The Circle of Friends is an organization that started at the Harrington Cancer Center in 1983. Its founders were some of the original donors to the Harrington Cancer Center, who wanted to raise funds to provide financial assistance and supportive care programs for those affected by cancer. Area chapters were formed in Amarillo and other towns in the upper 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Each year, the individual chapters would hold parties to raise funds to support cancer patients’ special needs.
Today, The Circle of Friends is a program of the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation. The mission has remained the same, and many of the area chapters are still in existence. Representatives from each chapter serve on an Advisory Committee to direct the efforts of the group. The Board appoints a Patient Care Committee that approves patient applications for assistance with needs such as rent, utilities, travel, lodging, medications, and insurance Cobra payments. The Board also considers grant requests for programs that fit within their mission. The Circle of Friends has assisted in funding Camp Alphie for pediatric cancer patients, Christmas parties and end of chemo gifts for pediatric cancer patients at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, scholarships for cancer survivors going to college through the Panhandle Angels Foundation, wigs, snacks for patients while receiving chemo, and popcorn for patients and caregivers while at appointments.
