CANCER SOCIETY OF GREENVILLE COUNTY 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 (now 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.  The current location is 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 currently exceeds $525,000.

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.  In 1984, the need for emotional support for patients, caregivers and the bereaved was recognized.  A Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) has conducted individual and group counseling since that time.  Our Health Educator, a position that was started in 2002, helps to reduce the cancer mortality rate of the underserved in the community through cancer prevention and awareness programs to this population and the Greenville community.

Currently, the staff consists of an Executive Director, two administrative assistants, a health educator/RN and an LMSW.  The requests for services are many and fortunately the funding sources continue to grow.