Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative (SECCI) asks community for financial support : The Prowers Journal

Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative (SECCI) is a non-profit organization established in August 2001 by cancer survivors and passionate residents of Southeast Colorado. Currently, SECCI serves the counties of Prowers, Baca, Bent, and Kiowa. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals affected by cancer through resource sharing, community support, and financial assistance programs. These focus points align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the overall well-being of patients and their families.

Resource Sharing

SECCI assists patients in accessing various resources, including early detection screenings, mental health and counseling services, clinics and primary care providers, and grief support groups. By connecting patients to these resources, we aim to improve their overall healthcare experience and outcomes.

Community Support

SECCI provides patients and their families with a sense of community and belonging, which helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly experienced after a cancer diagnosis. This support has a profound impact on the well-being of patients and their loved ones, fostering hope, strength, and resilience in the face of cancer.

Financial Assistance

SECCI recognizes the financial burden that often accompanies cancer treatment. To alleviate this burden, we offer emergency funding, fuel fill-up assistance, receipt reimbursement, and room/board programs. These initiatives aim to address the ancillary costs of treatment that are rarely covered by insurance, ensuring that patients can focus on their care without financial stress.

• Emergency Funding – Patients may receive a one-time emergency distribution of up to $250 per patient, subject to Board review and approval of their application.
• Fuel Fill-Up – Patients can fill their tanks at Wallace Gas & Oil between 7am-7pm from Monday to Saturday to assist in reaching out-of-town oncology appointments or treatments. Approval is granted after Board review, approval of the individual’s application, and submission of official diagnosis documentation.
• Receipt Reimbursement – Patients can submit fuel receipts for reimbursement when filling up out-of-town after oncology appointments or treatments. Approval is granted after Board review, approval of the individual’s application, and submission of official diagnosis documentation.
• Room/Board – Eligible patients may receive assistance with room/board reimbursement based on factors such as low income and lack of available resources. Requests for reimbursement are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors, with approval contingent on meeting specific qualifications.

Southeast Colorado takes pride in offering support to those in need, and SECCI acts as a bridge between the community and cancer patients. We rely solely on donations from local individuals, businesses, organizations, and our annual fundraising events to fund our initiatives. Since our inception, we have distributed over $125,000 to patients in their fight against cancer. While there are numerous charity events in our community, we urge you and your business to consider the significant impact a cancer diagnosis has on patients and their loved ones. By contributing to SECCI, you can help us continue supporting cancer patients in Southeast Colorado.

EIN#: 84-1610047