This year, the Chouteau County Cancer Support Group celebrates twenty years of walking alongside neighbors facing cancer. What began twenty years ago as a simple Sunday conversation between two women with cancer diagnoses has grown into a strong, enduring network of support, education, and awareness for individuals and families across the county.
From the beginning, our mission has been clear: no one should face cancer alone. Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, that mission continues to thrive. Every month, we provide financial stipends to an average of thirteen people in Chouteau County who are actively treating cancer. These stipends, given quarterly as long as treatment continues, ease some of the burdens patients face. Sadly, the number of individuals in need never seems to diminish.
The warmth of support extends beyond financial aid. The She Shed Quilters of Big Sandy and The Eye of the Needle Quilt Guild of Fort Benton donate beautiful handmade quilts for every new patient we learn about. These quilts—stitched with care and love—offer comfort, hope, and a powerful reminder that each person does not journey alone but is surrounded by a community that cares.
Our events also bring people together in powerful ways.
The annual Torch Tribute Luminary Walk each December honors and remembers loved ones, with hundreds of glowing luminaries lighting the night. Each June, our Cancer Awareness Picnic celebrates life, resilience, and fellowship, offering a chance to share stories and strengthen connections.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of people throughout Chouteau County. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, quilted, walked alongside us, or simply lifted our work with your encouragement—you have kept this organization strong.
As we reflect on the past twenty years, we are deeply grateful. And as we look ahead, we remain hopeful—hopeful that the need for our work will lessen, but confident that, whatever the future holds, as a community we will continue to rise to the challenge.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Here’s to another twenty years of strength, support, and hope!