Northern California Cancer Advocates assist local patients
In October our minds turn to falling leaves, Halloween, post season baseball and breast cancer awareness.
In the United States alone some 271,270 new diagnoses of breast cancer will occur each year, making it the leading form of cancer in this country.
Regardless of the form of cancer (be it lung, bone, prostate or breast) the word generally sparks fear into the patient when they hear the words, “I’m sorry to tell you that you have cancer… ”
When this occurs to a friend or family member we are often left feeling helpless, wondering what we can do to assist them in this difficult time. Some will chose to donate money to organizations that provide valuable research in the hope that this disease will be eradicated from society.
Living in rural northeastern California and receiving this diagnosis creates its own set of difficulties, as surgeries and treatment often involve traveling out of the area.
To help, Northern California Cancer Advocates are very active, working to assist community members who have cancer in Lassen and Plumas counties.
The NCCA started in March 2013 as the brainchild of Rachelle Surian and many dedicated volunteers. Since that time it has helped 182 residents of Lassen and Plumas counties by awarding $139,400 to cancer patients.
NCCA is a 501(c) 3 tax-deductible organization. None of the volunteers involved in the organization receive any form of payment; rather, they donate their time, resources and energy to make sure that the cancer patient’s financial needs are met.
When one makes a donation or supports an NCCA event, all of the money stays in Lassen and Plumas counties, the organization noted. Of the amount raised and donated, 100 percent of the money is given back to the community members.
One of the primary fundraisers is the annual golf tournament held Labor Day Weekend at Diamond Mountain Golf Course. If you are not a golfer, you can still make a contribution to this annual event either by a cash donation, gifting a raffle item, purchasing raffle tickets, or sponsoring a hole or a golf team. This year at the seventh annual Golf Tournament, the local community was incredibly generous in sponsoring this event, according to the nonprofit.
NCCA has a monthly support group meeting. For more information, call Connie Herman at 249-9312.
NCCA is able to provide monetary assistance to Lassen and Plumas county residents who are fighting a cancer diagnosis only because of the generous donations and support they receive.
You can find out more by visiting their website at norcalcanceradv.com or like them on Facebook, Northern California Cancer Advocates.
