Throughout the year, funds are raised by Auxiliaries and individual members for the Auxiliary's Cancer Aid and Research program. Nationwide, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW have raised over $3,000,000 for the Cancer program each year, for the past 17 years -- something that we are all very proud of! This money is used in the following ways:

• Cancer Grants are given directly to members stricken with cancer. Up to two Grants can be given to any single member during her lifetime. Auxiliary members apply directly to National Headquarters.
• A Cancer Research Grant may be awarded to a qualified research facility in each state each year. The facility is to be selected by the State President. The amount of the Grant depends on the contributions donated by that state.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are awarded to qualified Researchers from the National organization each year. Applications for this fellowship are made directly to Ladies Auxiliary VFW National Headquarters, and must be postmarked by March 1 of each year.

In addition, each Auxiliary may elect to offer Cancer grants for its members. Our Auxiliary offers such a grant. Members stricken with cancer, may apply for benefits under this policy, without regard to whether or not they apply for the Cancer Grant from National HQ. Information can be obtained from our Auxiliary Treasurer April Honeycutt.

But it doesn't stop there. The Ladies Auxiliary also hold programs at their meetings, and within the community to educate citizens on the signs and symptoms of cancer and cancer prevention. Stop Smoking clinics, and breast self examination workshops are a few of the ways we do this each year.

And finally, providing support and respit care to cancer caregivers is another function which comes under the Cancer Program.