Sherman Auxiliary raising cancer awareness

    SHERMAN, Maine – The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Probably all us of are familiar with the pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer to raise awareness of the disease so that women seek help early enough, increasing their chance of survival.
    The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. 2007 marks 23 years of progress for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, educating women about breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Sherman Area Memorial Ladies Auxiliary VFW 2299 supports the VFW’s National Cancer Aid and Research Program to accomplish three goals: Education – creating an awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment as a major way to eliminate cancer. Research – providing funding to promising cancer research throughout the U.S. Assistance to members who have cancer – providing financial grants and cancer insurance.
Among the benefits of the Ladies Auxiliary is eligibility for a Cancer Grant if a member is diagnosed with cancer. The grant is a lump sum gift of love that does not have to be repaid. Applications to determine eligibility are provided by your department treasurer, auxiliary treasurer, cancer chairman, and national headquarters. To qualify, a lady must be a member for one full year before treatment, and she must be a member in good standing.
A number of auxiliaries also carry cancer insurance, of which Sherman Area Auxiliary is one. The small premium is included in the annual membership fee. Again, ladies must be members for a full year to take advantage of the insurance.
One woman in nine will suffer from breast cancer during her lifetime — that’s someone’s grandmother, mother, daughter, sister or wife. Research is the only way forward. Breast cancer can also, on occasion, occur in men. For every 100 women who develop breast cancer in the U.S., one male is diagnosed with the disease. This makes male breast cancer one of the most rare malignancies, contributing to the low level of public awareness.
Americans can continue to help find a cure through their purchase of the 55-cent breast cancer stamps, available at all post offices. The extra postage above the 41-cent first class rate — minus administrative costs — goes to support breast cancer research. The purchase of 750 million breast cancer research stamps has resulted in over $55 million in contributions for research nationwide since the stamp was first issued in July of 1998.
Locally, the Sherman Auxiliary is collecting “Pennies For Cancer” that will be donated to Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Jackson Lab’s cancer research. Donation buckets will be placed in public places during the month of October.
The Auxiliary is also involved in a well-known program called “Locks of Love,” where donated hair is used in making wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other illnesses. If anyone is interested in contributing to this program, there a few simple guidelines to follow: Minimum hair length is 10,” bundled in a ponytail or braid. Hair needs to be clean, dry, and placed in a plastic bag. Hair is needed from men and women, young and old, all colors, and all races. Hair may be colored or permed, but not chemically damaged. Hair cut years ago is usable as long as it has been stored in a plastic bag. Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable. Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable.
Locks of Love cannot accept dreadlocks. Their manufacturer is not able to use them in our children’s hairpieces. They also cannot accept wigs, falls, hair extensions or synthetic hair. Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches. Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails. Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches. It is estimated that 80 percent of all donations come from children who wish to help other children.
Please send your ponytails or braids stored in plastic bags and mailed in a padded envelope to Sherman Area Memorial  Ladies Auxiliary 2299, PO Box 82, Stacyville, Maine 04777. Or call Colleen at 207-365-4832. Your donated hair will be mailed to Locks of Love in order to help some precious children.