VALLEY—March is membership drive month for the San Luis Valley Cancer Relief Fund according to Tracy Doyle, president of the SLVCRF Board. Since its creation in 2006, the organization has distributed more than $65,000 to cancer patients in the San Luis Valley, offering them hope and some financial relief.

Besides the membership drive, SLVCRF holds two annual fundraising events, the Memories & Reflections night at the Green Spot each December, and the Concert for Cancer Relief each spring. Thanks to an increasing number of individual/family memberships, business sponsorships, and fundraising events, the SLVCRF was able to raise the patient stipends from $200 to $300 in 2016.

Individual or family membership means nothing more than supporting friends and neighbors with a bit of financial relief as they walk the cancer path. There is no work involved. The current levels of membership are Pals at $25; Neighbors at $50; Helpers at $100; Friends at $200; and Angels at $500 for individuals and families. Businesses are invited to sponsor fundraisers such as the upcoming 6th Annual Concert for Cancer Relief. The list of business sponsors continues to grow each year.

This year’s concert will be on April 1 at Society Hall and features Kevin Welch, Dustin Welch, and Don Richmond. Please watch local papers and radio stations for press releases.

“Everyone on the board has experienced cancer first-hand, either themselves or a close family member,” said Teri McCartney, SLVCRF treasurer. “It is so helpful to know someone is thinking of you during these hard times. We hope our stipends give people a sense of hope and a sense that someone cares.”

If interested in contributing and becoming a member, please send a check to the San Luis Valley Cancer Relief Fund, PO Box 1297, Alamosa, CO, 81101, or pick up an envelope at the Green Spot. If a business wishes to become a Concert for Cancer Relief Sponsor, call 719-588-3452 and ask for Teri. And please look for donation boxes around town throughout the month of March.