Today Cancer Patient Services is a community-based
non-profit agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life of cancer patients in
Hancock County and their families.
CPS was an original Partner agency in 1955 when United
Way of Hancock County was incorporated. CPS was founded in 1946 as the Hancock County
branch of the American Cancer Society (ACS). At the time of affiliating with the United
Way of Hancock County, the ACS link was dissolved.
Client Services
Expendable Supplies:
Cancer Patient Services provides an area full of home care supplies, such as
bandages, gauze, surgical gloves and cotton swabs. There are incontinence underwear as
well as a large selection of nutritional supplements in a variety of flavors.
Equipment Storage Room:
We have a supply of canes, walkers, wheelchairs, shower seats and bedside
commodes. Toilet seat risers and hospital beds are available as well. These are provided
at no cost to the clients.
Financial Assistance:
CPS offers financial reimbursement for a variety of expenses. Up to $150.00 per month
is available for chemotherapy or other cancer-related medications. Clients are eligible
for up to $225.00 per month reimbursement for mileage to and from cancer treatments. A
one-time amount of $200.00 is given towards the out-of-pocket expense for radiation
therapy. CPS offers financial assistance with the cost of specialty items, such as
prosthetic devices, wigs and ostomy supplies.
Education:
CPS has a selection of educational materials and Internet access available to clients,
family members and the general public. We participate in health fairs, seminars and
screenings to enhance cancer education and awareness in the community.
 CPS has compiled a Cancer Network
Resource Guide in which a wealth of information can be found relating to cancer
and the services available to local cancer patients.
Emotional Support:
CPS offers emotional support to cancer clients and their families. Referrals
are made, if appropriate, to local mental health professionals. Intellectually, most CPS
clients realize that the staff is not medical support; however, what we do offer may help
alleviate or prevent despair, resignation and sadness. We also sponsor a support group
that is held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Blanchard Valley Regional Cancer
Center. Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends are welcome to
attend. For more information, please call 419.423.0286.
“Kids Helping Kids” is another support group sponsored by
CPS. This group is designed to help children who have a parent, or another loved one,
fighting cancer or other life threatening illness. Children between the ages of 5 and 13
are encouraged to come to the group and talk about their feelings with people who
understand. “Kids Helping Kids” meets every third Monday of the month from 5:30
to 6:30 p.m. at the Blanchard Valley Regional Cancer Center. For more details, or if you
need directions, please call the office at 419.423.0286.
Eligibility
You are eligible for assistance at Cancer Patient
Services if you have a cancer diagnosis and you live or work in Hancock County. All
services are provided free of charge.
Funding
Memorials, donations, bequests, fundraising and the United Way
of Hancock County provide CPS funding. All donations are tax deductible.
Giving Opportunities
A gift to CPS establishes the donor as an active
partner in the agency's mission to reduce the burden of cancer on clients and their
families. Giving to support a specific program offered by CPS can be arranged.
Planned
and Major Giving Options
Traditional
Major Gift
$5,000 and above
Heritage
Investment Fund
$15,000 and above
Legacy
Investment Fund
$25,000 and above
Vision
Investment Fund Minimum
contribution of $10,000
·
Traditional
Major Gift is designed to provide operational support for our existing programs, which
include: Physical, Financial, Emotional, and
Educational support that we provide to our clients.
o
Donor will be listed in CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will get a copy of CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will be invited to CPS Annual meeting
·
Heritage
Investment Fund
o
Donor has the option to have input into the use
of the fund:
§
Restricted
·
CPS Board of Directors must approved
restrictions.
§
Unrestricted
o
Donor will be listed in CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will get a copy of CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will be invited to CPS Annual meeting
·
Legacy
Investment Fund
o
Fund is in the Donor’s name (or name of
choice).
o
Donor has the option to have input into the use
of the funds:
§
Restricted
·
CPS Board of Directors must approve
restrictions.
§
Unrestricted
o
Donor will be listed in CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will get a copy of CPS Annual Report
o
Donor will be invited to CPS Annual meeting
·
The CPS Vision
Investment Fund has been developed to support the Strategic Planning Process that CPS
has developed. The intent is for CPS to create
a fund to support the longer-term strategic initiatives of the organization, which are
primarily driven by the desire to expand the services that we are able to provide to our
clients. These long term plans include but are
not limited to:
o
Increased financial support for medication
o
Increased financial support for mileage
reimbursement
o
Addition of a case worker to the CPS staff, to
ensure that we are providing the services needed, on a case by case basis
o
Expansion of
programs to include financial support for cancer screening and prevention services
Annual
Giving Communities
Lily - Majestic
$50 - $199
Orchid - Thoughtful $200
- $349
Iris - Faith,
Hope, and Wisdom
$350 and above
Please contact Cancer Patient Services at
419.423.0286 for more information about these and other giving options.
Associations
Cancer Patient Services enjoys symbiotic, helpful relationships
with the 16 agencies at The Family Center and the broader social and spiritual Findlay
community. CPS welcomes servicing clients directed to it by the American Cancer
Society but it is not associated with ACS in any other manner. While both agencies assist
cancer patients, CPS dollars stay local and are used to meet the immediate needs of cancer
patients. We are an independent United Way partner agency serving the community since
1946.
Volunteers are a very important part of what we do at CPS and
there are many different ways in which you can help. Listed below are the current
volunteer positions that are available:
Office Volunteer:
This volunteer may answer phones, greet clients, fill simple requests and
document visits. This position requires good communication skills and an understanding of
client confidentiality.
Event Volunteer:
This volunteer would participate in events such as the Chili Cook-Off, Wild Wing-Off,
or National Cancer Survivor Day. Duties may include selling tickets, helping with set-up
and tear down, or coordinating participants. Skills required of this person would be the
ability to work with crowds and good organizational skills.
CPS Representative:
There are many opportunities for this agency to showcase its services through
community events. This volunteer would be responsible for working at booths, handing out
brochures and informing the public of the services offered at CPS. This volunteer would
have to be outgoing and have an excellent understanding of the services we provide.
Board Member:
CPS is governed by a Board of Trustees, which meets every month. This person
must be active and supportive of the agency and serve on at least one of 4 (four)
committees.
The following web sites are good places to find
educational resources, treatment options, physicians and clinical trial information:
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