History

In the Early 1950's, a group of women belonging to Theta Psi Chapter of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority out of concern for those afflicted with cancer, gathered to make cancer bandages. The dressings were made and stored in member's homes until being dispensed to patients. To coordinate their efforts this group of caring women organized the Delaware County Cancer Society and storage was made available in the Ball Memorial Hospital Medical Building.

A temporary office with telephone access was set up in the basement at Ball Hospital where Ethel Vlaskamp was tracking down cancer patients' records for the Tumor Study Committee. She incorporated into her responsibilities answering the phone and dispensing dressings for the newly formed cancer group. In 1956 the Delaware County Cancer Society relocated to the nurses' residence, Maria Bingham Hall and Ethel was asked to be Executive Secretary. The activities of the organization expanded as films on cancer were purchased and programs to educate the public were developed.

In 1962, after separating from the American Cancer Society and maintaining membership in the Community Chest, now called the United Way, the agency became incorporated and focused on local services.

Fifty years ago the word "cancer" was unspeakable. In fact, that is how we became known as the "Little Red Door". A group of women from Indianapolis met once a week to sew pads for cancer patients. They met in an old army barrack that had a bright red door. It soon became a common practice to say "I'll meet you at the Little Red Door" instead of the Cancer Society. The name and symbol was registered by the Marion County Cancer Society in 1958. In 1963 the Delaware County Cancer Society made a request to the Indianapolis unit to use the name and symbol of Little Red Door. With some provisions, permission was granted. Since that time Little Red Door, a name suggesting human understanding and hope, has been used by the agency.

Education

Education has driven the work of the agency since its conception. The early projects included placing literature boards with the 7 Warning Signs of cancer through-out the city of Muncie.

In 1967 a Cancer Crusade was organized with the goal of getting cancer education materials in every home in Muncie. “Save a Life” parties were given in homes and organizations to increase the public awareness of the danger signs of cancer.

70’s-80’s

A broader focus was adopted when the Nursing Institute (later called Nursing Conference) was developed for students, and nurses. The conference’s themes covered the spectrum of cancer and cancer related issues from 1967 through 1999.

A Ostomy Chapter and Lost Cord support group were organized to give cancer survivors a place to deal with the daily stress of living through a cancer diagnosis. Knowing the link between cancer and smoking a campaign was initiated to educate the community on the dangers of tobacco.

Client services expand. Equipment was purchased for Ball Memorial Hospital and the Delaware County Home benefiting cancer patients. The equipment loan program was developed to promote comfort and facilitate home care. Volunteers were organized to transport patients to treatment.

As interest grew in the causes of cancer many donors designated gifts to fund local cancer research and scholarships. Research projects included: “Unlocking the Secret of What Period of the Day Tumor Cells are More Susceptible to Cancer Therapeutic Drugs” and“What is the Relationship of Tissue Enzymes to Tumors?” Equipment was purchased to examine breast cancer cells in mice. Scholarships were given to students preparing for cancer related vocations.

The legacy of caring and the rich history of education outreach, client services,and local research continue today. We remain true to our mission of reducing the physical and financial burdens of those living with a cancer diagnosis as well as promote prevention, and early detection, which leads us to the realization that there is still more to do.

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