Cancer Association Of Anderson

Programs: Financial assistance: in 2017, caa provided financial assistance to more than 3,122 cancer patients out of our 3,777 total cancer patient contacts who had such needs as prescription medicine, specialized home-health medical equipment, travel to and from treatment - mileage reimbursement as well as uber/lyft services when needed (both local and long distance), supplemental nutritional drinks such as boost/ensure, and enrollment in 8- weeks of oncology rehab at anmed health life choice. Additionally, caa paid insurance premiums for 50 patients in danger of losing coverage due to being out of work during active cancer treatment and provided items such as free wigs, scarves and hats due to treatment-related hair loss, medical equipment and supplies to 400+ patients.

information and referral: caa continues to handle daily requests for information about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment as well as requests for additional local, state and national cancer resources. Caa maintains a small library of books, videos and pamphlets for public consumption. Caa provides speakers to churches, civic groups and other organizations regarding cancer treatment and services and is frequently contacted by local media for commentary on cancer issues. Informational booths/tables are regularly set up at community events such as the anderson county fair and various local health fairs. Public education was also conducted as part of the caa's annual concert of hope & remembrance attended by close to 800 people, the girlfriends tea attended by 400 people, the heroes of hope & remembrance dinner attended by 200 people, and our october event, howlin' for hope, which was attended by more than 700 people.

emotional support: emotional support begins as patients enter our comforting, uplifting "home- and beautifully landscaped grounds where patients, caregivers and their families can come for hope and encouragment both individually and in a group. (in 2017, caa had total patient contacts of 3,777). Caa utilizes and incorporates supportive "integrative" programs/complementary therapies that uplift and enhance the patient's ability to fight cancer and which may help conventional cancer treatments work more effectively. Aromatherapy, mindfulness, yoga and other strength/stretching exercises, music therapy, juicing and healthy nutrition classes, grief support, art and pet therapies are just a few of the current caa offerings to patients. Additionally, our caa staff and board have hosted and/or facilitated onsite support-groups for survivors of breast cancer, uro-genital and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as head and neck cancers. During 2017, 28 patients completed oncology rehabilitation at anmed health life choice and 15 women enrolled in the survivorship program with more watching online via social media including facebook live. A choir of more than 160 cancer survivors, caregivers and family members met weekly for four months to prepare for and present the annual concert of hope & remembrance which was attended by close to 800 people.