Cancer Resource Center of the Desert secures $10,000 grant

EL CENTRO — Cancer Resource Center of the Desert will be able to provide more transportation assistance to cancer patients with the help of a $10,000 grant from the American Cancer Society.

American Cancer Society presented the check Monday at CRCD’s offices on Eighth Street. The grant covers the period from Dec. 1, 2018, through Nov. 30, 2019, and is the first one awarded to CRCD from the national cancer organization.

CRCD is a non-profit community-based organization founded in 2006 that provides a range of free services to help cancer patients navigate their care. Transportation to and from medical appointments is among those services.

“Every day, we hear of cancer patients in need of a ride to and from their treatments,” said CRCD Chief Executive Officer Helen Palomino. “This grant will ensure our patients who need help getting to treatment will be supported.”

Although American Cancer Society does provide transportation assistance itself, Community Outreach Manager Monica Veliz de Leon said the organization is committed to expanding patients’ access to care and sees working with local organizations such as CRCD as a means to that end.

“We are extremely happy to be collaborating with CRCD in support of our community’s patients,” de Leon said.

There is a lot of need in the Valley, she observed, and no one organization can meet all of it. “Even the best treatment can’t work if a cancer patient can’t get there. This money will help some 300 patients during the year,” she said.

PHOTO TOM BODUS Cancer Resource Center of the Desert Chief Executive Officer Helen Palomino (just right of center, wearing glasses) poses with staff and volunteers from CRCD and American Cancer Society, as well as employees from Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, during a check presentation Monday. Holding the check are (left) American Cancer Society Imperial Valley Leadership Council member Ivonne Sotomayor and (right) IV Leadership Council Chair Linda Shaner.