The Circle of Hope Cancer Support Group is a self-help non profit group for all types of cancer patients and their caregivers.
The support group was formed by Jack & Jane Dalton and Ray and Pat Shrader of Dodge City. Both Jane and Pat were diagnosed as having cancer at approximately the same time in 1992. Being very proactive in seeing that they would receive the best treatment available, the best oncologists associated with each ones type of cancer, and the best care during their time of recovery, they were determined to fight their cancer with a passion and see that everything was being done to give them the opportunity to survive this dreaded disease. That was back in 1992 and they are still both active and free of their cancers.
Circle of Hope has been helping cancer patients and caregivers through their cancer journey since 1993. The support group encourages hope, strength and a positive attitude. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday, of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor of the First United Methodist Church in Dodge City.
The Circle of Hope has been supportive of and continues to work closely with the American Cancer Society programs such as Look Good Feel Better, Relay for Life and the Loan Closet (wigs & turbins). Circle of Hope has played a vital roll in seeing cancer patients and survivors in Southwest Kansas get an opportunity to lead a gainful and productive life while on their cancer journey.
Friends of Circle of Hope
Over the years local organizations such as Miss Kitty’s Quilt Group, Happy Hour Ford County Extension Club and a Cousin’s Group and individuals have continued to support what the Circle of Hope stands for by making blankets for cancer patients taking chemotherapy and radiation. Pamphlets and brochures about cancer are always available at conferences and meetings such as Women’s Day Out, Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheons and School District #443. Brochures during October Breast Cancer Awareness Month are available to promote Early Detection and Prevention.
Circle of Hope also monetarily supports groups such as the Amy Wilkerson Fund, sponsored by the local Kiwanis civic group, which contributes financial assistance to families with children that are diagnosed with having cancer, and the ACS Ford/Gray County Relay for Life Circle of Hope Relay Team. Since 2007 the support group has been the recipient of donations collected at the Dodge City Roundup Wrangler Jean “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” promotion on helping cure breast cancer. and since 2009 Cummings Carousel Pink Passion Golf Tournament.
The Circle of Hope Cancer Support Group provides:
- Financial assistance
- Resource information
- Sharing and caring group meeting
- Free mammograms (age 35-64 that have no insurance or high premium)
- Encourages early detection and prevention programs.
