of their lives – CANCER. Our goal is to offer the help that will inspire hope in our clients.”
All cancer patients, their families, and caregivers can take advantage of any of CCS’ “emotional and social services” free of charge. All financial services are offered on a sliding scale and based upon household size. Financial clients must qualify by speaking with one of the social workers.
Financial services and programs:
- Prescription medications–a monthly allowance is available for approved cancer-related prescriptions.
- COBRA or health insurance premiums–assistance is provided for a limited time to cancer patients who are unable to work.
- Nutritional supplements–provided at no cost or at a reduced fee for cancer patients.
- Transportation–reimbursement allowance for specific cancer-related appointments.
- Medical supplies–monthly allowance available for cancer-related supplies.
- Medical equipment–we lend medical equipment, such as walkers or wheelchairs, at no cost.
- Dental assistance–limited dental work prior to the beginning of treatment is provided when required.
Emotional and social services:
- Individual counseling
- General and specialized support groups
- Educational seminars
- Yoga classes
- Children’s programs
- Family social activities
- Mentoring program
- Art and music therapy
- Adopt-a-family
- Holiday support
- Kids camp
As Ms. Stuart said, “The Cancer Care Services brand is help, hope, and heart. Just as the logo shows, we inspire hope through help, but that comes from having a big heart that permeates everything we do.” And this hope and heart helped 6,688 clients in 2013 alone with 57 percent of those receiving financial assistance.
Anyone can help CCS, which is the largest locally-based cancer support organization in the country, through volunteering, raising awareness, attending events, and/or through monetary donations. Its biggest event of the year, Joy for Life, happens on November 15 at the Fort Worth Club. This is a wonderful night out filled with gourmet food, wine pairings by LangeTwins Winery, dancing, live/silent auction, and special guest Johnny Rutherford, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and cancer survivor. Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Cancer Care Services relies 100 percent on donations from the community to provide these life-changing support services for those impacted by cancer. CCS does not receive any government funding or insurance reimburserments. (Donations can be made online at www.cancercareservices.org.)
Has your family benefitted from Cancer Care Services? If so, share your story!
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