LEE'S FRIENDS - Helping People Live with Cancer

From her diagnosis in January 1977 until her death, Lee’s admirable manner of dealing with her cancer included remarkable courage, humor and determination. Death was not an issue - living was. Even as she battled her disease, other patients were continually on her mind. In March 1979 and with the support of family friends, Emily Harkins Filer, Lee’s mom, established this non-profit program of outreach and service transforming one remarkable young girl’s vision into the permanent program of support that is LEE’S FRIENDS.

The original mission and focus on cancer patients have never changed. For over 39 years, our mission has been to offer person-to-person help and needed emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families who are facing the crises of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. LEE’S FRIENDS works with patients of all ages and stages from diagnosis to cure or through death and bereavement. All services are free. LEE’S FRIENDS’ unique one-on-one emotional support program is the hallmark of this organization. The cancer patient and his or her family may be suddenly faced with a host of emotional traumas. LEE’S FRIENDS provides trained, caring volunteers to help in such times of trouble. A sympathetic listener, a place to turn for advice, a moment of cheer and supportiveness, a friendly face and a caring attitude can do much to tell patients and their families “You are not alone.” Cancer patients may spend long hard hours getting to and from doctors’ offices, laboratories, radiation oncology centers and hospitals for treatments. Many patients don’t have their own car or a reliable means of transportation. LEE’S FRIENDS’ two vehicles and volunteer drivers, who often use their own cars, provide patients with needed transportation. Many patients undergoing cancer treatments are hard pressed to provide such basic necessities as food and clothing. A cancer diagnosis can derail a family’s financial security. In cases of documented hardship, LEE’S FRIENDS provides a one-time financial grant to a needy family or individual.

 Over the years, LEE’S FRIENDS has eased the burdens of rent, food, utility bills and burial expenses for families struggling to meet their financial obligations while fighting cancer. Each and every day the staff and volunteers of the organization help people live with cancer. Our trained volunteers offer friendship, comfort, consolation and concern in a confidential setting. LEE’S FRIENDS help to meet basic human needs in cases of hardship. Volunteers visit cancer patients and their families at home and in the hospital. The paid and volunteer staff coordinate client requests for transportation and provide knowledge of community resources. For over 39 years, LEE’S FRIENDS has been the answer for thousands of cancer patients and their family members when they don’t know where to turn upon hearing the diagnosis of cancer.