Dolores Williams is grateful to one Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity for helping her when she was diagnosed with cancer.
In 2009, Williams, an Edison, NJ, customer care agent, realized that a pimple on her neck wasn’t going away.
After undergoing testing, she received life-changing news from her doctor: She had follicular lymphoma.
“They called on a Friday and said I needed to start chemotherapy by Monday,” said Williams, a 30-year USPS veteran.
Follicular lymphoma is a cancer that undermines the body’s immune system by causing infection-fighting white blood cells to grow out of control.
Williams’ copayment to start treatment was $5,000. She didn’t have the money, so she turned to the American Cancer Society, which promptly mailed her a check to cover the cost.
The following year, the American Cancer Society offered Williams an additional $2,500, but she turned it down.
“I figured someone could use it more than me,” said Williams, whose cancer is slow-growing and requires less frequent treatment.
The American Cancer Society is one of more than 8,000 charities participating in this year’s CFC, which is underway through Jan. 11.
“No matter what your area of interest, there’s a Combined Federal Campaign charity that will meet your needs,” said Kathleen Harper, a human resources program and policy analyst who oversees the Postal Service’s CFC efforts.
The CFC Blue and LiteBlue pages have guidelines on contributing to the campaign.
Williams now contributes to the American Cancer Society through the CFC, and she encourages others to donate to causes that matter to them.
“You never know when you’re going to need it, or someone you love will need it,” she said.