CPS celebrates 80 years of supporting cancer patients, families

FINDLAY — The 80th anniversary of Cancer Patient Services has been five years in the making. "Our 75th was during COVID, and we really didn't get to celebrate it," said Chief Executive Officer Carol Metzger. "I mean that was our intent. We were looking at doing some kind of celebration for the 75th and obviously couldn't do anything." But that isn't going to happen this time, she said. A gala will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1050 Interstate Drive. Supporters, partners and friends — both past and present who have shaped the agency's story — will be honored. CPS will also unveil a new look. "It's been fun to go back and look through the old articles and see our journey," Metzger said. The organization traces its origins back to 1946, according to information provided on the agency's website. On March 1, 1948, it officially became the Hancock County unit of the American Cancer Society. Its primary goal was to serve the needs of cancer patients and their families in Hancock County. Gus Lonsway worked with the ACS's staff in Cleveland to form a local unit. A community meeting was held, and those attending agreed to form a Hancock County group to promote early detection, distribute information and raise research funds. The first president was Fred Brucklacher. In the mid-1950s, the United Way started coming into communities. "The organization had to make a decision whether they wanted to stay with the American Cancer Society or stay local, and they chose to stay local and be United Way funded," Metzger said. Soon after, members opened the Red Door Information Center where residents could obtain information regarding the detection of cancer. The center was located on the second floor of the Torpedo Building on West Front Street. Funds were initially raised through a mail campaign and from donations dropped in coin boxes at various business. Other community groups became involved. The Findlay Jaycees conducted a campaign for the ACS in 1949, and a Women's Division of the unit was formed in 1951. Division members raised $1,200 towards the unit's goal of $8,500 that year. But looking back at these early newspaper articles, Metzger found it interesting to discover the organization's mission. "A lot of it was education, talking about cancer and dispelling some myths, and really encouraging people to go to the doctor," she said. The services have evolved over the years. "Now we don't necessarily have to dispel myths about it. We all know it exists. But more we provide support and help for the journey," explained Metzger. Services the following year to include transportation outside Hancock County and to provide the services of a registered nurse. The agency also continued to provide sickroom equipment, oxygen and drugs for patients in need, while volunteers made bed pads. In 1970, members of the former ACS unit organized the Hancock County Cancer Society and moved to 300 W. Front St. The name was changed to Cancer Care Society, United Way in 1977 to avoid confusion with the Hancock County unit of the ACS. Camp Hi Hopes was established in 1985 for children who have been or are being treated for cancer. The one-day camp grew to two days and included an overnight stay. The name changed again in 1987 to Cancer Patient Services to reflect the agency's focus on service to local cancer patients. "It's been a long time to be a local supported organization," said Metzger. "I think that says something for the community and the care they have for our mission." When the Family Center opened in 2006, CPS became one of 17 agencies to move into the new space. Metzger has been working with the agency for 15 years. "And we've seen a fair amount of change because we've added the individual counseling, the healing arts program and then also the patient navigation," she said. "And when I think about the patient navigation, that is really the core of what we do. Everything else kind of attaches to that." This year marks the fifth year for the Flock Walk which replaced the chili cook-off. The agency raised $115,000 and welcomed over 550 participants and volunteers. "It (chili cook-off) was a fun community event, but I don't think it connected to our mission as well as the walk does," said Metzger. And the program continues to grow. "I think this month is tied to the highest number of new clients we'll be having, I think it's like 24, so it's a lot," she said. "And they expected the numbers to go up a little bit last year, but they went up the year before. We've seen the financial assistance go up considerably and people's deductibles. That's all going up, and it's a lot of out-of-pocket expenses." She said CPS continues to help ease some of the financial burdens for those who live or work in Hancock County. "We can't cover them all. We wish we could. We would love that," she said. CPS has other ways to help as well. In 2025, 57 counseling sessions were held and 20 wigs were provided. The agency also provided 712 cases of nutritional supplements and 732 items of medical supplies while 85 participants attended healing arts specials. Total cost for all services provided was $176,453. "We couldn't do it without the community supporters, the groups that support us and the individuals that do third-party fundraisers for us," said Metzger. "We appreciate everything the community does for us." The third annual Healing Arts Day Camp was held in 2025. The event enables clients and caregivers a chance to step away from daily life and rediscover the restorative power of creative expression. The day included guided meditation, crafts, face yoga, a flower bar and soundbath, massages, Reiki sessions and a talk on "Food Can Be Medicine." "It's kind of a fun and special day," Metzger said. "We don't have support groups, and it's really because we can't get enough people together to really support having one. But when I look at that event or the art classes, it's kind of made its own support group. They kind of take care of each other and look out for each other." The free celebration will include hors d'oeuvres, drinks and a short video. Former board members, community supporters and clients will share a little bit about CPS. The agency will also unveil a new logo and website. Business casual attire is suggested. RSVP byThursday at 419-423-0286 or development@cancerpatientservices.org