Applications for the 2011 Cancer Care Grants: Helping Patients and Families Through Local Organizations are now being accepted by the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. The grants are designed to assist local non-profit, community-based health or advocacy organizations that assist cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment.

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

Grants up to $4,000 are awarded to programs that provide cancer patients with medications to manage cancer-related symptoms such as pain or nausea, cancer-related prostheses, physician recommended or prescribed nutritional support, medical equipment and supplies, transportation for cancer-related medical visits, child care needed for a patient to receive care, treatment location lodging, rent/utility/grocery costs assistance, and home accessibility or mobility support. The patients and their families served by these funds must live in the Cancer Coalition's 31-county service area.

The first Cancer Care Grants were awarded by the Cancer Coalition in 2006. Since that time, more than $136,000 has been awarded to recipients, including 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 Medical Center, 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 a complete listing of the Cancer Coalition’s 31-county region and for Cancer Care Grant information, eligibility criteria and to download an application, visit www.swgacancer.org. Applications can also be obtained by contacting Jennifer Johnston at 229.312.1700 or jennifer.johnston@swgacancer.org.
Proposals are due September 30, 2011.

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