DC Cancer Care Fund in Overton

Cancer Doesn’t Quit and Neither Do We!

 The Dawson County Cancer Care Fund committee is recognizing the past five years of providing financial assistance to local cancer patients undergoing treatment. From September 2021 through August 2026, the fund surpassed the $105,500 mark distributed to 115 patients.

 “Our motto is “Having cancer is hard, but finding help shouldn’t be!,” said Julie Rickertsen, committee chairperson, of Lexington. “Committee members are dedicated to helping local cancer patients as quickly as possible.”

 The primary sources of assistance are gift cards for gas or groceries. More than 50 percent of the total has been given for fuel to go back and forth for appointments, treatments, follow up scans and medical consults. Grocery store gift cards make up 25 percent with other assistance going to utilities, medical expense and housing. 

* The Funds Chart (to your right) shows the past year's assistance.

 Of the 115 patients served the last five years, almost 50 percent live in Lexington, with 25 percent from Gothenburg and 15 percent from Cozad. The fund also assisted Dawson County patients in Sumner, Overton, Farnam and Johnson Lake, with one each from Arnold, Loomis and Cambridge.

 “Community partners are essential to making this effort work! Grocery stores, gas stations, utility offices, medical facilities, and so many others hear of our mission and immediately step up to make it happen,” said Rickertsen.

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 Cancer Care Fund committee members at the 2025 Pink-Tober event raising breast cancer awareness. In 2026, Pink Fest, sponsored by Lexington Regional Health Center, will be Wednesday, September 23, 5-7 p.m. at Plum Creek Market.

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Cancer Care also supports the annual Joe Torres Sand Volleyball Tournament with a donation and raffle item. The tournament proceeds benefit a local cancer patient who is chosen each year. Also, the fund donates to the Chemo Comfort Tote project in Gothenburg. Committee members actively participate at GiveBIG Headquarters in November and host fundraiser and awareness events.

Cancer Care will be hosting a GiveBIG fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the 4-H Cafe on the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington. As final plans are made, information will be updated.

Dawson County Cancer Care Fund is an affiliate organization with the Lexington Community Foundation and is funded by the annual GiveBIG event, memorial donations, community and school fundraisers and survivor events organized by committee members.

 Committee officers and contact information include Chairperson Julie Rickertsen, Lexington, 308-325-0174; Vice Chairperson Andrea Nisley, Elwood, 308-325-6498; and Secretary Pam Ackerman, Lexington, 308-325-3642.

Contact an officer or any of the following committee members for an application: Pam Baruth, Lexington, 308-325-0121; Carol Halley, Overton, 308-325-5180; Mary Harbur, Gothenburg, 308-529-2205; Jann Kloepping, Cozad, 308-746-4479; Annette Mariel, Lexington, 650-218-6570; Meredith Orthman, Lexington; 308-325-0034 Deb Werger, Johnson Lake, 402-499-5612; and Sharon Wood, Lexington, 308-324-2461