Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 1999)
TOPIC: American Cancer Society spreads hope, help
 
by richard cox

There's a trusted friend in town working on behalf of local cancer patients and their families.

Known to millions of Americans for its national fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) also is active in thousands of communities across the country, including Larimer County.
The Larimer County Unit of the ACS is located in Fort Collins at 344 E. Foothills Parkway, Suite 2E, just across the street from Foothills Fashion Mall. The office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., houses a patient education library where visitors can browse a variety of pamphlets and brochures. It is also headquarters for several programs that deliver cancer-related information and support.

"I spread the word. I sing the gospel," says Ariella Hartshorn, community development specialist for the Larimer County office.

about american cancer society

For more information on the Larimer County Unit of the American Cancer Society or its programs, call 226-0148 or www.fortnet.org/acs

For answers to general questions about cancer, call   (800) 227-2345 or visit  www.americanheart.org

And the good word, Hartshorn says, is that with education and early detection, cancer need not be a death sentence. It's a message that Hartshorn takes around town in presentations to community groups. Her office also arranges for educational materials to be placed in schools and physician offices.

When cancer does strike, the local ACS chapter is also ready to offer comfort and support. Among the free services it provides:

  • "I Can Cope," an eight-week education/support course in which cancer patients and their loved ones learn how to cope with the disease on a daily basis. The course is offered twice yearly at Poudre Valley Hospital and is facilitated by specially trained nurses and physicians.

  • "Road to Recovery," a service that literally helps patients travel the long and sometimes difficult road to cancer recovery. Through this program, trained volunteer drivers use their own cars to transport patients to and from their treatments.

  • "Reach to Recovery," a program that sends breast cancer survivors out into the community to meet one-on-one with patients and provide emotional, psychological and cosmetic help.

  • "Look Good…Feel Better," which uses the expertise of volunteer hairdressers and cosmeticians who help women maintain their appearance and self image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

One of the local chapter's biggest projects is the annual "Relay for Life," an inspirational event honoring cancer survivors that raises both money and public awareness. More than 1,000 people participated in last year's relay with the backing of over 130 local businesses.