CAN-SIRS CORNER: Local Cancer Support Groups Provide Solid Resource

Dec. 1, 2013 – Pete Davignon Can-Sirs Executive Director

Recently I had the privilege of presenting the CAN-Sirs program to a newly formed local cancer support group in Chico, CA. MACHO (Men Against Cancer Helping Others) is the support group that replaces an American Cancer Society support program that was mainly for prostate cancer survivors.

This new group provides support and information to men dealing with all kinds of cancer. Enloe Medical Regional Cancer Center is the sponsor of MACHO, under the direction of Rebecca Senoglu. She was instrumental in helping me with the direction and organization of CAN-Sirs.

Like CAN-Sirs, MACHO provides support and education for people with all types of cancers, and their families, but MACHO does it at the local level. I would encourage anyone who is interested in forming a MACHO group in their community to contact me and I will put you in touch with Rebecca and the local MACHO coordinators, Ruth and John Hantleman.

This past year saw an expansion of the CAN-Sirs program as the senior softball community has continued to rally behind our cause. We see more team participation in 2014 and are planning for more local teams to help with our mission.

The CAN-Sirs was formed to increase awareness and prevention among the million plus senior softball players and their families. Survivors of cancer and men who have experienced cancer in their families make themselves available at senior tournaments for one-on-one conversations about their experiences with cancer.

While there are many sources out there talking about cancer, having a fellow player who can bring his personal experiences to help someone who had just learned that cancer has hit close to home can work wonders.

This past year, the women of senior softball have joined our program. We welcome the comfort and knowledge they bring to the game. My wife Vicki has been battling breast cancer for the last seven months, so we are acutely aware of the need for women to get involved in our program.

Our annual CAN-Sirs Benefit Tournament this coming year welcomes the addition of the Hayward tournament hosted by Dean Perkins. We have always held our tournaments on the same weekend, this year May 17-18. By joining together we will expand the CAN-Sirs message to many more teams in the Northern California Senior Softball Association.

CAN-Sirs will again enter the major SSUSA tournaments with our exhibition teams. We encourage you to join these teams when we come to SSUSA in your town.

Thank you for your continuing support and I look forward to working for your health.

Pete Davignon, Executive Director, CAN-Sirs, Inc / 2485 Notre DameBlvd., Suite 370-180 / Chico CA 95928 Website: can-sirs.org email: can-sirs@att.com facebook/can-sirs