Wheels on Fire presented checks totaling $70,000 to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Joe’s Hope Foundation, Fulton County Cancer Fund and the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund on Sunday. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

AKRON – Wheels on Fire – Cancer Crusaders presented checks totaling $70,000 to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Joe’s Hope Foundation, Fulton County Cancer Fund under the Northern Indiana Community Fund and the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, which is dispersed by the K21 Health Foundation, on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Christina Morehouse, co-chair, said Wheels on Fire chose to give money to the four organizations because of their outstanding efforts they give to local cancer patients. “They’re there when they need them,” she stated.

Wheels on Fire started almost 22 years ago as a Relay for Life team, she said. A few years in, “we realized the money we were raising wasn’t staying local, so we branched out and made our own Wheels on Fire group so the money we do raise helps people in need that we serve in our area.”

The money helps cancer patients in Kosciusko and Fulton counties with mortgage payments, gas to get to doctor’s appointments, medication, medical devices, “whatever they need, they can go to one of these four organizations and get what they need.

”Wheels on Fire raises money through fundraising booths throughout the year, as well as memorials. Morehouse said the hope with the donations is the people who need help are able to find the people who can help them the most and get what they need.

Established in 2010, the Fulton County Cancer Fund provides funds to local citizens who are in need of financial assistance due to hardships or lack of insurance to purchase medications directly related to cancer.

Find more information on the fund on its website.

The Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, administered by K21 Health Foundation, provides assistance to financially-eligible residents of Kosciusko County who are suffering from cancer. The purpose of the fund is to relieve some of the financial strain that often accompanies the diagnosis. The assistance provided includes rent or mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, food, car payments and prescription medications.

Learn more about the fund on its website.

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is a local nonprofit helping people with cancer since 1944. They serve Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing meaningful resources, information and compassionate assistance.

Learn more about Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana on its website.

Joe’s Hope Foundation Inc. originated as the Joe’s Hope Relay for Life team (Fulton County) in 2011. Their journey began when Joe Shidler was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in late 2010 at the age of 16. Joe’s battle with cancer ended on Feb. 18, 2014, at the age of 19. At Joe’s Hope Foundation, they support and assist cancer patients and their families. Their assistance program encompasses necessities such as mortgage and car payments, as well as practical resources like gas and grocery cards. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses and organizations, they offer additional things such as free blankets, clothing, grooming services and cancer-related prescriptions. Care packages are also provided to those in need.

Find out more about Joe’s Hope on its website.