Winneshiek County Celebration of Life is using funds raised this fall to pay for mammograms and fuel cards

WCCOL supporter Jeff Heying

Last month Winneshiek County Celebration of Life held its 2016 fundraiser on the second floor of T-Bock's.  The group met and surpassed its fundraising goal.

WCCOL Board member Mugs Walter says the money raised in October already is being spent to benefit cancer patients.  For instance, a contribution by Calmar resident Jeff Heying, along with other contributions, have paid for several scheduled mammogram screenings, as well as fuel and food cards given to area families with members having cancer treatment.

Says Walter, "We have almost no overhead so if people donate to us their money reaches the people that need the help."  Almost 1,600 area individuals and families have been helped by WCCOL since the organization was founded.

Walter says one cancer survivor at last month's fundraising event thanked the organization for signing her up for a free mammogram screening.  She did have cancer, but it was caught in time.  She thanked WCCOL for saving her life.  Says Walter, "That is why we work so hard."