The Beginning of Allegany County Cancer Services

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Lori Ballengee was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41 in 2005.  During her year of treatment, she saw many people struggling with how to pay their bills and getting to treatments.  Lori was blessed with a supportive and devoted husband, understanding employer, loving family and friends.  Her first goal was to get well and then her mission started.  She needed to do something to give back to those not as fortunate as she was.

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The formation of Allegany County Cancer Services  started in May of 2006 when Lori found a small group of people as passionate about the cause as she was and they comprised the first Board of Directors.   It took almost a year for the Board to develop policies and procedures, startup fundraising, and see what services they were able to provide with a minimal startup.   The first client was served in March of 2007 with $200.  Allegany County Cancer Services became a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2007 and became incorporated the following year. 

 

The Board of Directors are all volunteers and meet regularly during the year.    The support of the community through donations and supporting fundraisers has allowed ACCS to assist many of our neighbors and continue our organization.   The award amounts have increased over the years to $500/qualified applicant.  Due to the increased fuel prices, as of March 1, 2022;  the present Board of Directors unanimously voted to increase that amount to $600/qualified applicant for the year 2022.

 

Allegany County Cancer Services has assisted 830 residents of Allegany County, New York with over $384,616.25 in payouts from 2007 through December 2022.

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