Cancer support group keeps growing

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- A local cancer support group has continued to grow in recent years.

Care to Share is a group formed in 2007 for those people affected by cancer, including patients, survivors and caregivers to discuss ideas related to the deadly disease that strikes millions of people each year. Due to the need for more support, the group has expanded recently to include The Sharing Bucket, a non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to cancer patients and their families.

"People open up their hearts and both of their hands for us," the group's founder and local cancer survivor Theresa Davenport said. "The community has been really supportive of it."

The Sharing Bucket assists local cancer patients purchase fuel, transportation, food, utility bills, hotel stays, and other items pertaining to their treatments. The group, which is made up of cancer survivors and other local volunteers, conducts periodic fundraisers to collect money for use as needed in the community. All funds raised stay in Bourbon County and are kept in a local bank account throughout the year.

Members recently raised enough money to purchase an air conditioner for one cancer patient, and also provide emotional support for patients and survivors through a prayer chain, by sending cards and letters, providing meals, and making what Davenport called cheerful "sunshine calls" to the person's home.

The next meeting of the Care to Share cancer support group -- which meets quarterly -- will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the McCauley Room at Mercy Health Center, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. During the hour-long meeting, patients, survivors and caregivers can meet to talk and share their experiences dealing with cancer. A roundtable discussion, refreshments, and a featured guest speaker are also planned. Members and guests discuss a different topic at each meeting.

"It's a great way to talk to other cancer survivors and find love and support," a statement from the group said.

The group's last meeting of the year is scheduled for Nov. 7, and attendees will focus on a discussion about proper nutrition for cancer patients. The group is also currently planning a gospel concert to take place this fall with all proceeds being donated to The Sharing Bucket, Davenport said.

"It is our hope locally that no cancer patient has to do without," the Care to Share statement said.

Group members can also use Davenport's cancer survivor Web site, www.survivorsrockcancer.com, as a social network and to help each other out with frequent treatment trips, doctor visits, and other tasks required by people who live with cancer.

Davenport started the support group out of her own home in 2007 with the assistance of several friends.

For more information about the group or to join, contact Davenport at (620) 362-3042, Lavetta Simmons at (417) 224-8070, or Joy O'Neal at (417) 224-6174. Davenport also may be e-mailed at survivorsrockcancer@hotmail.com.

Davenport said she encourages local cancer patients to contact one of the group's organizers in order to have his or her name placed on the group's mailing list so they can receive information about the group's meetings.