An earlier article stated that the nonprofit has raised $464,085 in 28 years — this number represents what was raised through “Pennies for Patients,” only.

For 28 years, Berrien County Cancer Service Inc., has helped to provide free nursing aid and support to those suffering from cancer or cancer-related illnesses.

But the free services, which offer skilled in-house nurse care and an array of support groups, could not be accomplished without support from the community, said Nancy Church, the executive director of the nonprofit.

For their annual “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser, which took place May 11, the organization was able to raise $18,371 to aid local patients.

The organization will continue to accept donations for the fundraiser through May 31. Contributions may be dropped off or mailed to the nonprofit’s headquarters at 7301 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.

Church encouraged people to give back to their own community.

“All the money stays here locally to help local people,” Church said. “We are able to see people who would not receive services.”

Church said the goal is to raise at least $28,000, in honor of 28 years of service.

The nonprofit receives referrals for patients through Lakeland or through patients’ contact. Anyone who has cancer or is suffering from a cancer-related illness is eligible for oncology nursing care.

Last year, the organization was able to serve 510 patients across Berrien County. Nurses spent 2,240 hours with patients, an equivalent cost of more than $200,000 in services.

The nonprofit got its start through Niles nurse Olove Colcord, who founded the organization with the aim to provide quality care to residents of Berrien County, facing cancer or cancer-related illnesses.

“She was an absolutely wonderful lady,” Church said.  “Through her leadership, we have been able to continue in the same way.”

In addition to offering skilled care for patients, the organization provides a nutritional and medical support closet, as well as high quality wigs. 

Before she became executive director, Church served as a nurse for the nonprofit for 17 years and helped to provide care.

“It is amazing how appreciative people are,” Church said “I can’t imagine what people do who do not have a resource like this, [people] who have these great needs.”

The organization’s cause helped to draw Church to the organization where she has worked for 23 years.

“I was drawn to the job because of the care that was needed and the care that you could give,” Church said. “You develop long term relationship with patients and you feel like you are helping them with a long term health crisis. If you can make that easier for them, it is rewarding.”

Two support groups are available for community members. An adult cancer support group is available at 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Greater Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road, in Niles. A children’s support group that uses art as therapy is also available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Buchanan Arts Center, 117 W. Front St., in Buchanan. Youth who know someone with cancer, or who are fighting cancer themselves, are invited to attend and work with clay to make art as therapy.

The United Way of Southwest Michigan helps to partially fund the nonprofit, in addition to donations, memorials and fundraisers such as “Pennies for Patients.”

Throughout 28 years, Church said, the organization has been able to provide approximately $464,085 through “Pennies for Patients.”

Looking back on those years, Church thanked the community for helping to fund their mission.

“We are an agency that is funded by the community. Without the community, we would not be here,” Church said. “Every dollar that comes into our agency stays local.”