EVENING UNDER THE STARS AT FARM NECK
“No one with cancer needs to be alone.” This is the mission statement of the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Hosting their Evening Under the Stars event Thursday evening, May 15th, members and supporters mingled, wined and dined at Farm Neck Golf Club to celebrate over 26 years of helping Islanders with cancer get through their challenges.
The café was a perfect setting for people to enjoy an evening with a lively crowd of folks who recognize how important MVCSG is for our island. The buffet dinner was delicious and Mike Benjamin’s live performance was excellent as always. But the highlight was really thanking the devoted team that selflessly contributes their time and intelligence to making this non-profit organization so successful.
As Jane Carroll explained, it’s frightening enough to get a cancer diagnosis- this is a traumatic experience, but additionally, to bear the costs associated with various medical appointments and treatments is daunting.
MVCSG focuses on relieving some of these strains for islanders with cancer. They offer programs that allow for discounted ferry rates, as well as transportation to and from Woods Hole to Falmouth Hospital or particular doctors’ offices off island. There is financial support for families whose income has been compromised due to loss of wages while recuperating or expensive co-pays. Basically, if an individual or family can be helped, they can concentrate on getting well.
There is also a weekly support group meeting that takes place every Wednesday at noon at the library of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven. The philosophy is that “every illness holds a lesson for us to learn” and that we can encourage and support each other through our shared experiences.
There is no doubt that MV CANCER SUPPORT GROUP is a wonderful organization that has grown and evolved over the years. They sponsor a tennis tournament in July and a pancake breakfast in August.