For a patient battling cancer, someone lending a hand in support can go a long way.

Here in Cass County, a group of dedicated volunteers have spent the last two decades serving as one of those supportive hands. Since 1994, Cass County Cancer Services has offered assistance to county residents in the fight against cancer, offering monetary support and equipment to hundreds of patients each year.

However, the only way they can continue to do so is with the support of the community.

Next month, the organization will again host its annual Coins for Cancer luncheon, held at the Dowagiac Elk’s Club on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Volunteers will be serving chicken noodle and cheesy potato soup and chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, as well as freshly baked deserts provided by members. Attendees will also have the chance to watch a fashion show presented by local apparel shop The Tipsy Gypsy.

The luncheon is one of several fundraisers the cancer support group holds every year, said President Maxine Ownby. In June, the group held a golf outing at Four Lakes in Edwardsburg, where they raised over $9,000 from the proceeds.

The organization gives these donations to Cass County cancer patients, paying them $600 a year for a maximum of three years, Ownby said.

“This money helps pay for gas cards they use while traveling back and forth for their treatments,” she said. “We have all kinds of equipment for their use such as wheelchairs; anything they need to help them have a better life and hopefully get healed.”

The group currently has 13 volunteers on hand to help, and currently support 123 people in the county.

Ownby has been a member since 2008, joining shortly after her battle with cancer earlier that year. The organization paid for her gas while she traveled between her home and St Joseph, where she received treatment.

Over the years, Cass County Cancer Services has grown in scope, increasing the duration of their payments, due to increased donations from locals. However, many area cancer patients are shocked when they learn that such assistance exists so close to home.

“As much as we do, and as many people as we help, we’re still surprised that many people don’t know about us,” she said.

The luncheon costs $15 per person, though groups can reserve a table for a flat rate, Ownby said.

“I would everyone to come and support in us in some way, whether it’s a monetary donation or to see what we’re all about,” she said.

People interested in reserving a spot should contact Ownby at (269) 782-2033.