Cancer Association of M.C. Celebrates 60 Years

  10/29/12 The Cancer Association of Marshall County is celebrating its 60^th year of existence.  Their annual meeting was held on Monday, October 22, 2012 at the Life Enrichment Center.   Newly elected Board members Eileen Wright, Carol Boyer and Jan Fisher were welcomed.   Officers for 2013 were elected as follows:  Debi Gidley, President; Jerry Slein, Vice President; Jan Fisher, Secretary; Shirley Gidley, Treasurer; and Susie Cook, NP as Medical Director.  Arlene McCan was recognized for her service to the Cancer Association of Marshall County as she stepped down after 8 years as President.

The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce sponsored the first County Cancer Control Unit in 1946. They appointed Mrs. Joan Brown as county chairman who managed the first cancer drive alone by mail.

The Delta Theta Tau Sorority took over the Cancer Drive in February 1947 and conducted the drive each year until 1962, when the association joined the United Fund.  The association (Marshall County Cancer Society) withdrew from the American Cancer Society, and on September 1, 1962 the Cancer Association of Marshall County was re-organized.

Funding began with monies from the estates of Welcome Ebersole, Grace Moslander, and Roy Hawk.  Donations and memorials continue to fund the Cancer Association of Marshall County.  Cancer patients can fill out an application for assistance and if approved, payments are made directly to pharmacies or providers on behalf of the patients.  Transportation, wigs, body creams, prosthesis, pillows and hats are also available.

The Cancer Association of Marshall County receives it funding from private donations, memorials and bequeaths.  Funding from the United Way is provided if the donor specifically requests the funds be given to the Cancer Association of Marshall County.  The Cancer Association of Marshall County is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.

Only Marshall County residents may receive funding from the Cancer Association of Marshall County so donations remain in Marshall County.  Questions can be directed to Shirley Gidley at 936-4480.