The Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition is now accepting applications for their 2009 Cancer Care Grants: Helping Patients and Families Through Local Organizations outreach program. The grants are designed to assist local, non-profit organizations that help local cancer patients and their families manage and cope with cancer.

"Our Cancer Care Grants are an integral part of the Coalition's mission, and allow us to support community grassroots efforts around southwest Georgia that directly support cancer patients and their families," said Cancer Coalition CEO Diane Fletcher.

Grants are typically between $2,000 and $6,000 for one year, and are awarded to programs that provide cancer patients and their families with cancer-related educational, psychosocial, medication or nutritional support. Covered expenses may also include out-of-pocket costs for prostheses, wigs, transportation for cancer-related medical visits, lodging, and rent/utility during cancer treatments, among others. The patients and their families served by these funds must live in the Cancer Coalition's 33-county region.

Since 2006, more than $102,000 has been awarded through Cancer Care Grants. Past recipients include Archbold Memorial Hospital, Mitchell County Food Bank, The Partnership Cancer Fund, PinkPals Breast Cancer Support Group, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Healthcare Advocates of Berrien County, Partnership for LIFE, Tift Regional Hospital, Grady County Help Agencies, and South Georgia Medical Center.

The only regional partnership organization in southwest Georgia dedicated to cancer, the Cancer Coalition coordinates, facilitates and supports cancer education, prevention, screening, treatment and research. The Cancer Coalition works through partnerships with healthcare, academic, industry, faith-based, survivor, public health, and community service organizations in the area.

For complete Cancer Care Grant information, eligibility criteria and to download an application, visit www.swgacancer.org. Applications can also be obtained by contacting Helen Dixson, Education Coordinator, at 229-312-1700 or helen.dixson@swgacancer.org.

Proposals are due September 15, 2009.