Cancer Association to Get $850,000 for New Facility

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Cancer Association of Anderson (CAA) has received $850,000 from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for the construction of their new facility on East Calhoun Street in Anderson.

The new facility will feature more space for those suffering from cancer and their families, including additional wellness areas. The organization moved into its current temporary location after the 100-year-old house which originally housed the charity was deemed unsafe due to the deterioration of age.

“On behalf of the Cancer Association of Anderson Board of Directors and the many cancer patients who benefit from our services, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Henry McMaster and those in the State Legislature who helped us succeed in our efforts to be included in the South Carolina Budget,” said CAA Executive Director Angie Stringer. “The $850,000 which will allow the Cancer Association to break ground on our new facility and continue providing vital services to Anderson County’s increasing needs for cancer patients.”

For more than 21 years, the Cancer Association of Anderson has served an increasing number of cancer patients, while supporting survivors, their caregivers, and families both emotionally as well as with educational and community resources.

The organization’s ongoing mission to “lessen the burden on Anderson County residents who are battling cancer” has positively affected more than 10,000 individuals across our County. As of mid-2023, the Cancer Association had provided more than $3.1 million in direct financial assistance to local cancer patients since 2003. Currently, the Cancer Association assists 60-75 newly diagnosed patients monthly in addition to those who are continuing in treatment and in need of our help. We transport 5-8 patients daily to treatment and back home in our vehicle, HOPE, which we acquired through a foundation grant from Presbyterian Women USA.

Stringer said it is especially important since Anderson County cancer rates are among the highest in South Carolina and the nation. (She said over the past decade, Anderson County has consistently had more people diagnosed with cancer for the first time than the state and national average.)