Press Release
2006-02-07
The Near & Far Aid Association Grants $10,000 to CancerCare of Connecticut for Expansion of Children's Services
Grant Will Extend Reach of CancerCare for Kids® Program within Fairfield County
NORWALK, CT, February 7, 2006--CancerCare of Connecticut announced today that it has received a record $10,000 grant from the Near & Far Aid Association to expand its CancerCare for Kids® program within Fairfield County. CancerCare for Kids® provides children and parents with free, professional counseling, education and financial assistance to help them cope with a diagnosis of cancer in the family.
The Near & Far Aid Association supported the program last year in the greater Bridgeport area; the increased grant reflects the success of the pilot program and the continuing need for family oncology support services and financial assistance in Fairfield County. The Association mentioned CancerCare's financial assistance program and outreach efforts to underserved communities as key to their decision to expand their support for CancerCare.
"When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, they have many questions about communicating with their children and how they are going to afford treatment. The CancerCare for Kids® program provides invaluable tools to help families cope with this crisis," said Sandra Tripodi, LCSW, Director of Social Service, CancerCare of Connecticut. "We are so grateful to the Near & Far Aid Association for the opportunity to reach even more families in need with this grant, especially the indigent. It marks a great step in the continuation of a relationship between CancerCare of Connecticut and the Near & Far Aid Association as partners in improving the lives of Fairfield residents with cancer."
CancerCare for Kids® services in Fairfield County include individual counseling, support groups, "Family Nights" for the entire family, education and information, referrals to other sources of support, and financial assistance for child care and transportation for families who qualify. CancerCare's professional oncology social workers help children with cancer, children affected by a parent's or sibling's cancer diagnosis, or parents with cancer. To get help from the CancerCare for Kids® program, call CancerCare of Connecticut at 203-854-9911.
About the Near & Far Aid Association, Inc.
The Near & Far Aid Association is an all-volunteer fund-raising and fund-granting organization dedicated to meeting a broad range of critical needs programs that support thousands of needy people in Fairfield County. Near & Far Aid grants help provide aid to children, adults in crisis, the elderly, the homeless, and those in need of education, job training and community health services. Last year, Near & Far Aid raised an unprecedented $1.2 million which is currently being distributed to approximately 100 carefully vetted charitable agencies. For more information about Near & Far Aid, visit their website at www.nearandfar.org.