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Show I by Corey W. Gma J Kiblic Info. Chairman, I LUntah Co. Unit Amer. Cancer SocV ACS army fights cancer QUESTION: What does the American Cancer Society do for cancer patients? ANSWER : A quiet but growing army of volunteers is providing help and hope to hundred of thousands of cancer patients throughout the country. Outgoing Out-going Unit President, Sandra Madsen, says a recent survey shows that the number of patients reached more than doubled in five years, and today stands at over 300,000. The Society's three major rehabilitation programs help patients recovering from breast cancer, bladder and intestinal ostomies and cancer of the larynx. In five years the number of patients helped in these programs across the country rose from 13,000 to 67,000 and volunteers working with them grew from 6,300 to 16,000. "The special thing about most ACS rehabilitation volunteers," Mrs. Madsen says, "is that they have been through cancer themselves. They can do more this way, and patients feel very close to them." Volunteers for the breast cancer program, "Reach to Recovery," help women to regain their self-confidence as well as physical well-being. One of the newest programs of the Society, according to the ACS official, is recruiting blood donors a natural task for the American Cancer Society since large amounts of blood and blood components are needed in cancer therapy. ACS Units and Divisions work closely with existing blood collection facilities in each area. |