By JESSICA SIEFF
Edwardsburg Argus

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 20,000 Michigan residents lost their battles with cancer in 2009.

For the same year, the number of new cancer cases in the state as estimated by the ACS totaled more than 50,000.

For every person diagnosed with breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there is an entire family waiting to support him or her during their course of treatment.

And, as it happens, an entire community right here in Edwardsburg is willing to help out as well.

Team members and volunteers with the Edwardsburg Relay for Life are helping collect items needed by the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Peter M. Wege Guest House in Grand Rapids.

Hope Lodge serves as a place where family members of those fighting cancer can go during treatment with guest rooms, kitchen and laundry services.

“So that the caregivers and families can come be with the person who is battling cancer,” Chad King, chairman of the Edwardsburg Relay for Life, said Tuesday.

Team members will collect items currently in need by Hope Lodge using 50 reusable “green bags” donated by Wal-Mart in Niles and will collect items on their own, delivering the items to Grand Rapids on April 22.

King said a meal would also be served and cooked up by Edwardsburg Relay for Life when the items are donated.

To help out, team members are collecting several types of items including non-perishable foods,  instant milk, dish towels and rags, soaps and shampoos, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, Family Fare and Meijer grocery gift cards, portable DVD players and DVDs.
Guests at the Hope Lodge have individual rooms and share common areas, such as living rooms and kitchens.

“The interaction with other patients, caregivers, staff and volunteers provides for an atmosphere of hope, compassion and friendship that is important in the cancer journey,” the organization said in a statement.

Anyone wishing to make any donations of these items may drop them off at: Lorie Bowers State Farm Agency, 69045 M-62 Edwardsburg, or at the Ontwa Township. U.S. Highway 12 Edwardsburg location.