DC Cancer Care

The Dawson County Cancer Care Fund continues to grow in its mission to improve quality of life and relieve physical and emotional burdens during treatment by providing emergency financial support to cancer patients. 

In the past year, DCCCF distributed nearly $17,000 to help 17 cancer patients in Dawson County and surrounding areas. Most received gas and grocery gift cards. Other assistance included hospital meals, restaurant gift cards, rent, and a pharmacy bill. Since 2021, DCCCF has given out $32,250 to cancer patients thanks to generous donations and community support.

 A wedding to honor life together 

A simple text message from a daughter in California was received asking for assistance to find a handicapped-accessible vehicle to transport her 70-year-old mother with pancreatic cancer to a wedding. A phone call to the daughter revealed her mother and father were getting married after a lifetime together and raising a big family. Mother had chemotherapy but a scan showed no improvement, so treatments were suspended. The couple live day to day but wanted to celebrate their lifetime together with a church wedding. With God’s good grace and community support, transportation was found! DCCCF also approved gas and grocery gift cards. Congratulations to an amazing family!

Creating community connections

DCCCF representatives were guest speakers at the Lexington Area Christian Women’s Club in June. Several from the audience said they didn’t know about the fund and others shared cancer journey stories after the meeting. One of those attending passed on information to a 55-year-old friend with a rare form of bile duct cancer diagnosed in September 2023. With many trips to doctors in Kearney, Holdrege, Omaha, and North Platte still in his future, DCCCF provided much-needed gas cards. Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

 The committee works hard to raise awareness at local events and fundraisers. DCCCF participated in the Pink-tober Breast Cancer Awareness event in Lexington, organized the “Tastee” Meal Survivor Recognition Event and Mac’s Creek Winery Wine and Chocolate fundraiser. In the past year, DCCCF partnered with Lexington Regional Health Center and the Joe Torres Sand Volleyball Tournament to support local cancer patients and increase exposure to the Fund’s mission. 

Paying it forward

 Jane Zeleski of Lexington was one of the first recipients of DCCCF financial assistance in 2021. When doctors prescribed more treatments the following year, Jane also received gas assistance. As she lives with her cancer, she helps recognize cancer survivors and donates time and talent at fundraisers and events. She is a strong DCCCF advocate and shares her story with other recently diagnosed patients. Jane continues to live strong and fills each day with positive experiences for a fulfilling life. Jane greeted survivors and made the paper chain representing more than 200 years of cancer survival at last year’s fundraiser. Thank you, Jane!

 Chemo Comfort Totes

Chemo Comfort Tote Drive was created to support those fighting cancer. The bags are filled with essentials for cancer warriors of all ages. Bags go to Gothenburg Health, Cozad Hospital, and Lexington Regional Health Center, as well as to North Platte’s Callahan Cancer Center, Heartland Hematology and Oncology, and CHI Cancer Center in Kearney for distribution to patients. In the past year, nearly 320 totes were delivered raising the total since 2015 to more than 1,800. Contact organizer Mary Harbur of Gothenburg at 308-529-2205 for more information.  DCCCF continues to support the Chemo Comfort Tote Drive with gas cards and sponsoring totes. 

You can designate your Give BIG donation to the Chemo Comfort Tote Drive.

Having cancer is hard, but finding help shouldn’t be.

 For more information, contact chairperson(s) Julie Rickertsen or Pam Ackerson.

Julie: 308-325-0174

Pam: 308-325-3642