BOISE, Idaho — Bustin' out of Boise, a local nonprofit aiding Treasure Valley residents in cancer treatment could soon see a bright pink boost - through Saturday's Flock Cancer event.
Flock Cancer raises money for local initiatives helping Treasure Valley residents through treatment every year. Bustin' out of Boise, a 501(c) 3, is one of this year's Flock Cancer beneficiaries.
Related: 'Flock Cancer' gears up for second annual walk on Harrison Boulevard
Bustin' out of Boise was started in 2008 by friends training for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure event. Over time, Bustin' out co-founder Tami Malone said the group saw a greater need for focusing their efforts at home in the Treasure Valley.
"All of our dollars were going to other communities," Malone said. "So, we were like, 'How about we bring it back home to Boise? What can we do locally?"
Now, nearly a decade after receiving its nonprofit certification, Bustin' out raises funds for women undergoing any cancer treatment. Through the nonprofit's network of volunteers and donating organizations, Malone said Bustin' out aims to "fill the gaps" by connecting cancer patients to everyday assistance like groceries and transportation.
"We really found out what their needs were: groceries, transportation, housekeeping, and childcare. That's what they were lacking," she said. "We brought that back to our group and said, 'These are the needs that are out there.' That's when we decided that 'fill the gap' meant to step in and do those things."
Related: Flock Cancer Walk raises over $25k for Boise YMCA Oncology Recovery Program
Every year, Bustin' out of Boise serves between five to 10 people. Nonprofit president Karen Thompson said each individual sets a budget and receives on average $2,000 a month. Thompson said that performing these services takes off some of the burden women in treatment and their families experience.
"It's definitely a security issue," she said. "To know that they have some relief during that really crucial time of going through those kinds of treatment."
Nonprofit leaders said the additional financial support from Saturday's Flock Cancer will allow them to help more women than ever.
"It's women taking care of women. I think we've all lost everyone, one if not multiple people in our lives to different cancers," Malone said. "If we can help one person and make a difference in their lives, it's worth everything."
More information about Flock Cancer and a link to register are available here.
