Old Missoula

The following article appeared in the Missoulian Centennial issue on page 26 of Section E.

The Missoula Chapter of the American Cancer Society was established in 1935 with Mrs. J. E. (Burly) Miller as commander.

Mrs. Miller was succeeded by Mrs. Leonard W. Brewer in 1938. At that time the chapter’s purpose was primarily educational. Fund raising was at a minimum.

The society is a threefold organization of research, education and service. Cancer, the No. 2 killer, is fought locally in many ways.

Since May 1959 the Missoula Order of Eastern Star, under the direction of Mrs. M. M. Marcy, has met once a month to make the dressings of all types and sizes which the American Cancer Society uses for any cancer patient in need.

A special free oral cancer examination clinic was established by members of the Missoula County Dental Society in April 1959. The program, arranged and supervised by Dr. Kenneth H. Hansen, was the first attempt in Missoula of such an undertaking. Of the 48 people who took advantage of the examination, 14 were found to have indications of needing further examination and were referred to their physicians or dentists.

Dr. John J. Munoz, professor of microbiology and public health and chairman of the department at Montana State University, was granted $12,000 by the American Cancer Society for cancer research. His study is primarily concerned with the effect of tumor growth in mice on the production of antibodies, as well as finding a method of producing larger amounts of antibodies by causing accumulation of peritoneal fluid by the injection of certain tumors, and if possible to develop antigens that will produce an immunity to the tumor growth.

Officers of the Missoula chapter are Mrs. Marian Pollard, unit county president; Mrs. Marion Dixon, secretary; Mrs. Robert Off, service chairman; Mrs. Marcy, Eastern Star Dressing chairman; and French Kellogg, financial chairman. Coworkers of the service program are Barbara Tweto, Marciel Wiseley, Mary Hoffard and Lorraine Wamsley.