Hancock County Fights Cancer donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, HUGS of Hancock County

September 29, 2023 | By Muddy River News

Top photo: Hancock County Fights Cancer presented $23,400 to HUGS. From left are HUGS board members Joyce Buckert, Jerome Lee, Tracy Lee, Melita Finney, Florine Dixon, Kris Pilkington, Kari Davis, Brenda Young, Joy Swearingen, Cynthia Stewart and Amy Graham. Bottom photo: Hancock County Fights Cancer presented $15,600 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. From left are HCFC board member Joy Swearingen; Mollie Shepherdson, territory director for St. Jude fundraising; and Tess Swearingen, cancer survivor and St. Jude runner. | Photos courtesy of Hancock County Fights Cancer

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Hancock County Fights Cancer presented checks totaling $39,000 from proceeds of this year’s team fundraising events and annual block party.

The group presented a check for $15,600 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer research and a check for $23,400 to HUGS (Help Us Give Support) of Hancock County, the local cancer support group.

At the HCFC annual meeting in August, treasurer Kim Taylor reported total receipts from team events was $20,292 with additional funds raised with a car show, community sponsors, township drives and other activities during the annual Block Party, held June 4 on the courthouse square in Carthage. A $7,000 donation was received from the Strawberry Strut committee following their 2023 event.

HUGS is a not-for-profit organization that gives financial and emotional support to cancer patients from Hancock County.

In a press release, HUGS treasurer Melita Finney said, “The financial support may include $200 gas cards, $200 pharmacy and $200 gift cards. Additional assistance is available if needed. HUGS relies solely on memorials and donations to fund these services. Every dollar we receive stays in Hancock County to be used here.”

At the annual meeting, officers and board members for FY 2024 were elected. Officers elected were:

Cynthia Stewart, president
Kris Pilkington, vice-president
Kim Taylor, treasurer
Joy Swearingen, secretary

Board members elected were:

Kari Davis
Nikki Fink
Annette Heinecke
Camie Pilkington
Rachel Ward
Jo Webster
Greta Wetzel
Brenda Young

HUGS accepts cancer patient referrals from the public. HUGS provides cancer patients in Hancock County with gas cards or help with prescription costs, as well as other financial support on a case by case basis, including things such as rent, utilities or emergency needs.

Anyone knowing of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer can make a referral to HUGS by calling Florine Dixon at 217-219-0084 or Joyce Buckert at 217-357-3887.