Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer, be it a family member, friend or coworker.

Because of this, everyone has a responsibility to aid in the fight against breast cancer, according to local organizations.

Representatives with the Berrien County Cancer Service and the Cass County Cancer services said that breast cancer is not just fought by the individuals who are suffering from the disease. Instead, there is a community effort and responsibility to help raise awareness for breast cancer and support those who have been diagnosed.

“Fighting cancer is a team effort,” said Nancy Church, the executive director of the Berrien County Cancer Service.

The Berrien County Cancer Service has been operational since 1948 when it was founded by a nurse from Niles. The mission of the organization, whose highest number of users are breast cancer patients, is to provide free skilled nursing and support services to people suffering from cancer and related illnesses. These services include support groups, donations and more, Church said.

“The people we help have a high level of need,” Church said. “Because we are a community organization and we are funded by the community, we have the ability to help those people. We are there for as long as the person needs help.”

The Cass County Cancer Service, operating out of Edwardsburg, also helps to serve women suffering from breast cancer. Though the Cass County Cancer Service does not offer nursing services like the Berrien County Cancer Service, the Cass County Cancer Service provides for cancer victims in other ways, including buying gas cards for those who need to travel for treatments and helping patients pay for their household bills.

“We do whatever we can to help those going through cancer,” said Cass County Cancer Service President Maxine Ownby. “Every little bit helps when you are going through something like that.”

Because the Cass and Berrien Cancer Services are nonprofits and community funded, they rely on community donations and volunteering to stay operational and help those who are suffering from cancer.

“People who have cancer are among the most people courageous I have ever worked with,” Church said. “Cancer affects an entire family and they need the community to support them. So many things are in turmoil [when you are going through cancer]. It’s very important that the community recognize that there is a need and give a helping hand.”

To donate or volunteer with the Berrien County Cancer Service, visit bccancerservice.org or call (269) 465-5257. To donate or volunteer with the Cass County Cancer Service, call (269) 699-5551. Both organizations host fundraising events throughout the year, and are always looking for volunteers.

In addition to donating and volunteering with organizations that aid victims of breast cancer, community members can help those suffering from cancer on a personal level as well, Ownby said.

“Just step up and be a neighbor,” she said. “Be a friend.”

This personal level of help can range from volunteering to do household tasks for someone going through cancer treatments to simply lending a sympathetic ear, Ownby said, acknowledging that the help she received from friends and family is what got her through her own breast cancer struggle.

“You never know what can be the thing that brightens someone’s day. Those going through breast cancer, while some of the strongest women I know, could use some help,” Ownby said. “Be kind and give where you can.”