It Only Takes A Spark welcomed two new members to its board of directors at its November meeting. Kasey Klemm, a member of the Great Western Bank team, replaced Lynn Wientjes on the board, and Matt Scott, a former member of the board and State Auto team, rejoined this core committee and replaced Aaron Anderson. Other members of the board include Julie Landmark, president; Alex Pauli, vice president, and Ann Tuchscherer, secretary-treasurer.

The core committee encourages residents of Grant County who are diagnosed with cancer to apply for financial assistance through It Only Takes A Spark. The funds raised throughout the year are used to pay for costs associated with out-of-town appointments including gas and lodging, for cancer-related prescriptions, and for cancer-related clinic and hospital bills.

To apply for the funds a cancer patient needs to submit an application form, a release of information form and a pathology report. The two forms can be obtained from the hospital in Milbank or Ortonville, the clinics located in Grant County, the Milbank pharmacies, or the website takesaspark.org. The application can be mailed to PO Box 105 or can be taken to Val VanLith in the ICAP office in the courthouse. Any questions on this process can be directed to Ann Tuchscherer at 605-432-6023.

Although Covid-19 has hampered fundraising efforts, the core committee is hopeful that a cancer walk can be held June 11, 2021. As 2020 approaches its year end, the cancer walk committee encourages Grant County residents to consider making a tax-deductible contribution to offset the loss of revenue caused by Covid-19. Donations and memorials can be sent to PO Box 105, Milbank, SD 57252 any time. Other opportunities to give include Thrivent Choice dollars if one is a Thrivent member and the cans for cancer sponsored by Lewis Drug year round.

It is that time of year when more people pause to count their blessings. It Only Takes A Spark is one of the blessings in Grant County.