Sid Weber Cancer Fund

Volunteers at 2020 Sid Weber BBQ

Donna and Randy Speed at the 2020 golf tournament

L-R Cami Francis, Treasurer; Milt Gillespie, Past President; Jennifer Arbitter, President; Dottie Haney, Corresponding Secretary

Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund

It is a sad fact of life that everyone knows someone affected by cancer. The diagnosis is terrifying. The burden on the patient and family and friends can be immense. However, there are groups willing to ease that burden. The Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund is one of those groups. The fund was established in 2005, by family and friends of Sid Weber. Sid was a retired pilot known for giving a helping hand whenever he could. He lost his battle with cancer, but his legacy continues, through the fund established by his family and friends. Since 2005, SWMCF has provided more than $760,000 in aid to Rabun County cancer patients. Here’s how it works. In order to qualify for aid, a client must be a Rabun County resident and have a diagnosis of cancer. That’s it. No intrusive financial questions, just a quick application. Once approved, clients can receive up to $2200 for non-medical expenses. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, gas cards, etc. All payments go directly to the vendors. Clients and their families can focus on recovery, not whether the lights are going to stay on. The fund has seen a decline in clients since the pandemic. Many people have postponed going to the doctor for checkups and cancer screenings. The American Medical Association estimates that as many as 10 million cancer screenings were missed during the pandemic. The American Cancer Society is encouraging people not to further delay getting screened for cancer, as early detection increases the likelihood of curing certain cancers. The pandemic changed so many things, but cancer never stops. SWMCF wants clients to know the fund is ready to help them. All donated money stays in Rabun County, with 93% going directly to client assistance, because the board is comprised of volunteers.

All client information is kept confidential. However, sometimes clients do want to share their stories. Here’s what one SWMCF client had to say about their experience: “On March 25, 2020 my son had emergency surgery and we found out he has colon cancer. He spent two weeks in the hospital and then numerous trips for doctor visits and treatment. Someone told us about the Sid Weber Fund, and they have been such a blessing. They have helped with household bills, saving us money for our doctor bills. We are so thankful for the Sid Weber Fund that helps so

many people in our county. If you can possibly donate to the Sid Weber Fund, I know you would be blessed.” Another client, a single mother, said, “I hope I can express how much your gift of living expenses has meant to me and my son. Being diagnosed with cancer certainly changes your whole life. Being a full-time single mom and self-employed business owner, the financial strain has been my biggest hurdle. The fund made my life so much easier.” Rabun County native Jennifer Arbitter is the current president of SWMCF. “I can’t describe how fulfilling it is to be able to help members of our community. Whenever I tell people about Sid Weber and what we do, they are happy to help us. We have amazing support from Rabun County residents, businesses, churches and schools. Even during the pandemic, we received generous support. We have the money available to help those in need.”

SWMCF has several fundraisers, including a July 3 BBQ and a golf tournament on August 18, both at Sky Valley. You can find out more information about the fund and their events on Facebook or their website: sidwebercancerfund.org. You can also make donations online or send them to PO Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568. If you are a cancer patient and need assistance, call the fund’s client coordinator at 706-746-3350. Again, you only have to be a Rabun County resident with a diagnosis of cancer to qualify. The Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund is here to help.