ASCCC Awards First Stipend of 2011

Since 2005, the American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition has been providing financial stipends to cancer patients in the local community.  “With limited health insurance and financial assistance in the community, the AS Community Cancer Coalition recognizes the need to provide some type of financial assistance to our people,” states Coalition Chair, Jennifer Tofaeono.  Faasegi Caldwell, a Cancer Coalition Member, and Cancer Survivor, believes, “The healthcare on our island is getting difficult to navigate, and it seems that more people are getting diagnosed with cancer, providing the stipends help to many families who are making difficult decisions.”

             In previous years the financial stipends were funded through the “Vegas Nite” events sponsored by the Cancer Coalition.  Over the past two years the Cancer Coalition has used donations made by ACE Industry’s Holiday Fundraising Project to provide the financial stipends.  “We are so grateful for all that ACE has done to help us continue this worthy endeavor,” states Ms. Tofaeono.  The funding for stipends are limited and stipends will only be provided if there are available funds.  

       On January 21, 2011, the first stipend for 2011 was presented to Banner Fanene, for his daughter Sharring Niusulu who is diagnosed with Leukemia a cancer of the blood or bone marrow.  The Cancer Coalition will be partnering with Mr. Fanene and the “Caring is Sharring Foundation” as he coordinates the American Samoa Bone Marrow Drive, February 11- 14^th, 2011.   A team from the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry will arrive in the territory February 10, 2011, and will provide training to volunteer workers Friday, the 11^th.  Those interested in volunteering can contact Ms. Faleula Sappa at faleulaaoelua@yahoo.com, or contact the Cancer Coalition at 633-4589.  Further information will be provided in the next week regarding the event.

                For further information on how to apply for a financial stipend, contact the American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition or check out their website at: http://www.asccancercoalition.org/.