Benefit to help with cancer battle
Staff writer
Cynthia Barrett said she is so thankful for all the support she has received since being diagnosed with breast cancer.
A friend, Sharon Terrel, volunteered to organize a benefit to raise money for Barretts medical expenses.
“Sharon’s so nice,” Barrett said. “I was touched she wanted to do this for me.”
Terrel has organized a similar fundraiser for her sister who suffered from cancer.
“She said she was touched by my story and felt she had to do something to help,” Barrett said.
The Team Cynthia Cancer Benefit will feature a bake and craft sale, homemade ice cream sundaes, a silent auction, and live entertainment by the Callahan Band beginning at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, in the Lake Hall at Marion County Park and Lake. A glow run will precede the event at 6 p.m.
“We will be lining the lake with milk jugs with glow sticks in them,” Barrett said. “Each runner will also have a glow necklace and can run or walk around the lake. It’s a great time for people to remember loved ones affected by cancer.”
Barrett will finish her last chemo treatment the week before the benefit and then start on six weeks of radiation.
“After the radiation they will run a bunch of tests and see if the cancer cells are shrinking, and then decide the next step,” Barrett said.
She said the hardest thing about her illness was shaving her head, as the treatments caused her hair to fall out.
“As a woman it’s hard to realize that it’s just hair and it will grow back,” she said, “but I had five people who shaved their heads with me. Like the benefit the support from the community has been amazing. I always have support or someone around to help me with things. I’m so thankful.”
Those wanting to participate in the glow run can register at Marion Healthmart Pharmacy or Gambino’s Pizza.