Spotlighting causes
Ladies of the Lake A group of women with very big hearts reach out to the community and show enduring compassion to those that need it most.
Cancer is a thief that takes everything - not only in your life but in the lives of family and friends. Not everyone can reach out to help in a tough situation but the Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team, a group of women with a passion for helping cancer patients and their families, can. Every member of this group has been touched by cancer in some way. Some of the 20 members have even survived cancer themselves while others have family members that were diagnosed. They all know the quiet desperation of watching cancer take everything and the hopelessness that a person feels when there is nothing that can be done. Working together, however, these ladies decided that they could do something to make life better for cancer patients and their families. “Many times, just the act of living is all a cancer patient can do. Working is not an option and the bills don’t stop just because you’re sick.” said Sarah Baltz, President of the organization. Sarah explained she knows, having experienced cancer with her mother who passed in 1997. “You’ve got added expenses of going for treatment,”she said.“You can’t drive so someone has to take you to your appointments. They have to eat – those expenses add up quickly and it’s not unusual for people’s savings to be depleted. Some even lose their homes.”
The group holds fundraisers and fun activities to raise money and through recommendations from the community, they provide gas cards, groceries, pay utility and phone bills and provide for other expected and unexpected expenses that occur when you battle for your life. “We also give money and equipment to local hospitals and oncology facilities to help make the patients more comfortable during treatment. It’s only a drop in the bucket compared to the total costs but if we can help make the experience a little more bearable to the patient and family, then we will,” she stated emphatically. Sandy Burch, a member, said she’s glad the group makes those contributions to local hospitals to help with things like cases of meal replacement drinks and prosthetics. “I think we help a lot of people.” she said. “I don’t say I’m in remission; I’m cured,” remarked team member Donna Burleson at a recent BUNCO game fundraiser. “I beat it to death! I’m eight years cancer free!” It was leukemia that threatened Donna’s life and family, which required radical and aggressive treatments at the UNC Hospital. Her first round was 43 days of daily treatment. It was after her recovery that Vickie Evans invited her to join the group. “And here I am today,” she said. Donna’s eyes gleamed when she talked about how working with the Hearth & Vine 37 Summer 2019
