
Ever since Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana expanded services regionally in 2006, we knew the drive to Fort Wayne was burdensome and, at times, impossible for people with cancer living in Kosciusko and surrounding counties. People were grateful to access services over the phone, but they felt disappointed that they couldn’t meet their advocate face-to-face or participate in group classes with their peers.
There was a need for help closer to home. Culminating from thousands of dollars in generous donations, years of planning, and enthusiastic community support, Cancer Services West opened in Warsaw on February 12, 2024.
Making this location a reality would not have been possible without a few key funders. Thank you to K21 Health Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Kosciusko REMC who have stepped up their long-standing financial support and to the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation for making their first donation to support operations in Warsaw.
A lot happened in the inaugural year that’s worth celebrating. We also made mistakes, experienced setbacks, and learned many lessons, all of which are important in their own way.
At first Cancer Services West offered core services focused on individual needs such as personal advocacy and support, medical equipment and care supplies, wigs and head coverings, financial assistance, and counseling. Community members had also expressed a need to connect with others who share their experiences, seeking opportunities for advice, commiseration, and support. As soon as possible, Cancer Services made plans to offer group activities to bring people together.
In May, Chair Yoga, the first weekly group class, started meeting. The class met for a couple of months before the facilitator needed to step back following a cancer recurrence. Soon after, Cancer Services offered a limited series of art workshops. In January, a new weekly group class called Self-Care and Stress Reduction was launched. It boasted ten participants in the first meeting, the most people who had attended a session at the Warsaw location at once.
In June, Cancer Services celebrated survivorship with the community at the inaugural Surviving Together. The event was planned by a dedicated group of community volunteers and made possible by many individuals and businesses willing to donate their time and resources to support cancer survivors. Attendees enjoyed free food, family activities from a variety of vendors, live music, and local resources.
How Cancer Services West brought help closer to home during our first year:
- 155 people visited the location 495 times
- 16 people impacted by cancer processed their emotions during 95 counseling sessions
- 3,335 personal care supplies and 357 cases of nutritional supplement drink were distributed to people with cancer
- 97 wigs and head coverings helped women facing hair loss build confidence
- 31 pieces of durable medical equipment were loaned out to keep people safe and at home
- $9,507 in direct financial assistance eased the financial burden of cancer for 70 families
Deborah appreciates having a location close by. “I don’t get to Fort Wayne very often,” she said. “I’ve saved a lot of money on travel, not to mention not having to buy supplies.” Deborah has received equipment and supplies at the Warsaw location. She called Cancer Services “a wonderful place for resources.”
For Kay, the Warsaw location saves her 45 minutes of travel time. Kay receives counseling and supplies as well as attending the weekly Self Care and Stress Reduction group—a class she said is “the best she’s ever attended.” She appreciates the resources available from Cancer Services, stating, “I LOVE being able to go to Warsaw. I’m very happy with what Cancer Services offers.”
- Kosciusko Chamber Ambassadors join Cancer Services staff at the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the Warsaw location.
- Advocate and Counselor Becky Kreps gathers cases of nutritional drinks for a person with cancer.
- Housewarming attendees color on the community board.
- Housewarming attendees chat and view the new location.
- K21 Health Foundation delivers a grant donation to Cancer Services West.
- Associates with Sherwin Williams helps get the new space ready.
- Thank you Sherwin Williams for your help!
- Surviving Together co-chairs Ben and Amy Snyder welcome attendees to the event.
- Surviving Together attendees stand for the singing of the National Anthem.