Representatives of VFW Post 3278, the VFW Men’s Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary presented checks totaling $3,400 to the Walker Cancer Center Patient Fund Tuesday morning. Chuck Webb, senior vice commander of the VFW post, Bo Lawson, president of the Men’s Auxiliary and Debbie Daniel, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, presented the checks to Walker Cancer Center social worker Gail Hightower.

The funds will provide assistance to cancer patients who may need money for travel expenses, wigs, medical supplies or to pay for utility bills when they have been out of work during treatment.

The fund is not able to help defer medical treatment costs; however, help with the smaller expenses often makes a difference for patients receiving treatment, according to Hightower.

Funds were raised for the donation from weekly bingo and other fundraiser that the members hold. Although the VFW members give to a national fund for VFW cancer grants to help members when they receive a diagnosis of cancer, they also like to contribute to local cancer patients.

By giving to the local cancer center, members know patients receive direct relief of some of their financial needs when undergoing treatment.  VFW members include several cancer survivors who can relate to the need patients face with additional costs of treatment and travel expenses.

Those wishing to individually support local patients through this fund may send donations to the Walker Cancer Center, 1501 Burnet Drive, Brownwood, Texas 76801.