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Boyle County High School football players presented a check to staff representing Commonwealth Cancer Center¿s Patient Foundation, Freear¿s Hope, including Dr. Thomas Baeker, wearing tie, and Practice Administrator Mark Allen, in glasses. The football team¿s ¿Rebels with a Cause¿ campaign raised more than $2,000 for the foundation and it will be used to assist local cancer patients with personal needs related to their care. Shown from left are Amber Ashford, Erin Wilcher, Justin Roution, Cody Sebastian, Baeker, Allen, Keegan Kendrick, Levi McKinney, Amy Wise and Ruth Tamme. (Photo contributed / November 6, 2012) |
Members of the Boyle County High School Football team recently visited Commonwealth Cancer Center in Danville to present a check to the center’s patient foundation, Freear’s Hope. The team’s “Rebels with a Cause” campaign raised more than $2,000 for the foundation by selling T-shirts during a six-month period. The campaign culminated in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The idea for the “Rebels with a Cause” campaign came about when several of the players, whose families had recently been affected by cancer, felt motivated to do something — as a team — to assist local cancer patients. The players, backed by the Boyle County Quarterback Club, reached out to the patient foundation at Commonwealth Cancer Center as the avenue to accomplish this goal.
Boyle County senior Cody Sebastian credits teammate Levi McKinney with the idea.
“When Levi came up with this idea, we took it on as a team project to help those in need,” Sebastian said. “Everyone on our team has been affected in some way by cancer.”
Boyle County Quarterback Club President Pete Kendrick acknowledged the support of the community.
“One of the great things about the Boyle County football program is that it’s a part of this community,” Kendrick said. “The community has always been there for the athletic teams in this town and this team wanted to be there for the community.
“Among the things we have accomplished this year as a club, this is one of the achievements of which I am most proud,” added Kendrick.
Amy Wise, director of communications at Commonwealth Cancer Center and Freear’s Hope Foundation advisory board member, agreed. She pointed out the team’s dedication to the project exemplifies why they are “champions on and off the field.”
“We are so appreciative and proud of these young men,” Wise said. “Because of their generosity and commitment to their community and this campaign, our foundation will be able to assist more cancer patients in need in Boyle County and the surrounding region.”
About Freear’s Hope Patient Foundation
Taking support beyond the office doors and into the lives of patients, Freear’s Hope Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, is dedicated to providing financial assistance or other support to cancer patients and families served by Commonwealth Cancer Centers. Filling the gap of what other funding entities may not be able to provide, the foundation enables patients to receive direct assistance with personal needs related to their ability to receive care — everyday living expenses such as food, lodging, transportation, rent, utilities and also certain medical supplies not normally covered by insurance.
Inspiration for the foundation came from a former breast cancer patient at Commonwealth Cancer Center, Freear Williams. Not unlike many patients at the center, Freear was known for encouraging others — often over a cup of tea. One would often find her arriving for treatments at the Danville center with flowers from her garden or sharing with others her special blend of hot tea. This tea, specially-blended by Elmwood Inn Fine Teas with the cancer patient in mind, was aptly-named “Freear’s Hope” in her honor; it later became the inspiration for the foundation. What began as proceeds from tea sales has now grown into a charitable foundation that continues Freear’s legacy of encouraging others — its mission dedicated to assisting cancer patients and their families at Commonwealth Cancer Centers who are in need.
With assistance from private donations and planned fundraising, Freear’s Hope will continue to provide meaningful and necessary assistance to cancer patients and their families within the Commonwealth network. Contributions may be given in honor of a loved one or memorial funds may be arranged. All contributions are tax-deductible and can be made at any of the primary Commonwealth locations: Danville, Frankfort, Somerset, Cor- bin, Russell Springs and London.
To further inquire, contact a representative of the foundation at (859) 236-2203 or visit www.commonwealthcancercenter.com.
