Has donated time to the cause for 20 years by Edwin Taylor, Staff writer
From the December 21, 1994 edition of The New Castle Record
Kitty Kefer of New Castle was named as the recipient of the volunteer of the Year award presented by the American Cancer society, Virginia division.
Keffer, the current president of the Craig County unit f the American Cancer Society, has volunteered with that organization for over 20 years.
“I’ve always liked to help people,” she said. “When I got asked to do it I said, ‘Sure.’ That’s how I got involved.”
She said she has also had several family members who died from cancer, which really brought the importance of cancer awareness home to her.
“Early testing is important to identify and treat cancer,” Keffer said. “Early detection is almost a positive cure for cancer.”
She said if cancer is identifier ed early and can be isolated through removal or radiation, there is more hope for a ‘cure’. She noted most people don’t catch it before it’s too late.
To ensure people are aware of the importance of early detection, the Craig Unti helps distribute informational pamphlets. They provide information about the seven warning signs of cancer and the different types of self-tests which can be performed like breast and testicular exams. The Craig Unit also provides information about the annual smoke-out day.
The Craig Unit may be small—about five members—yet, they stage an aggressive campaign I April (Cancer Control Month) to help raise money. Their goal is usually $3,000 to $3,500 per year.
“We have a one-day blitz in April where we go door to door, “Keffer said. “There are so many who have contributed in this area.”
As the school’s cafeteria manger, Keffer ensures the meal program incorporates those foods which have been linked to lower cancer rates in studies.
“We have a salad bar fifth through twelfth grades, and fresh fruit on the ala carte line,” she said. “Uncooked foods are best.”
Additional awareness efforts at the schools include film packs about cancer in the library. Keffer said the P.E. teachers use them in their lessons.
“Mostly at the schools we deal with the dangers of smoking and tobacco use by dipping and chewing,” she said. “That’s when you need to nip it in the bud when they are little like that.”
In order to help prevent cancer, Keffer recommended people should have proper diet, get plenty of rest m and know the seven basic warning signs of cancer.
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
