NYS Grange Supports OCO Cancer Services Program

OSWEGO – Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Cancer Services Program of the North Country, which provides a number of free cancer screenings, recently received a donation of $2,000 from the New York State Grange in support of their efforts to fight cancer.

A rural family-oriented fraternal organization, with over 33,000 members nationwide, the New York State Grange serves as an advocate for rural issues. OCO’s Cancer Services Program of the North Country serves rural areas throughout Oswego County, Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

“Each year, as a state, we conduct an annual Cancer Project with all our community Granges,” said Vice President of the NYS Grange Melvin Phelps. “The Cancer Project was established to support cancer treatment centers, cancer support groups, and cancer research.”

Phelps explained that Grange members from all over New York State collected one-dollar bills with the letter “C” in their serial number and brought them to the State Convention in October. The combined donations are given to an organization near the host city of the Grange’s state convention. With This year’s convention being held in Watertown, Grange members chose OCO’s Cancer Services Program of the North Country as the recipient.

“It is an honor to have been chosen as this year’s recipient for the NYS Grange’s annual cancer project,” said Cancer Services Coordinator Carolyn Handville. “The Cancer Services Program looks forward to expanding services to folks that may not be eligible under current funding sources and provide potentially lifesaving cancer screenings.  Together, we can make a difference and continue our fight against cancer.”

Adminstered by OCO, the Cancer Services Program of the North Country provides free cancer screenings including clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap/pelvic exams and colorectal cancer screenings to community members who are uninsured and between 40 and 64 years of age.  For more information on the Cancer Services Program Partnership of the North Country visit OCO’s website at www.oco.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oco.free.cancer.screenings.

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