MISSION STATEMENT

To provide Champaign County residents afflicted with cancer, assistance financially with the medicines and treatments necessary to treat their illness and to provide emotional support in dealing with this disease. - top

HOW CACC WORKS

CACC is totally funded by donations, corporate and private, special fund-raisers and through funding from the UNITED WAY. - top

Our organization is totally staffed by volunteers. Because of this and the help and involvement of ALL our providers, CACC is able to return to our county residents over $.90 of each dollar received.

HISTORY OF CACC

In September, 1980 five directors of the Champaign County chapter of the American Cancer Society resigned their positions to form a new cancer agency dedicated to providing service to Champaign County residents.

All five directors felt that too little of the money collected from county residents was used to benefit local residents.  Because of the dedication and commitment of these five, the Cancer Association of Champaign County was formed.

At that time, only 45% of the monies collected in the county remained to assist cancer patients.  The new group was determined to increase this amount to as close to 100% of the monies raised as possible.

Funding for the new organization came from various fund-raisers.  Some of these events were dances, organ concerts, TAG DAYS, Candlelight Christmas Tour of Homes, and Celebrity Waits for Tips to name a few.

Additional funding for CACC comes from United Way.  United Way provides 30 - 40% of CACC's annual budget.  - top

WHAT DOES CACC PROVIDE? 

After insurance and other benefit payments, CACC assists patients with expenses up to the current monthly limits.

Some of the types of items covered include:

    Cancer related prescription medicines and supplies

    Chemotherapy and radiation

    Prostheses

    Other cancer related expenses considered on an individual basis. - top

GIFTS

Continued ability of CACC to provide assistance to cancer patients depends on the support we receive. Remember a loved one through a memorial or make a gift that will continue to give support to Champaign County cancer patients. Please contact us if you have any questions about a gifting program. - top

GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION

    Choose foods high in dietary fiber daily (fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals.

    Choose foods low in dietary fat.

    If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

    Avoid unnecessary X-rays.

    Know and follow health and safety rules of your workplace.

    Avoid too much sunlight; wear protective clothing; use sunscreens.

    Take estrogens only as long as necessary.

    Don't SMOKE. - top

WARNING SIGNS of CANCER

    Change in bowel or bladder habits

    A sore that does not heal

    Unusual bleeding or discharge

    Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

     Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

     Obvious change in wart or mole

    Nagging cough or hoarseness - top

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are always needed. Our board of 25 directors is totally volunteer.  If you would be interested in serving as a director or in helping with our fund-raisers and other projects please call 653-3899. - top

ANNUAL MEETING

Our annual membership meeting is held the third Monday of January.  Advance notification of time and place is published in our local newspaper. - top