Bob Perks Cancer Fund

More than 20 years ago, Bob Perks Cancer Fund (BPF) founder Doreen Perks had an idea born from the tragic loss of her husband, Bob, to cancer. Doreen and some of Bob’s closest friends recognized a significant need to help cancer patients pay their bills while undergoing treatment. As a way to heal and cope with her grief, Doreen made it her life’s mission to find a way to help cancer patients while honoring Bob’s memory.

The Bob Perks Cancer Fund is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026! From its humble beginnings in 2006, BPF has grown to serve more than 6,000 cancer patients, providing more than $3.5 million in financial assistance over the past 20 years. We are incredibly grateful for the many partners, including United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, who have helped make this impact possible. As BPF has expanded its service area to seven counties, these partnerships have become more important than ever. It truly takes a village to provide financial support to local cancer patients in need.

A cancer diagnosis can bring an overwhelming and often unexpected financial burden. Patients may face treatment-related expenses while being unable to work, resulting in a significant loss of income at the same time their expenses increase. The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund helps ease the burden of unpaid bills and the fear of eviction, utility shutoffs, and other financial consequences. By providing assistance, BPF helps cancer patients worry less about their finances and focus their energy on their health, stability, and recovery.

BPF uses donated funds to help eligible cancer patients with basic living expenses, including rent, utilities, heating, groceries, gas for travel to treatment, car insurance, and more. This assistance can provide patients and their families with a greater sense of financial stability during a time when they may otherwise feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and uncertain about how they will meet their basic needs.

All cancer patient referrals are submitted to BPF by hospital or medical facility staff who are members of the patient’s treatment team. In 2025, BPF awarded $39,159 in grants to 45 cancer patients in Mifflin and Juniata Counties, providing critical assistance to local individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The Bob Perks Cancer Fund hosts several annual events, including the Rock the 80s Benefit Concert and Night at the Races, to raise awareness and funds to support local cancer patients.



For a list of upcoming BPF events, please visit www.bobperksfund.org/events.

Blast from the Past!

During the 1960s, many local companies participated in the United Way’s Workplace Campaign, encouraging employees to support their community through workplace giving. Pictured below are examples of campaign handouts that were distributed to employees during this era.