The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Tracy Lee of Hamilton was diagnosed with breast cancer this year on Feb. 22, her husband’s birthday. She and Jerome had been married less than a year.
“It has been an emotional roller coaster of testing, waiting and then repeating that process several more times along with multiple doctor appointments,” Lee said.
Along with many others from around the area, Lee is one of the cancer survivors who will be honored during the Hancock County Fights Cancer block party on Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hancock County courthouse lawn in Carthage.
The celebration has two major goals, to raise money to find a cure for cancer, and to help and honor local cancer survivors.
This year, 60 percent of the funds raised through HCFC events will be given to HUGS of Hancock County, a support group that gives financial help to cancer patients in Hancock County in the form of gas cards, medical vouchers and other monetary help as needed.
“We have been very thankful for the support of Hancock County Fights Cancer and HUGS for the financial assistance they have supplied to help us pay for gas for all these appointments. It was one less thing that we had to worry about during this time,” Lee said. “Thank you for all you do.”
As the event approaches, survivors are urged to sign up now to be part of the celebration honoring cancer survivors at the block party.
“Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are taking treatment, or have been a cancer survivor for many years, we want you in the celebration,” noted Cynthia Stewart, president of HCFC.
Many survivors have received a form in the mail. Others can register online at www.hancockcountyfightscancer.org/registration-info. Forms are also available at branches of Fortress Bank or Marine Trust Bank. ?Survivors should check in at the survivors table before 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. They will be honored in the opening ceremony around 12:30 p.m.
Another way to celebrate cancer survivors, and to honor those who have passed away due to cancer, is to purchase Hearts of Hope.
These can be purchased for only $5 from any HCFC team member. Forms are available on the website, or at Fortress Bank and Marine Trust Bank in Carthage, as well as many local businesses and offices. They can also be purchased at the block party.
Hearts of Hope will line the courthouse sidewalks during the day June 4. The Block Party event includes food, entertainment, a car show, the high heels race and a time of celebration and hope.
For more information on Hancock County Fights Cancer, call Stewart at 217-357-8563, go to the website, hancockcountyfightscancer.org, or the group’s page on Facebook.To learn more about HUGS, call Florine Dixon at 217-219-0084.