The St. Lawrence County Cancer fund recently awarded grants to seven local Cancer Care centers and non-profits totaling $67,000. 

Each year monies raised through the SLCCF/Edward I Moses Walk/Run for Life and various other events are available for local nonprofits to apply to educate,diagnose or treat those in St. Lawrence County who are battling cancer.

This year's recipients are:

 The Cancer Care center at Gouverneur Hospital($10,000) to assist up to 40 high risk patients to be genetically screened for prevalent genes that are related to cancer. This is specifically  for patients who are uninsured or whose insurance will not cover the cost. St. Lawrence Health System has started a program for people at a high risk of cancer. Depending on specific criteria, patients are recommended for genetic testing to determine if they carry any genes that put them at a higher risk. Patients and their families are supported and counseled about their results and the associated cancer risks. These screenings will help with future diagnosis and possible treatments for those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

The Richard E Winter Cancer treatment center ($10,000) will use some of its funds to purchase a Medical Precision Comfort Marker 2.0 system with a patient marking set. This system offers the ability to not only improve the patient experience, but also offers more precise accuracy due to its pen grip. It also allows for markings small enough that the patient will not have permanently noticeable alterations. Similar to a permanent make-up device, the device allows for depth-controlled injection resulting in less pain to the patient as well as uniform shape of markings. It offers sterile, disposable safety needles to minimize the risk of needlestick accidents while also aiding in infection control measures. 

The Center for Cancer Care at CPH ($10,000) will direct most of its funds for the patient transportation program, including gas and preventative maintenance on the vehicle, as well as direct assistance to help cover travel expenses. Many  patients are unable to find reliable ways to get to appointments when they do not have their own vehicle or driver. Patient transportation assistance continues to be a critical factor in delivering high quality care to patients.

Ryan’s Wish requested and was awarded $10,000 to continue its efforts to promote the mission of helping those who are suffering from a serious illness to “play and live strong.”The foundation primarily serves patients in the St. Lawrence County Region of Northern New York who are diagnosed with cancer.  Funds received from the foundation helps offset traveling costs and other expenses incurred by patients and their families during treatment or hospitalization. The foundation has given out on average between $45-50 thousand dollars a year,..figuring 20 years since the conception of the foundation would total close to $1,000,000 distributed to people and families in need.

St.Lawrence Valley Hospice and Palliative Care was awarded $10,000 to help fund its AIM (Advanced Illness Management ) program  to provide services directly to community residents living with  cancer and fills a large gap in the county’s medical system.  Family members benefit tremendously from AIM services due to the very nature of home visits.  Caregivers don’t have the added burden of transporting their loved one to a clinical setting, and, while in  a comfortable and familiar environment, have ample opportunity to ask questions, learn about disease  progression and discuss fears and concerns.Over the last 11 months, AIM used SLCCF grant funds to defray the cost of providing 321 visits to 58  patients with cancer. With an average loss of $400 per visit this year, the shortfall for 25 visits was  completely covered with the funds provided by the SLCCF.

Jerry’s Run for a Cause was awarded $7000 to help continue their collective mission of assisting families and other members of our community who are directly affected by Cancer in memory of Jerry Ferguson and avid motorcyclist.  Proceeds from our annual motorcycle ride go directly to local families within St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties who are battling cancer.  Our support helps pay for prescriptions, travel costs for treatments, groceries for special diets and other related expenses. Collectively Jerry’s Run for a Cause has given assistance to over 200 cancer patients in need, giving out upwards of $109,000.

Compassionate Care Foundation, founded in 2022, was awarded $7000  to help provide integrative education and treatment options in our rural communities for those who are battling cancer.They fill a significant gap in care for cancer patients. Conventional medical treatments and interventions are available in the North Country; however, integrative cancer care which includes massage therapy, acupuncture and Reiki sessions are now  accessible through CCF. These supportive therapies are available to all cancer patients at the initiation of their treatment and remain available throughout their disease management journey be that curative, control, or comfort. Regardless of the medical phase of the disease, the therapeutic benefit of these treatments remains even through hospice care.In Specific to St Lawrence County, CCF has provided on-site supportive therapies at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center since March of 2023. Since then we have provided over 141 integrative sessions to further assist those who are undergoing cancer treatments. 

To donate to any of those listed above please visit their websites or to donate to the SLCCF you can go to www.walkrunforlife.com.