Rod Sheer Cancer Foundation

About Us

The Rod Sheer Cancer Foundation was established as a not-for-profit organization on Saturday November 24th 2001. That was the day the Sheer Family held a memorial service for Rodney Nathan Sheer the day after he passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In lieu of flowers, money or gifts, family members wanted some good to come out of such a personal tragedy.

Rod was diagnosed in January 2001 and most of that year he spent his time in the hospital far from the house and family he loved so much. His family soon learned how expensive cancer treatments could be. As they spent countless hours in waiting rooms it was heart breaking to see some people simply returned home after being diagnosed because the treatments are so unaffordable and didn't want to leave their family in financial ruin.

During his battle he insisted on having his expensive treatments and medications charged to his insurance company. He made sure any free samples were passed on to patients more in need. To those that knew him this came as no surprise. Faced with the loss of his hair and beard, his concern for others outweighed his own feelings. While in the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA he noticed that aside from a baseball cap or square bandana there were no other fashion options for men facing hair loss due to the effects of chemotherapy. When he received a gift of motorcycle skull caps he found that wearing them restored his confidence and self esteem. The doo-rags were soft, easy to clean, and their coolness factor was undeniable. He was soon the envy of the oncology floor. Always thinking of others his gave away his skull caps to other men with greater need.

From January to November 2001 Rod experienced several remissions and relapses. Each time he was hospitalized those that loved him flew to his side from all over the United States, often at a moments notice. They arrived sometimes with only the clothes on their backs. They had to purchase all their basic necessities and find hotels near the hospital. The Sheer Family and friends spent countless hours in bare waiting rooms waiting for the next visiting hours or word from the doctor.

We at The Rod Sheer Cancer Foundation strive to do all we can to provide medicines and comforts to both cancer patients and their families.

We provide assistance with expensive medications and treatments.

We give male cancer patients motor cycle head wraps to boost confidence after the first loss of their hair.

We donate audio books, music, and portable players to hospitals to lend to patients as they undergo lengthy chemotherapy treatments.

Provide families traveling long distances assistance with travel, lodging, and necessities.

Donate books, games, & activities to hospital waiting rooms on Oncology floors.

Partner with other organizations with to raise money for cancer relief and research.

Every little bit can help cancer patients and their loved ones to find the strength to fight this disease and bring hope back into their lives.