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Spotlighting Causes: Ladies of the Lake

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Heritage & Grits

Heritage & Grits

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.”

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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 Ladies of the Lake helped her to heal emotionally from the scars of her experience. “Being able to know what other people with cancer are going through and the strain of their financial well-being has helped with my healing,” she said. “I’m glad we’re here to help people going through what I went through. It’s so cool reaching out to the community. We know who we are helping and why and it’s a good feeling.”

The Ladies agreed that it’s the compassion and generosity of the community that enables them to continue their work – but it’s their job to make sure the community has lots of fun in exchange. To that end, the group organizes BUNCO game at the Gasburg Rescue Squad the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Lots of food, great prizes, and fun ensure a great turnout for those gatherings.

“It’s fun,” said player, Liz Boyce. "It’s a good cause for the cancer patients in the area.”

Rena Hussey agreed, “It’s a great chance to get to meet people and hang out with my Sis,” she said as she pointed to her sister, who introduced her to the game “And it’s helping a good cause.” The annual Vendor’s Fair in June draws artists and craftspeople to sell their wares and help cancer patients. Hundreds of people come out to the Lake Gaston Lions Club each year to support this cause and enjoy the fun.

The annual Holiday Home Tour, is by far the largest fundraiser the group holds. Featuring some of the most beautiful homes in the community, the tour displays seven of the area’s finest abodes dressed up for the holidays and draws people from near and far. Last year, according to Sarah, nearly 1,000 people participated in the tour, allowing the group to give $6,000 to each of the area’s hospitals. “It was amazing,” Sarah said. “We so appreciate the support of the community, all the homeowners that went to the trouble to decorate early and all the patrons who show up to enjoy the tour.”

The 2019 Holiday Home Tour is Dec. 7 but you don’t have to wait for one of the groups fundraisers to give. Just send a donation to P.O. Box 55 Henrico, N.C. 27842. You can rest assured that the money will go to a good cause and as the Ladies of the Lake are a 501 (c)(3) organization, your contribution is tax deductible.

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