Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Charitable Fund

The Scranton Area Community Foundation announces a new charitable fund established to support others diagnosed with colon cancer.

Melissa Chermak Liput, remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2020. Today, Melissa’s family wants to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship through a new charitable fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund was created by Melissa’s family in November 2022. The fund aims to help others cope with the financial stresses of a colon cancer diagnosis. It was established by Melissa’s parents Beverly and Danny Chermak, her son Tyler Liput, her husband Ron Liput, and her sister and brother-in-law Lauren and Nick Olivetti.

“In partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we are driven to help those who have been diagnosed with colon cancer,” stated the Chermak-Liput Family. “It is our wish to honor Melissa’s legacy in a way that exemplifies her greatest qualities: kindness and compassion.”

 “The Foundation is grateful to the family of the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund for entrusting the Scranton Area Community Foundation to administer the Fund,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “Through the charitable fund, Melissa’s family will be able to respond to the needs of others who may be facing the stresses of a colon cancer diagnosis and provide support, honoring Melissa’s legacy,” Ducceschi added.

To be considered for a grant from the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund, one must have received a colon cancer diagnosis and be able to demonstrate need due to economic issues related to the diagnosis. Awardees are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis that includes a determination of need and the program must serve a charitable purpose. Preference is given for individuals who are residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. To apply for support, visit safdn.org and access the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online grant management portal. On the online grant management portal, please refer to the “Colon Cancer Patient Support Application” when applying.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is grateful to the family of the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund for entrusting the Scranton Area Community Foundation to administer the Fund.

To donate to the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund, please visit safdn.org or mail a check to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510. Please be sure to write “Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

For more information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 300+ charitable funds or to learn how you can establish a charitable fund or make an impact through a planned gift, please visit safdn.org.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations.

Photo: Melissa Chermak Liput

Photo caption: Melissa Chermak Liput, remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2020. Today, Melissa’s family wants to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship through the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.