Caring Hands for Cancer, A Community Ministry: as published in "The New Republic"
There is an old saying that "it takes a village to raise a child", what does it mean? It means the best way for a child to be reared is for every person in the community to have a vested interest in that child, we don't look away or walk away simply because we aren't the parents. Now, remove the word child and recreate the saying with cancer, "it takes a village to fight cancer", now what does it mean? It means the best way to fight cancer is for every person in the community to have that vested interest.
Caring Hands for Cancer is a local organization that is in its beginning stages. It was founded this year and its mission is to create that village where members come together to support one another when cancer strikes in Meyersdale and it's surrounding areas and while that might seem exclusive one must remember that this is the beginning...volunteer, financial and community support are what will allow this unique local organization to grow and expand.
Two of the founding members Aaron Schafer and Erin Sines Byer have documented their own encounters with cancer in hopes of inspiring people to volunteer and also encourage those who are afflicted to ask for help. Both Aaron and Erin experienced the loss of a parent. From the organization brochure Aaron wrote- "The inspiration behind Caring Hands for Cancer materialized through both good and bad times of my father's battle. The incredible love and kindness from family and friends will always be cherished, but sadly the stress, loneliness and pain will remain with us forever." And from Erin "Some of you do not like asking for help. You don't want pity or you may feel your battle should be private. We understand. The families we help remain anonymous to the public, so please take that step and reach out to someone who is here just for you. Each situation is different, we know it hurts and you feel helpless. Caring Hands for Cancer is here to help. Our group is not about money or publicity, we are here simply because we truly care."
The organization wants to create personalized hands-on support to help take care of the priorities that have been pushed aside due to the fight with cancer. They are offering an array of services to meet the immediate needs of the family such as outside yard work, lawn care, inside house cleaning, minor painting, dinner and small gifts of money. The group has indicated that if you need help you should ask, if they cannot help you themselves they are also a source of information on were you can turn.
Partnering with local churches and youth ministries is one of the ways this community ministry will accomplish what they are setting out to do. Within congregations such support is already provided to their members, however if you aren't a member your need can go un-noticed. Caring Hands hopes to open up as many community churches as possible and accept their individual gifts, skills and volunteers who will travel to homes offering help and friendship, while the churches offer acceptance and support. Their first alliance with a church is with Meyersdale Grace Brethren.
What sets this group apart from other organizations that collect money for cancer is that a good number of cancer fundraisers and charities aren't necessarily sources of help to someone who has cancer or to their caregivers. Money collected goes toward research and while continued research is important in the overall fight it doesn't provide the hands-on approach that Caring Hands is setting out to provide. This is a locally established cancer support organization intended to help locally, your support will help someone in the Meyersdale vicintiy.
Soon, in local churches and around Meyersdale you will be seeing the name Caring Hands for Cancer on brochures and on volunteer registration forms, and remember the name and remember the difference in what this group aspires to accomplish. If you would like to learn more about the group or get more details on the fundraisers you may call: Laura Schardt- 814-634-5492; Aaron Schafer-814-634-8276; or Erin Byer- 814-634-1465 or email: caringhandsforcancer@gmail.com.