CAN Cancer
"The way we see it, we are designed by profession to pick up the pieces, to clean up the dirty side of fighting Cancer."
CAN Cancer
What is CAN Cancer?
CAN Cancer is a local appeal to provide community assistance to cover non-medical living expenses for Central Coast Oregonians fighting all forms of cancer.
CAN Cancer was established by Gil, Corinne and Stu Martinez of Wilderness Garbage in cooperation with all the Central Oregon Garbage Haulers.
"The way we see it, we are designed by profession to pick up the pieces, to clean up the dirty side of fighting Cancer." – Corinne Martinez, founder and owner of Wilderness Garbage
Thompson's Sanitary Service, in conjunction with the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation, are working together to give our neighbors assistance with their fight against cancer. In the last nine years through November envelope campaigns and other fundraising, $62,190 has been raised, and 271 of your neighbors have been helped.
Every Dollar Stays Local
100% of the money contributed will be put into a fund with the local hospital foundations, so that all funds raised will be used directly to benefit local families. This fund will help pay for living expenses such as fuel, travel, and food costs not covered by insurance or other programs. These funds fill a void where other programs and insurers fall short.
You Can 'Pitch In'
These lavender envelopes arrive annually in your November garbage billing statements. Residents who want to make a 
tax deductible donation can use this envelope to send cash, check or credit card donations straight to the Pacific Communities Hospital Foundation. Online donations can be made by visiting www.samhealth.org/pchdf
Why Lavender?
CAN Cancer has chosen lavender to help brand their efforts and boost visibility and recognition of the program. Why lavender? In the world of cancer awareness, the color lavender represents all types of cancer. Because our assistance is not limited to any specific type of cancer and will touch those undergoing all types of treatment, we felt it was the obvious tie-in.
The Ugly Side of the Fight
It's the ugly side of the fight - the financial and emotional strain. Something CAN Cancer founders Corinne and Gil Martinez know firsthand. When their son, Stu, was diagnosed with throat cancer, the cost of travel to St. Charles from La Pine, and the everyday living expenses, mounted quickly.
Survivors attest that fighting the disease requires every ounce of their emotional and physical strength. The chances for beating it drop significantly when energy is spent worrying about paying for the gas to travel to a treatment center or the expense of food bought to feed a tired immune system. It was the Martinez' idea to develop a resource for helping families facing these challenges.
Now the Lincoln County Haulers have formed a CAN Cancer program in our area and have partnered with the local hospital foundations to handle the distribution of aid to local cancer patients who need it most.
Sponsored by:
