On June 4, cancer survivors across the country are recognized in a “celebration of life” during National Cancer Survivors Day.

National Cancer Survivors Day, which has occurred every year on the first Sunday in June since it was first recognized in 1988, allows people to pause and respect the bravery and courage of those living with a history of cancer.

The day is meant to be a time to “celebrate those that have survived cancer, inspire those that have been recently diagnosed, support the families of those who have cancer, and provide outreach to the community” through promoting cancer research, resources, and survivor-friendly legislation, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation (NCSD).

The NCSD Foundation defines a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer, whether they have just been diagnosed or have been cancer-free for years. During National Cancer Survivors Day, it’s important to help those in our community that may be struggling.

In 2022, the University of Nebraska Medical Center reported there were more than 11,000 new cancer cases among Nebraskans. Jane’s Closet, an outreach program dedicated to providing financial aid and other services to cancer patients, is available to those currently battling cancer in Box Butte County, regardless of age or gender.

Materials and products are provided to Jane’s Closet by its parent organization, Wings of HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Education). The organization also provides monetary support for patients to help with expenses such as traveling for treatment.

Wings of HOPE began at the request of Jane Wineteer, who passed away in February 2007 from breast cancer. She envisioned an area of Box Butte General Hospital that would hold resources for cancer patients. Today, Jane’s Closet and the Wings of HOPE committee work to fulfill that vision.

If you or someone you know needs the help of Jane’s Closest, please contact Lori Mazanec at (308)761-3428 or Mary Goodell at (308)761-3423.