Rotary Happenings: Rotarians learn about Cancer Alliance of Naples
When a health crisis affects a family, it affects more than just the health of an individual. It has a huge financial impact on the family as well. Cancer Alliance of Naples Chief Executive Officer Kevin Dolan recently shared with the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club the history of CAN and how the “Neighbors helping Neighbors” philosophy of the organization helps those in the immediate area.
Clients in need who are actively receiving treatment are referred by various oncology centers, hospitals and cancer navigators to CAN. It conducts a thorough financial background check and when approved, individuals receive financial assistance in the form of rent or mortgage payments, vehicle payments, food or gas cards, utility payments and transportation assistance by one of CAN’s five staff members. Approximately 30 families are assisted at any one time within Collier County.
KidsCAN is a high school group formed by the organization to help students gain community service hours while assisting other children affected by cancer. The group teaches leadership skills and hosts fundraisers for scholarships chosen by its own board of directors, awarded to children affected by cancer. Over $175,000 in scholarships has been awarded.
Dolan asked the Rotary Club to share CAN’s message throughout Lee County, so it will be able to assist as many families as possible who have been financially impacted by cancer.
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom; doors open at 7 a.m. To attend in person, email Bill Harkey at William.Harkey@gmail.com by the Tuesday before the meeting. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.