Cancer Services

Editor, Times-Union:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Kosciusko County for their warm welcome, support, and generosity towards Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. This February is the two-year anniversary of our office location in Warsaw, and we wouldn’t be able to offer our assistance to cancer patients without the support of this wonderful community.
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana has served Kosciusko County since 2006. We provide a variety of support to people with cancer and their families. Residents of Kosciusko County, and 10 other Northeast Indiana counties, have access to low- and no-cost services including medical supplies and equipment, counseling, wigs and head coverings, financial aid, transportation help, group classes for movement or relaxation, massages, and more.
Together with the Kosciusko County community, since opening our Warsaw location, we’ve helped 337 local people affected by cancer:
• Access 962 personal care supplies and pieces of equipment to live with dignity in their home.
• Work through difficult emotions during 210 counseling sessions.
• Borrow 93 wigs and head coverings so they feel more confident.
• Relieve stress during 95 massages.
• Calm financial stress with access to $10,326 in financial aid to cover cancer-related needs like co-pays, prescriptions, and mileage.
Special thanks to K21 Health Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, the Dane and Louise Miller Foundation, Kosciusko REMC, and over 350 individual and business donors in Kosciusko County for making this location possible. We also appreciate the connection and partnership we have with the Pavilion Help Center who offers resources and connections to support individuals with cancer.
Even as we all celebrate these accomplishments, there are more and more families walking through our door asking for help. We won’t turn them away, and we know this community won’t either.
Additional ways for you to help include considering Cancer Services in your charitable giving; donating new or gently used medical equipment in working order; and volunteering to provide transportation help.
Finally, one of our greatest needs is community ambassadors. We invite you to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and share our posts. Talk about us within your networks. Help the people around you know that Cancer Services is here to help people in Kosciusko County.
Even if you have not personally faced a cancer diagnosis or supported a loved one through it, the reality is that most of us will someday receive that call for someone we care about. Helping spread the word that Cancer Services is here — before that moment comes — is one of the most meaningful ways you can support our mission.
Thank you, again, for the incredible support.
Mary Shankster
President & CEO
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana