The VFW ladies held their final meeting on June 13th at South Haven community room, guest was 7th District Secretary, Doris Hays, of the Bourbonnais 9961 auxiliary.  This was a short meeting to finish up the auxiliary business, followed by refreshments served by Erma Johnson.

  One of the benefits afforded to the ladies who are members in good standing, with current dues paid,  is the Cancer Grant.  An application must be completed and submitted to the National VFW Ladies auxiliary in Kansas City, MO.  A member can receive 2 grants, each worth $250. to be put towards their expenses.  A application can be obtained from Judy Reeser, who has transferred her membership to the Bloomington VFW ladies auxiliary,  she can help you fill out the application and submit it through that auxiliary.  To be eligible for a grant, you must have had cancer surgery within the past 12 months, and your physician will also need to sign the application.  Several of our members have received these Grants from National.  Each auxiliary in the state, submits $2.00 per member to the Department, this money is used to fund the Cancer Grants that are given out each year.   There are also Cancer pin's sold each year, the design is different each year, based on the Department Presidents Cancer theme.

   In addition to supporting the research at specific facilities, the ladies organization awards a 2 year $100,000. Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship to a doctor who has a promising career in Research. A panel of his peer's review applications and select a doctor who has the most innovative and promising idea's on his Cancer research projects.    

   The Cancer Aid and Research program is sponsored by the VFW ladies auxiliaries across the country, they have donated millions of dollars for funding cancer research. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States,  there are many Community Cancer centers throughout Illinois, including the Cancer Treatment Center of Chicago.  Early detection is vital to your well being, screening is very important.

   Even though the ladies auxiliary has disbanded, they plan to get together on occasion to enjoy some time together. The ladies are meeting on July 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Olive Branch restaurant in El Paso for lunch,  any auxiliary member who would like to join the ladies is welcome.