What We Are…

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.

The recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Have no insurance, be underinsured, or medically needy; and/or

  2. Have a financial need;  and

  3. 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.

 

OUTREACH

We are distributing flyers and brochures in various locations throughout Putnam County using the following basic information in English and Spanish.

 

EDUCATION 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