September 29, 2007: To Penn State football fans, it meant a heartbreaker when the Nittany Lions took on the University of Illinois. To those who know Doreen Perks, it meant a
chance to honor the memory of her husband, while attending the ultimate tailgate to raise money for local people affected by cancer.
On this day, the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund (BPCAF) had its second annual fundraiser at SAE Fraternity – a true collaboration of Town and Gown. There are many extraordinary organizations committed to helping peoplewho are facing cancer. The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund is one that is deeply personal to those who know the Perks family and to those who have benefited from their assistance. BPCAF began with two of the best in the fight against cancer – The American Cancer Society and our local chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer.
In 1993, Bob was among the initial founders of the Penn State chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer. He did it because of his generous spirit, but also as a tribute to his dad, a cancer survivor. Bob helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars on behalf of people with cancer. He could not have known that someday, he would face his own diagnosis. In the summer of 2002, Bob was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer. In our Spotlight on Survivorship, you can read his story and begin to understand why he is important to so many. What may be less apparent is how remarkable his wife Doreen has been in the face of her own tragedy.
Continuing the work of her husband, Doreen has created a way for local individuals and their families facing cancer to receive financial support if they need it.
In November 2005, just two months after Doreen lost Bob to malignant melanoma, she joined the current president of Coaches vs. Cancer, Steve Greer, to meet with us and discuss the needs facing people with cancer in Centre County. Doreen and Bob realized during his time in treatment how many people were not as fortunate as they – perhaps not having insurance coverage or not having coverage for the treatment they required. Talking with other patients in the waiting rooms, they heard stories of financial hardship over and over – the cost of transportation, people losing jobs because of treatment demands, not being able to afford mortgages or rent, childcare issues and the cost of medications. In just a few weeks, by Christmas 2005, Doreen had enabled us to help four families who needed money for heating oil, car insurance, rent, assisted living and medication. From those humble beginnings, just two years ago, BPCAF has emerged as a tremendous resource to those affected by cancer.
