The need is real, and the Laurens County Cancer Association is meeting it
September 9, 2026
The need is real, and the Laurens County Cancer Association is answering it one tank of gas and one meal replacement at a time.
Over June, July and August, the association distributed $30,071 in direct assistance to local cancer patients, according to figures released by the organization. In the same three months, 35 new clients walked through its doors, bringing the total number of Laurens County residents it currently serves to 207.
The bulk of the summer total, $26,640, went toward fuel assistance, helping clients reach oncology appointments even when treatment requires traveling outside Laurens County. Another $3,431 covered nutritional support, including products such as Ensure and Glucerna that help patients maintain strength during treatment.
The summer figures are part of a much larger year. Since January, the association has provided $74,255 in direct assistance, including $66,000 in fuel assistance and $8,255 in nutritional support. The organization has taken on 86 new clients so far this year and has assisted clients 748 times since Jan. 1.
“Behind every number is a person,” said Anna Miller, executive director of the Laurens County Cancer Association. “A neighbor, a friend, a parent, a spouse. Someone in our community who is fighting cancer and doing everything they can to keep moving forward.”
Miller said the organization’s programs depend entirely on the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers and community members, which is why fundraising remains a constant priority.
The association’s next major fundraiser is the 16th Annual Run Like a Mann 5K Walk/Run, set for Oct. 10. Organizers said residents can support the effort by registering as participants, signing on as sponsors, making donations or simply sharing information about the event.
“This summer, our community helped us make an impact,” Miller said. “Let’s keep that momentum going. We can’t do this without you.”
Registration for the Run Like a Mann 5K is available through RunSignUp. Donations may be mailed to the Laurens County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 6, Clinton, SC 29325, or made online through the organization’s PayPal donation page.
