|
A Quick History of Our Group:
The Outer Banks Cancer Support Group, Inc. (OBCSG) was organized in 1989 as a result of a vision that
its founder, Alice Kelly, had soon after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. In January 1991, the group was officially
incorporated as a non-profit organization with its primary objectives of providing moral support to cancer survivors and their
families and transportation to and from nearby treatment facilities. Subsequently, in November 2000, the organization began
a long anticipated program of providing its members and local cancer survivors with temporary financial assistance to help
with utility bills, etc. Transportation is available to anyone in the covered area who requests it; however,
financial assistance is available only to those who have a true temporary financial need. Membership is open to all cancer
survivors, family members and friends who are dedicated to helping other people battle cancer. Every member of the group is
a volunteer, and there are no dues or fees to participate. Group privileges apply to all members, including those who have
established membership pursuant to the by-laws but who live outside Dare County, i.e., anyone living in Currituck County.
The Transportation Program:
Free transportation is provided from the patient's home to the various treatment centers in Elizabeth City,
the Hampton Roads area, and locally, and is available to any cancer patient residing in Dare County from Sanderling to the
Oregon Inlet Bridge and on Roanoke Island. Patients are transported individually by volunteer drivers or family members who
are reimbursed a flat fee per trip to help offset their meal and automobile expenses. The group also provides the same reimbursement
fee for patients on the mainland, and to patients who use doctors outside the usual transportation area, however, a roster
of volunteer drivers for those locations is not currently maintained. Because Hatteras Island has its own program to provide
assistance to cancer patients on their island, OBCSG no longer provides services to that area of the county on a regular basis
unless the patients choose to become members of the support group as set forth in the by-laws.
|
|
Our Funding:
OBCSG is supported solely by donations and proceeds from various fundraisers. Currently, its primary fundraisers
are the Pirate's Cove Annual Alice Kelly Memorial "Ladies Only" Billfish Tournament; the Annual Sea Scape Charity Golf Tournament;
and an Annual Bachelor Auction. Other means of funding come from the sale of the group's cookbook, an annual raffle of donated
items, memorial and personal donations from individuals, civic groups, and local business owners who believe in and support
what the group does. OBCSG receives no funding from state, federal or county government, nor the American Cancer Society.
All funds are raised and distributed locally.
|
