Community-Needs

Working closely with these facilities as well as Iowa Department of Public Health, National Cancer Call Center, and The American Cancer Society, Cops Against Cancer provides our clients with the necessary resources they need during a very difficult time of their lives.

Ninety percent of our clients are single, fixed income and low-income families, with limited medical insurance. Many families have depleted or limited medical leave and do not qualify for disability coverage.

In many instances, families travel up to 110 miles each way for needed medical treatments. Some treatment programs require 28 - 30 treatments over a 5 - 6 week period. Without gas and lodging assistance, these patients would be unable to receive treatments.

In some instances, Cops Against Cancer will help with medical co-payments, insurance premiums, vehicle insurance, and registration payments, as well as purchases of commercial supplements and ostomy supplies when not covered by medical insurance.

Our organization also assists with monthly utility payments, home repairs, mortgage payments, and rent.

In most cases, our clients face the difficult decisions of placing food on their family’s table versus receiving medical treatment.

They also face debt collectors repeatedly calling and harassing them for payments, unsympathetic to the client’s medical situation.

Since March of 2012, Cops Against Cancer has eased that burden and have made a positive impact in over 950 families in 78 of Iowa’s 99 counties and eight States outside receiving assistance.

One of the struggles endured was a 72-year-old client from Creston, Iowa. In April 2012, a few days before our client was to begin her Chemo treatments, an EF2 tornado struck her community and severely damaged her hospital and regional cancer treatment center. Devastated by the physical damage from the tornado, our client felt emotional devastation as well and soon realized if she wished to survive she was to have to drive 80 miles (one way) to receive your treatments at another regional cancer treatment center."

This is extremely devastating to any individual, but more so to a retired person on a fixed income and no mode of transportation.

Our organization was able to provide her assistance and hope in making her treatment appointments and the expenses of having to drive 800 plus miles that was unexpected only a week earlier.

Our organization is in contact with and have worked with the national cancer organizations, but the reality is our clients do not have years for research or super drugs. Our clients in most cases need to start their treatments immediately and don’t have time to wait, and they need assistance tomorrow.

The amount of financial assistance received by our clients is based on our staff evaluation of specific client needs and the availability of funds based on the donations and grants received for that year.

As a service of education and advocacy to civic organizations, cancer support groups, and schools, our organization presents motivational and inspirational presentations promoting cancer awareness and prevention through healthy life style choices, nutrition and quality of living after cancer.

Organization Accomplishments and Awards:

Cops Against Cancer has been recognized for their efforts in assisting cancer families.

• In 2010, our Founder, Craig Phinney was the 2010 American Cancer Society Honorary Cancer Survivor for Polk County, Des Moines, Iowa.

• In February 2012 - Cops Against Cancer were exclusively invited and recognized as one of three Iowa organizations to participate in the proclamation signing by Iowa's Governor Terry Branstad, proclaiming the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

• In February 2013, Founders Craig and Shirley Phinney were individually awarded, the Modern Woodman of America Heartland Heroes Award for their accomplishments and dedication to improving the quality of life and contribution to their Community.

• In April 2013 - Cops Against Cancer was awarded the American Red Cross Heroes of the Heartland Award for their dedication, commitment, and service to Iowa.

• In May 2013, Iowa U. S. Congressman Tom Latham - made a U. S. House of

Representative’s presentation recognizing the dedicated service, commitment and impact Cops Against Cancer has made on the residents of Iowa.

• Since 2011, Craig and Shirley Phinney have been the keynote speakers, presenting to thousands, their inspirational and motivational story of their cancer journey, for various nationally and state recognized organization including the Rotary Clubs, Jaycees, Iowa Enforcement Organizations, and cancer advocacy organizations.

• Taking our organization serious, in December 2013 Cops Against Cancer applied and were awarded our trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a federally recognized trademark organization.

• 87 percent of funds raised go directly to supporting and assisting our cancer families and while keeping our overhead low. (an average of 2014, 2015 & 2016 tax review).

• 2016 & 2017 - Awarded Platinum Charity (top rating) from Guidestar.

• 2017 -- Awarded Better Business Bureau Accreditation Charity. Following a review and evaluation against a comprehensive BBB's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

A special thanks and appreciation for Alex Murphy and Kim St Onge in the production of this video.