Martin County Cancer Patient Services Meeting
February 4, 2025
The Martin County Cancer Patient Services met at St Mary’s Hall in Shoals, Indiana 5:30 PM.
Rheadawn Street opened with a prayer and welcomed the guests. In attendance were Rheadawn Street, Linda Knight, Rex Knight, Karen Jones, Robin Hart, Shannon Wagoner, Dee Collins, Debra Guy, Paul Wade, James Bennington, and Charles Guy.
Let the record show that the January 2025 monthly meeting was cancelled due to the weather conditions. The decision was made via text by the board members. All were in agreement.
The MCCPS board member positions were open for changes or new nominations. President Street stated all board member's names and positions for review. The committee members present held a discussion. Member Debra Guy made a motion all board members be reinstated and member Dee Collins seconded the motion. All members attending agreed with unanimous approval.
The Secretary report was presented by Shannon Wagoner via email. It was reviewed by all board members. Karen Jones made the motion to accept and Linda Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Linda Knight presented the treasure report. Shannon Wagoner made the motion to approve and Robin Hart seconded the motion. It was approved 5-0..
Grant Update and Donations:
Martin County Community Foundation denied the $2,000 grant for the Thanksgiving basket project. The REMC Operation Round Up grant cycle closes at the end of February. Mr. Knight will apply for this grant to be used for gas cards to assist the cancer patient with transportation. The Martin County Community Foundation spring grant cycle ends in April. Mr. Knight stated we will not by applying for this grant due to the foundation’s generosity with the $5,000 donation to MCCPS.
Patient Update and Community Outreach:
Total Patients - 35
New Patients - 0
Death - 0
Birthday Blessings:
A discussion was held regarding the birthday baskets for patients and suggestions were made to make a change this year. Karen Jones made a motion that each member receive a $20 Marathon card along with a birthday card. Robin Hart seconded the motion. It carried 5-0.
Youth Ambassador:
The members held a discussion regarding Kenley Shaw graduating this year and leaving for college. Rex Knight suggested that the committee consider appointing a new Youth Ambassador while Kenley was available to train the individual. We are so appreciative of Kenleys dedication to the MCCPS and the many hours she dedicated to serving the cancer patients of Martin County. She is an outstanding young lady with a bright future ahead and we wish her the very best!
Volunteers:
Doug Bradley has notified the members he will be organizing another sport focused fundraiser in 2026. Thank you, Doug!
Fundraising:
Online Auction will be held April 4-9 and April 12 will be pick up day. Rheadawn Street will contact Rene Phillips regarding the list of vendors who donated last year. Each board member will take a list of businesses to contact. All items will be purchased with cash or check only.
After a lengthy discussion, the decision was made to forgo a Tea Party this year. Karen Jones made the motion and Robin Hart seconded. All voted in favor 5-0.
The Mathias Family asked that the Fried Chicken Dinner be held in August this year. They also suggested we purchase chickens from the IGA. IGA conveniently cuts the chicken for the event and the pieces will equal in size. Robin Hart will speak with them regarding a date. Donations will be accepted to fund the purchase of chickens this year. A decision was made to provide 300 meals for the event.
Upcoming Events:
Loogootee Summerfest will be held June 19-21
Shoals Catfish Festival 4th of July weekend - dates to be determined
Hindostan Days October 4
T-Shirt Inventory:
Gray - 83
Lavender - 21
Old Business
Youth Ambassador Kenley Shaw “rolled and throwed” MCCPS t-shirts to the crowd attending the Shoals High Cancer Awareness Game. Thank you to Rheadawn for getting the shirts to Kenley!
New Business:
Several donations have been made to MCCPS in memory of cancer patients who have passed. A discussion was held on the best way to notify family members and friends. Rex Knight suggested a Memorial page be added to our website. This would allow family and friends to be notified of all donations. President Street will add the Memorial page to the website.
A previous suggestion of Japanese lanterns being released was raised as a concern to the environment. Shannon Wagoner suggested in place of this event perhaps lanterns (sacks with lights) be displayed in memory of those who lost the battle to cancer and in honor of those still fighting. The loved ones' names would be printed on the sack/container with a light inside. It was suggested that maybe they could be displayed at the Loogootee Christmas Stroll.
Karen Jones suggested an Honor Wall for honoring our patients and their cancer battle. More details to come later.
A suggestion was made to have yard signs made to display MCCPS. The discussion was tabled until a later date.
Linda Bennet and Carol Williams both donated a quilt to be raffled for an event in 2025. Discussion will be held at a later date at what event they will be raffled. Thank you ladies for your generosity!
James Bennington provided helpful websites to be offered to the patients. Health Well Foundation and PAN Foundation. Rex Knight suggested they be added to the MCCPS website for easy patient access.
Shannon Wagoner made a motion to adjourn and Robin Hart seconded it. Meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM. The next meeting will be held at Loogootee Library, Loogootee, Indiana on March 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
Electronic Signature: Shannon Wagoner