Coalition President BJ Boucher said the group started in 2003 with around seven volunteers who helped educate women about breast cancer.<\/p>\n
In 2009, the volunteer coalition broadened its reach to include all types of cancer. Since then, the coalition has given more than $290,000 to help cancer patients, currently providing up to $500 per patient in financial assistance and gas cards in the amount of $25.<\/p>\n
The coalition receives money through fundraisers like the Style \u2018N\u2019 Stones event.<\/p>\n
Susie Fisher, a local artist with Style \u2018N\u2019 Stones, donated money to three coalition events and said the show means a lot to her because her brother died from cancer earlier this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an amazing thing to realize the power of each person in the community,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cI sold a little bit over the years, and it all added up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Friends and local jewelry artists Nancy Conrad and Cindy Scholfield said they became involved with Style \u2018N\u2019 Stones because they wanted to help people with a variety of needs in the Durango area. They both lost a sister to cancer and know the hardship associated with treatments.<\/p>\n Conrad said her sister fought ovarian cancer, and organizations like the coalition make things easier for cancer patients and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cI think of my sister a lot when I\u2019m working because she was a real inspiration to me not only in life but as a jewelry maker,\u201d Conrad said.<\/p>\n Scholfield said she was one of her sister\u2019s caregivers and knows the pain of dealing with cancer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s such a relief for people to know they can get help as they\u2019re trying to figure it all out,\u201d Scholfield said. \u201cIt is so tough for families to go through that, and having some financial and physical help is huge.\u201d<\/p>\n