While certain types of cancer tend to draw more attention than others, Urbana resident Jade Campbell is hoping her idea for a calendar currently being sold by the Cancer Association of Champaign County (CACC) will help bring awareness to all forms of cancer and, at the same time, help to raise funds for the nonprofit organization.
“Most people think breast cancer when they hear the word cancer, but there are so many other types to be worried about,” said Campbell, a member of the CACC Board of Directors.
The 12-month calendar features 11 months of stories and photos from families throughout the county who’ve been affected by cancer, and one month – February – contains cancer prevention information.
“Putting a face to the story really hits home,” Campbell said. “These are people you know. If it could happen to them, it could happen to you.”
The individuals featured in the calendar are Damian Prendergast, Emily Shreve, Alan Toomire, Jack Oelker, Linda and Bill Outram, Howard and Gerald Blair, Michele Russell, Randy Smith, Robin Starner, Becky Adair and Barbara VanHoose.
While the calendar highlights several stories of survival, it also contains stories and photos of eight individuals, including Campbell’s mother, Michele Russell, who lost their battle with cancer.
“So many people were more than willing to share their stories and thanked me for giving them this opportunity, which was not the response I had expected,” Campbell said. “This truly is a great community and some extraordinary people are in this calendar.”
Purchasing the calendar
The 2016 CACC calendar can be purchased for $10 at the following Urbana locations: The Depot Coffee House, Bill’s Enchanted Florist and White’s Ford. Calendars may also be purchased by emailing Campbell at [email protected].
Campbell said thanks to donations by Main Graphics and Urbana lawyer Todd Brecount, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the CACC.
“The best part about this is the money will stay in Champaign County and go toward helping residents battling cancer with costs of medicine, gas to get to treatment, treatments, wigs … etc.,” Campbell said. “One reason people were so willing to help with this (project) is because the CACC has helped them in some way.
“I have received nothing but positive feedback in regards to the calendar, and we already have people asking about next year,” she added.
Local cancer survivors or families of those who have lost a loved one to cancer are invited to participate in the 2017 calendar by emailing stories and photos to [email protected].
