Q: What is the Multi-County Cancer Support Network?

A: The Multi County Cancer Support Network is a non-profit organization designed to provide emotional, educational, and financial support to cancer patients and their families in Southeast Tennessee.  MCCSN serves a eight-county area including Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Moore, Lincoln, Marion, Warren and Bedford counties (Warren county was added to the coverage area in March 1999).

Q: How did this organization come to be?

A: In January of 1992, approximately 20 gathered at a local church to discuss the possibility of forming a cancer support group.  After gauging the interest in the community, the founding members began holding monthly meetings in Estill Springs.  Since those early days, the group has grown to a membership of close to 200 people.

Q: How does the MCCSN get money to help people?

A: The MCCSN operates entirely on donations from the community.  MCCSN's biggest source of revenue is our annual walkathon held each September at the old Franklin County High School stadium in Winchester (located on Dinah Shore Blvd).  Other sources of funding include memorials and donations.

Q: I live in the coverage counties surrounding Coffee and Franklin, but I don't think that the MCCSN really helps many people in my area.  Is this true?

A: The MCCSN umbrella covers not only Coffee and Franklin counties, but Lincoln, Bedford, Moore, Marion, Warren, and Grundy counties, as well.  The reason that many people in the "outer" counties surrounding Franklin and Coffee don't know about the MCCSN is because most of the founding members are from Franklin and Coffee counties and the word just hasn't spread.  But this organization was developed to help patients in all eight counties.  Distance plays a part, and also the fact that it is hard for us to get the word out in those areas.  People usually find out about us by WORD-OF-MOUTH and are usually amazed because they have never heard of us since we first organized back in 1992.  So if you live in the "outer" counties and know of someone who needs assistance, please tell them about us.  We also need local contacts in those areas; if you would like to volunteer, just give us a call.

Q: I have been diagnosed with cancer or know somebody who has.  I would really like to speak with somebody who can help me.   How can I meet people in this organization, or speak with someone who knows what I am going through?

A: EASY - just call (931.393.4443) or visit the office in Tullahoma, Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 2:00, or just show up at any of our meetings and events.

Q: I'm would like to offer my services to the Multi-County Cancer Support Network.  What can I do and who do I need to speak with?

A: We have all kinds of volunteer opportunities at the MCCSN, such as driving patients out of town to treatments, visiting the sick in the hospital and at home, and most importantly, getting ready for and working the annual walk-a-thon.  We welcome all of the help that we can get!  Just contact at the Tullahoma office for more information.