Up & Coming Weekly

NOVEMBER 4-10, 2009 UCW 11 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM As prevalent as cancer is in our society today, it is uncommon to fi nd a person who has not been impacted by this disease, whether through a family member, friend or acquaintance. When facing such a horrible disease, the question of "How do I help?" arises. Thankfully, organizations such as Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation's Friends of the Cancer Center exist. Friends of the Cancer Center has been helping people diagnosed with cancer since 1988. Their mission is to "Support, guide and nuture" both patients and their families. This group, mainly comprised of volunteers, strives to assist patients with needs that are not met through general medical care and treatment. They provide emotional support, information resources, food supplements, wigs, transportation, utilities payments, free mammograms for uninsured women, and emergency funding among other things. As Deanna Benson-Reed, coordinator for Friends of the Cancer Center, said, "We provide for cancer patients so that they don't have to worry about anything but getting well." For patients and families, having a support group like Friends of the Cancer Center can make all the difference. The combined experience and knowledge of the volunteers in regards to dealing with cancer is priceless. Said Benson-Reed, "This organization supports the folks who are going through this disease. It's a journey and they need help. Our community cares and they drive [Friends of the Cancer Center]." On Saturday, Nov. 14, Friends of the Cancer Center is offering you and the rest of the community a way to help cancer patients through the 4th annual Ribbon Walk for Cancer. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk lasts from 10 a.m. until noon. The course is 3.5 miles and goes through downtown Fayetteville's business district and residential areas. The tax-deductible registration fee is $25, and every dollar of the proceeds from the walk will go directly to the cancer center. Benson-Reed said that the walk is greatly supported in the community, particularly for this reason. Each year, the number of participants has grown. Regarding the proceeds, she said, "We are not affi liated with any other cancer organizations. One hundred percent of the money stays at the cancer center. Dollar for dollar, it all stays here. When people are told that their money stays here, they absolutely want to help. Donors want to know where their money goes." If you are looking for a way to both give fi nancially and show support to patients and families battling cancer in Fayetteville, the Ribbon Walk for Cancer is for you. All in all, the walk creates a "fantastic atmosphere," said Benson-Reed. "People are excited to be walking for someone or as a survivor of cancer. They are celebrating life or contributing to our community." For more information, visit www. ribbonwalkforcancer.org Ribbon Walk to Benefit Cancer Center by SHANNEN DILL SHANNEN DILL, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com Enter for Your Chance to WIN passes to Enter for Your Chance to WIN passes to 2950 Lindsay Rd. 910-237-5898 Name: _________________________ Phone Number: __________________ Email: _________________________ www.rockfishmotorsports.com Please send completed entry form to Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 or fax to 910-484-9218 W o r l d ' s La r ges t Greek Pastry Sale! Greek Pastry Sale! Greek Pastry Sale! Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. $ 6 00 CARRY OUT ONLY! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Hellenic Center 614 Oakridge Avenue Call 484-8925 Call 484-8925 51 st Annual &

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