From staff reports

STATE COLLEGE — The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund has launched a fundraising campaign in celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2026.

The organization announced its “$20K for 20 Years” online giving campaign, which is scheduled to begin June 1 and continue for 20 weeks. Organizers said the campaign’s goal is to raise $20,000 to help support 20 cancer patients and their families.

Founded in 2006, the nonprofit organization provides financial assistance to cancer patients across a seven-county region that includes Mifflin and Juniata counties.

According to the organization, the fund has raised and distributed more than $3.5 million to over 6,000 cancer patients and families during the past two decades.

In 2025 alone, the organization said it raised and allocated nearly $419,000 to 537 cancer patients within its service area, marking record highs for both fundraising and assistance provided.

The organization said applications for assistance continue to increase and projected that requests for aid could surpass $500,000 by the end of 2026.

The fund assists eligible cancer patients with everyday living expenses, including rent, utilities, food and transportation costs. Applicants may qualify for up to $1,000 in assistance every 90 days if they can demonstrate financial hardship related to their diagnosis.

The organization serves residents in Bedford, Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties.

The Bob Perks Fund was established in memory of Bob Perks, a State College native who died from melanoma in 2005.