CSGC HISTORY
 
The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) was founded in 1965.  Previous to 1965 there was only the American Cancer Society (ACS) in the community.  A family, whose little girl had cancer of the eye, approached the ACS for assistance in getting their daughter to Sloan Kettering for specialized treatment.  This was not the mission of ACS and some Board members felt strongly that if funds were raised in Greenville some should remain to help in incidences where families could not afford the care and treatment of a cancer diagnosis.  This group banned together, sought and received funding from the Community Fund (present day it is called United Way).  An office was established at the Masonic Temple Building.  Other locations over the years included Dunbar Street, Red Cross Building on Grove Road, Aberdeen Drive and is currently located at 113 Mills Avenue at the House of Hope.  In 1995 the Board undertook a capital campaign and raised $150,000 to purchase 113 Mills Avenue and approximately $95,000 for a maintenance endowment.

For many of the early years the Cancer Society of Greenville County was a part time agency with annual funding less than $35,000.  In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the agency grew rapidly.  The Hope Ball was founded in 1984 and United Way funding increased.  Several bequeaths exceeding $10,000 were also received.  Marketing efforts resulted in more requests for service and the annual budget exceeds $525,000 by the year 2007.

 

The primary function of the organization is to provide financial assistance and medical supplies and equipment for cancer patients and their families.  Other services include educational materials for patients as well as cancer awareness and prevention materials for the general public.  The need for emotional support was recognized and this assistance was handled by a part time LMSW from 1984-2000 and in 2001 the agency hired a full time counselor.  Our health educator, hired in 2002, helps to reduce the cancer mortality rate of the underserved in the community through cancer prevention and awareness programs to this population.

 

Currently, the staff consists of an Executive Director, two administrative staff people, a health educator and an LMSW who conducts individual and group counseling services.  The requests for services are many and fortunately the funding sources continue to grow.