By AMY DAVIS
The Progress
If you see sports teams playing in pink jerseys or wearing pink shoes, it is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and pink is the official color.
For those struggling with a cancer diagnosis, there is a local beacon of hope in the form of Mesquite Cancer Help Society. Established by founder, Yoli Bell in 2001, The Mesquite Cancer Help Society assists Virgin Valley locals through their cancer journey: emotionally, physically, and financially.
While the focus this month is on Breast Cancer, the MCHS will help any patient with a cancer diagnosis.
It has been calculated that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer. That is more than 2 million American women. Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual worldwide campaign meant to increase attention and support for the awareness of treatment as well as early detection of this disease.
Bell is very close to this issue. In the year 2000, Bell was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her personal battle with this disease was the catalyst for the creation of Mesquite Cancer Help Society.
Bell believes it is important for women to understand all they can about the realities of breast cancer.
“The lack of information women have about the types of breast cancer that exist amazed me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Bell. “Women need to know and understand there are numerous types of breast cancers and that a mammogram can save your life.”
Bell says a mammogram can provide early detection which would lead to a more positive and possibly less invasive outcome.
Mary Grace, the office manager for the Cancer Help Society, said that the Society was granted nonprofit status in October of 2001.
“We help local Virgin Valley cancer patients not just financially, but we also have monthly support groups,” Grace said. “A lot of the stress from cancer is not just physical, it is financial and emotional as well.”
The Society help patients to pay for fuel to get to and from appointments and with medical prescriptions, she added. “We help with radiation, chemo, diagnostic imaging,” Grace said. “We can’t pay bills in full, but we can really help keep them above water and ease their financial burden.”
To do this important work, though, the Society relies on local donations and fundraising events to raise money. “Even the smallest of donation is invaluable to us,” Grace said.
The Mesquite Cancer Help Society also serves their clients by providing the necessary tools to understand and manage cancer. They help teach coping and stress management skills and offer a wide range educational information via speakers, brochures, and media (ie: books, videos, CDs). They can also help provide wigs, hats, scarves, wheelchairs, canes shower seats and more.
How many people the Mesquite Cancer Help Society can help a year depends on two things, the type of cancer a patient may have and how much money they have received in donations.
Last year the Mesquite Cancer Help Society was able to assist 28 people with over $65,000 in financial support.
“If someone needs additional help that we can’t provide, then we find them the resources,” Bell said. “We will really work our hardest to connect them to the services they need. We have a wonderful rapport with lots of the doctors and nurses, especially the ones located in St. George. We do what we have to for our clients.”
More information can be found on their website at www.cancerhelpnv.com/
