About BCCS
Who We Are
The Berrien County Cancer Service, Inc. provides a unique medical service to the people of Berrien County; it is a specialized home nursing care service for cancer patients and their families. The service is compassionate and provides professional care to people who have cancer. It is not directly concerned with the promotion of research or education. The service is available to all the people of Berrien County Michigan who have a cancer problem as diagnosed by a licensed physician.
The organization has provided these services for over 50 years, since it was first organized in 1947 by a group of concerned Berrien County residents. It was directed by Olove Colcord, R.N. until her retirement in 1985.
Today the Executive Director is Barbara Lane, R.N. She has served in this capacity since June of 1988. Barbara also continues as a staff nurse for the agency as she has since July of 1974.
Connie Demler, R.N. joined as a staff nurse in October of 1988, Nancy Church, R.N. joined as a staff nurse in July of 1994, and DeEtta Chen joined as a staff nurse in March of 2005.
The total organization consists of a board of directors with appropriate officers and a paid and volunteer staff that perform the services under the supervision of the Executive Director. Over 160 individuals volunteer on a regular basis!
How We Are Funded
The principal source of funds for operating our agency is the United Way Agencies operating within the county. These include United Way of Southwest Michigan which serves the communities of St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville, Bridgman, Berrien Springs, Baroda, Coloma, Watervliet, Buchanan, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Sawyer, etc. and United Way of Greater Niles serving the Niles area.
The other important sources of income come from private contributions in the form of memorials for individuals, direct contributions by individuals or groups interested in our services and, occasionally, from bequests from the estates of decedents.
Although we do sponsor our own fundraisers such as our Berrien County Cancer Service Bike Ride and Pennies For Patients™ it should be made clear that we do not receive any funds from the annual fundraising campaigns of organizations like the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, or other similar organizations.
What We Offer
Although the principal function is the provision of specialized home nursing care by registered nurses, there are other functions as well.
In-Home Nursing Visits:
In-home nursing visits and other cancer care services are provided by experienced and specialized registered nurses to cancer patients and their families free-of-charge.
Medical Supplies:
Commercially manufactured ostomy appliances and medical supplies are procured for patient convenience and furnished on a cost-only basis.
Medical Equipment:
Our Loan Closet allows us to lend needed medical equipment to patients for in home use. We have a supply of beds, commodes, walkers, crutches and wheel chairs which are loaned to cancer patients free-of-charge.
Additional items available free-of-charge include wigs, prostheses, support bras and other comfort items.
Financial Assistance:
We offer limited financial assistance for special needs.
Social Agency Referrals:
We offer assistance in obtaining appropriate community resources for those who have needs in addition to what Berrien County Cancer Service provides.
Support Group:
Our Cancer Support group meets weekly on Tuesday afternoon for cancer patients and their families.
Speakers Bureau:
Speakers are available for groups interested in learning about the Cancer Service.
Our Accomplishments
The following is a breakdown of services provided in 2007.
| Nurse Visits | 3,313 |
| Nurse-to-Patient Calls | 706 |
| Sales of Supplies | 287 |
| Medicare Claims Filed | 144 |
| Loan Equipment - Out | 250 |
| Free Items Given | 526 |
| Support Group Attendance | 79 |
| Financial Assistance | 29 |
| Total Units of Service | 5,334 |
| Unduplicated People Served | 613 |
Our Mission
The mission of the Berrien County Cancer Service is to provide free skilled home nursing services, equipment, information and supplies at cost for cancer patients and their families in Berrien County.
We began fulfilling our mission in 1948. We are funded by the United Ways of Southwest Michigan and Niles, by private donations and memorials as well as fund-raisers throughout the year.
We are not affiliated with any state or national organizations. We do not receive funds from any sources other than those listed. We are unique; all donations remain here in Berrien County to help local people.