Hancock County Fights Cancer presented checks totaling $40,500 from proceeds of this
year’s team fundraising events and annual block party.
The group presented a check for $16,200 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer
research, and a second check for $24,300 to HUGS of Hancock County, the local cancer
support group.
At the group’s annual meeting held in August, treasurer Kim Taylor reported total receipts
from team events was $22,671. More funds were raised with the car show, community
sponsors, township drives and other activities during the annual Block Party, held June 4 on
the courthouse square in Carthage. A $7,000 donation was received from the Strawberry
Strut committee following their 2022 event.
The report showed that $43,743.72 was raised in the year ending July 15, 2022. There were
$3,087.25 in expenses.
Proceeds from the year were given to the two groups, with 60 percent going to HUGS and 40
percent going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for research.
HUGS is a not-for-profit organization that gives financial and emotional support to cancer
patients from Hancock County.
“The financial support may include $200 gas cards, $200 pharmacy and $200 gift cards,”
explained HUGS treasurer Melita Finney, after accepting the check.
“Additional assistance is available if needed. HUGS relies solely on memorials and donations
to fund these services. Every dollar received stays in Hancock County to be used here,”
Finney said.
“Our board has a special task of being good stewards of all the money donated to HUGS.”
The gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was presented to Molly Shepherdson,
marketing director for field operations in Illinois and Iowa for St. Jude. Families of children
treated by St. Jude are never asked to pay any cost not covered by their insurance.
In addition, constant research at the hospital complex in Memphis, Tenn., creates new
procedures and treatments for childhood illnesses. These findings are shared throughout the
U.S. and the world.
At the annual meeting, next year’s HCFC block party was set for June 3, 2023. The board
voted to continue giving 60 percent of funds raised to HUGS, and 40 percent to St. Jude’s
Children’s Research Hospital.
Hancock County Fights Cancer Board and officers for 2022 were elected, with Cynthia
Stewart as president, Kris Pilkington as vice-president, Kim Taylor as treasurer, and Joy
Swearingen as secretary.
Other board members are Diane Adkisson, Cari Davis, Annette Heinike, Camie Pilkington,
Christina Roberts, Rachel Ward, Jo Webster and Greta Wetzel.
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HUGS (Help Us Give Support) gladly accepts cancer patient referrals from the public. HUGS
provides cancer patients in Hancock County with gas cards or help with prescription costs, as
well as other financial support on a case by case basis, such as rent, utilities or emergency
needs.
Anyone knowing of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer can make a referral to
HUGS by calling Florine Dixon at 217-219-0084 or Joyce Buckert at 217-357-3887.