Helping cancer patients cope
Members of the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center, Terri Dexter and Linn Reese (left side) stand alongside the organizers of the annual Tata's Party and Auction, Aubrey Stovern and Ashlee Maravilla Myles. This year's Tata's Party raised more than $15,000 for the center, which helps local residents pay for cancer medications and gas vouchers.
Courtesy photo
KELLOGG — The Shoshone Cancer Resource Center is one of the few cancer-related resources in the Silver Valley.
The Resource Center is home to the Shoshone Cancer Support Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides vouchers of all sorts to Shoshone County residents battling cancer. These include helping residents pay for prescriptions and fuel to get to and from treatments.
The group is volunteer-based and receives all its funding through donations. This can be challenging in a small community, but the community has been generous over the years.
On any given month, the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center helps more than 50 people.
October is one of the keystone months for cancer awareness, due largely in part to the efforts of national organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and their annual “Pink” campaigns.
In the Silver Valley, the annual Tata’s Party and Auction is the largest fundraiser for the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center. Held annually in October, the event features a live auction that includes donated items and decorated bras, wreaths, pumpkins and gift baskets. The bras are artistically designed to either represent fun aspects of life in the Silver Valley such as hunting or are made with items from local businesses.
This year was the 22nd Tata’s Party, and it featured the largest turnout, in terms of both attendance and the amount of funds that have ever been raised.
More than $15,000 was generated during the event.
However, even with such a successful event, the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center is always in need of support, whether it be through donations or volunteer support.
Volunteers could be expected to watch the office, handle paperwork and greet individuals who may need assistance.
Donations are welcome at any time and can be dropped off at the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center at 204 Oregon St. in Kellogg, or by mail at P.O. Box 261, Kellogg, ID 83837.
If you or someone you know or love needs assistance with prescription medications or gas costs, contact them at 208-784-7017.