Coming up with the funds to pay medical bills can often become a challenge for patients battling cancer. Add on top of that stress, finding a doctor within driving distance, and life’s other expenses for patients living in rural settings. But the Ontonagon County Cancer Association does what it can to help relieve some of the financial stress for patients. In 2024, the OCCA supported 41 cancer patients with 81,000 dollars, says board member Tammy Lancioni-Perrin. Helping with everything from paying for gas to get to an appointment, to helping with a utility bill.
And so the Cancer Association, in addition to funding the mammograms, also offered a stipend of $50 for women to offset the cost of traveling. And then we also do PSA screening for men. And that takes place at the clinic in Ontonagon. But as far as patient allocation, this year, starting in September, we raised our are funds that we’re giving each patient from $1,500 to $2,000. – Tammy Lancioni-Perrin, Board Member, Ontonagon County Cancer Association
Lancioni-Perrin adds the loss of the Ontonagon Aspirus hospital amplified by the challenges many of the county’s cancer patients face. Many patients travel to medical facilities in Wisconsin, Houghton County, and Marquette County to receive treatment or meet with medical professionals. In 2024, the association added 14 new cases and supported 41 cancer patients in the county in total. The OCCA will join Copper Shores for Giving Tuesday. And even hope to meet people during the Giving Tuesday party on December 2nd.
