Fighting to find a cure -- for them
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on March 29, 2015 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
John Norman speaks about his current battle with prostate cancer during the Cures for the Colors Survivors Banquet Friday night at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. He said, "Don't look at it as being the end, look at it as being the beginning." His wife of 25 years, Hazel, was diagnosed earlier Friday with cancer.
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Donna Thompson holds a bowl of tickets for Piper Wilhyde, 2, to draw from during the raffle. Piper was diagnosed with cancer when she was 4 months old.
More than 400 people filled the gymnasium at First Pentecostal Holiness Church on Friday night for the second annual Cures for the Colors survivors' dinner.
The event served as the kickoff for Cures for the Colors, which raises money for cancer patients in eastern North Carolina. It is sponsored by the non-profit volunteer organization Southeastern Cancer Care. The event -- which features several long-distance foot races, along with food and entertainment -- is scheduled for April 24-25 at Wayne Community College.
The charity spends all of the money it raises to help cancer victims in eastern North Carolina with paying for daily essentials, such as gas for medical appointments, groceries and utilities.
Last year, the organization raised $250,000 for cancer patients across the eastern part of the state. In its first year, four years ago, the group raised $30,000.
Dr. James Atkins of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center said the organization got its start when it became obvious to members of the center's staff that patients were in need of more than medicine. Many who found themselves unable to work found it difficult to make ends meet and even had trouble making appointments for radiation or chemotherapy.
"We're committed to research," Atkins said, "but sometimes to cure cancer you need more than research. ... Sometimes you simply need a little help."
One hundred percent of the money raised goes to cancer patients, he reminded those present.
A number of patients spoke of their personal battles with the disease. All praised the doctors and staff of Southeastern Medical Oncology and many gave thanks to God for their progress.
"This event is to celebrate your life," said Dr. Samer Kasbari, another physician at Southeastern Medical Oncology. "We are so proud of you here. You are strong fighters and you are determined to continue fighting."
The doctors emphasized that the money raised goes to cancer patients across the eastern part of the state, not just Wayne County. And people do not have to be patients of Southeastern Medical Oncology to be eligible for help. The practice has offices across the region, in Clinton, Wilson and Jacksonville as well as Goldsboro.
"If you know of somebody in need, tell them about us," Dr. Kasbari told the gathering. "This is not just for SMOC patients. This is why it was created. It's not just for Goldsboro or Wayne County, but for all of eastern North Carolina."
The Cures for the Colors is named for the different colors associated with the various forms of the disease, pink for breast cancer, blue for colon cancer, and so on.
The actual event will begin on Friday, April 24, with activities beginning at 5 p.m. The next day, a 5-kilometer run, 100-mile team run and one-mile fun run will be held, starting at 8 a.m.