HANCOCK COUNTY FIGHTS CANCER PRESENTED CHECKS TOTALING $46,000 TO

CANCER SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Hancock County Fights Cancer presented checks totaling $46,000 from proceeds of this
year’s team fundraising events and annual block party.
The group presented a check for $18,400 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer research and a second check for $27,600 to HUGS of Hancock County, the local cancer support group.
At the HCFC annual meeting held in August, Kari Davis reported total receipts from the 13
teams was $32,789.30. More funds were raised through a car show, community sponsors,
township drives, and other activities during the annual Block Party, held June 1 on the
courthouse square in Carthage.
A $8,500 donation was received from the Strawberry Strut committee following their 2024 run. 
“We are grateful to the Strawberry Strut committee and to the community for their support of our cause,” said HCFC board president, Cynthia Stewart.
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.
“Additional assistance is available if needed. HUGS relies solely on memorials and donations to fund these services. Every dollar we receive 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,
principal advisor, Midwest Territory for St. Jude fundraising. 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.

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 at any time by calling Florine Dixon at 217-219-0084 or Joyce Buckert at 217-357-
3887.

Hancock County Fights Cancer presented $26,600 to HUGS of Hancock County from left – Cynthia Stewart, HCFC board president; Jerome Lee,
HUGS board member; Kris Pilkington, HCFC board vice president; Florine Dixon, HUGS board member; Melita Finney, HUGS board member; Jo Webster, HUGS board member; Tammy Lucie, HUGS board member; Tracy Lee, HUGS board member