The concept of the Putnam First Cancer Fund is the brain child of many local Putnam County residents. On October 8, 2014, this new charity became incorporated as the Putnam First Cancer Fund, Inc. We have IRS designation as a 501(c)(3) organization, making contributions to the Putnam First Cancer Fund tax deductible.
PURPOSE/MISSION
The purpose, or mission, for which the corporation is organized is
To receive and/or solicit contributions and
To use those contributions to facilitate educational, awareness, and cancer screening programs and activities within Putnam County, Florida, and
To assist residents of Putnam County, Florida, who have been diagnosed with cancer or who may need diagnostic testing to determine the presence of cancer
The contributions will not be used for the treatment of cancer, but only to assist patients in meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, lodging, utilities, transportation and other special needs as may be approved.
Have no insurance, be underinsured, or medically needy; and/or
Have a financial need (for example, an income level below 200% of federal poverty guidelines); and
Be a resident of Putnam County
For those applicants above the federal poverty guidelines, the Executive Committee will evaluate the request on a case by case basis.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS
In an effort to increase awareness of various types of cancer, Putnam First Cancer Fund with the aid of outside funding has conducted the following educational sessions.
Early detection of lung cancer
Through funding from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, we have had events at Interlachen and Crescent City high schools to educate participants that breast cancer should never be incurable. We primarily targeted females, teens, and adults countywide. We hope to conduct similar programs at Palatka High School and St. Johns River State College.
Through funding from United Way of Putnam County, we presented a lunchtime program on ovarian and uterine/endometrial cancers to employees of the Putnam County School District administrative offices. The purpose of the program was to inform those present about the symptoms of the referenced cancers and how to proceed with appropriate screening.
Community Awareness of the charity—2019 Palatka PorchFest
