The United Cancer Assistance Network is seeking vendors

The United Cancer Assistance Network’s annual Sarah White Walk Saturday, April 29, will take hours of planning and organization.

Executive Director Melody Chailland, along with staff and volunteers, is always looking for ways to improve the event and strives to add activities each year.

“We’re looking for vendors who can provide information beneficial to cancer patients and their families,” she said. “If you’re a business that has information that would benefit cancer patients and their families, we would love (you) to join us that day to hand out literature or whatever else.”

UCAN serves cancer patients in Butler, Stoddard, Wayne and Ripley counties. Any business or organization that would like to set up a booth or vendor sites to offer information is welcome to contact Chailland to see if they qualify. There will be no charges.

“People don’t understand hospice organizations set up,” she said, adding she believes this would be a good time for hospices to explain the services they provide.

Walk organizers hope to welcome groups like senior volunteer programs, senior housing, hospitals, medical clinics and transit services that would benefit cancer patients

“People who go into remission don’t necessarily regain their health,” Chailland said. “Maybe it’s a good thing for them to go into the Twin Towers or somewhere so they still have their independence but not have to worry about general upkeep of their homes. Most people don’t understand how to get involved in the program. It’s so easy to get into senior living with housing and most of the time there are openings.

“We would love to have vendors set up in the parking lot with us that morning. There is no charge.”

Chailland also needs between six to eight businesses or organizations to sponsor hydrations stations. The stations may provide water, juice, fruit, freezer pops or snacks. They also are responsible for collecting the trash in their area. They might want to provide a couple of chairs in case walkers need to rest.

Anyone or business who would like to participate may contact Chailland at 573-776-1892.

While UCAN fills a financial gap, the program is designed to provide individualized support for patients. When patients come into the UCAN office, they are greeted by volunteers whose lives have been touched by cancer. Often developing personal relationships, volunteers and patients uplift each other during visits, members have said.

Since UCAN is a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax-deductible. Anyone wanting to make donations or memorials may mail or drop them by the office at 2620 N Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO., 63901-3396.