CFL Editorials
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Two Ingredients for Success:
A Simple Vision and an Army of Volunteers
“Touching the Lives of Hundreds throughout
the Northeast Louisiana Region”
By: JOHNNA VAN
As the leaves turn and the cool air ushers
in, it is a sure sign that the holidays are
just around the corner. For many in our area,
Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a struggle
this year. So many things we take for granted,
we should be reminded to be thankful for-
especially good health!
Unfortunately, many families throughout our
region are not quite so lucky. Their lives
are being touched by cancer. Statistics show
that if you are currently reading this article,
you likely have a family member, neighbor,
co-worker, or friend dealing with the devastation
that a diagnosis of cancer can cause. However,
most people are not aware of the financial
ramifications of such a diagnosis. What if
you are the head of the household and you
are diagnosed with cancer? Your first thought
will likely be, “How will I be able to support
my family? Will I be able to continue to
work?”
With these concerns in mind, Virginia Knickerbocker
and Dee Dee Cook collaborated to see what
they could do to assist local families who
have had to put their lives on hold because
of cancer, and in January 2002, the Cancer
Foundation League(CFL) was born. CFL is an
affiliate of the Louisiana Cancer Foundation.
Its mission is to provide help for local
patients who are going through treatment
for their illness.
 The league is comprised of a group of dedicated
ladies who volunteer to serve this worthy
cause. “What Dee Dee and Virginia dreamed
up just over seven years ago, now serves
as an inspiration to all of us. But, what
is more inspirational than anything, is knocking
on the door of a cancer patient to deliver
a Christmas basket and to be met with tears
of joy,” said Sharon Scott, President of
CFL.
Each year, CFL members gather items to create
special Christmas Baskets and deliver to
the area cancer patients. Baskets are made
up of a variety of items, including: a Christmas
Ham and the fixings, Cocoa, Apple Cider,
Chicken Noodle Soup, Peppermints, Blankets,
Hand Lotion & Sanitizers, Notepads &
Pens, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Inspirational
Books, Christmas Ornaments, etc., just to
name a few.
(L-R) CFL Members Jennifer Clowers, Kori
Clowers, Laura Hartt, Veronicia Wood, Tashia
Hines, & Kim Verhagen helped assemble
the Christmas baskets for area cancer patients
last year. The members will gather the first
week of December to begin assembling this
year’s baskets.
Since beginning in 2002, the League has spent
over $660,000 helping over 1,900 cancer patients
throughout Northeast Louisiana. CFL has helped
patients with expenses such as medication,
transportation, home mortgages, and utilities.
In Ouachita Parish alone, there have been
over 826 patients helped by the Cancer Foundation
League. In addition, the league has contributed
over $312,000 to the Louisiana Cancer Foundation
which helps to fund free cancer screenings,
education, and research.
The need for the Cancer Foundation League
in our community continues to grow. The commitment
of our membership and the dedicated support
from our sponsors, allow us to remain successful.
Without these individuals, corporate sponsors,
and dedicated volunteers, we would cease
to exist. It is the prayer of the league
to never have to turn away a patient or a
family in need. While the task is daunting,
the vision is simple, “To be seldom seen,
but strongly felt!”
May this season fill your home with health
and happiness!
From our family at CFL to yours, Happy Holidays!
If you are a member of a special group such
as a Sunday School group, Pokeno group, business
organization, classroom, social group, or
just an individual, we ask that you consider
donating to the Christmas baskets. All donations
go directly to the Christmas Basket ingredients.
CFL is a Charitable Organization which is
recognized by the United Way. If you are
interested in donating, please contact (318)
327-1953. Or, if you are interested in becoming
a member of the league, which involves limited
financial and time commitments, please contact
the new membership chairs, Dawn Landry at
(318) 914-0030 or Sandra Bennett at (318)
547-5987.
# # #
Cancer Foundation League (CFL): The Cancer Foundation League provides direct
financial assistance to individuals diagnosed
with cancer who live in or are being treated
in Northeast Louisiana. The CFL is affiliated
with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as a
fundraising arm to help with outreach and
to support the Foundation's programs and
services. One hundred percent of all funds
raised are distributed locally. The Cancer
Foundation League is committed to improving
the financial, emotional and physical well-being
of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana.
Louisiana Cancer Foundation for Research
& Education: The Louisiana Cancer Foundation for Research
and Education is a nonprofit health service
organization whose programs are designed
to encompass all phases of the cancer experience.
From prevention through education and research,
to free cancer screenings for early detection,
we try to teach individuals the importance
of taking care of their own health in a responsible
way.
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