Rain delayed the 2017 Sarah Jarboe White United Cancer Assistance Network Walk, but it didn't dampen the spirit of the participants who will gather at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Danny Bell Cancer Treatment Center at 2620 N. Westwood Blvd.
County music artist Ryan Hinkle, who was scheduled to perform at the original event date April 29, will entertain those attending the sixth fundraiser hosted by UCAN in memory of White.
"We are thankful so many supporters are still able to attend this year's event with the date change. This walk has become so meaningful to so many of us," said UCAN Executive Director Melody Melloy.
Melloy is delighted Hinkle will be at the event. Melloy said, Hinkle grew up in a small farm town in rural southern Missouri and followed the footsteps of his family working as a carpenter right out of high school, During all this time he competed in and auditioned for various competitions and talent shows, including USA Network's "Nashville Star," county fairs, local talent shows and NBC's "The Voice." Hinkle never really devoted his time or life to music until he moved to California in 2008. After the death of his beloved grandfather and lifetime mentor, Carl Hinkle, in 2011, he began to focus more on music.
Melloy challenges anyone who organized a team, raised money and planned to walk to come out Saturday to participate and hear Hinkle preform.
"More than $130,000 has been raised from this event to help cancer patients with fuel cards, utilities, groceries, medical expenses, housing, nutritional supplements, wigs, turbans, transport services and many other necessitates while they are going through chemotherapy and radiation and unable to continue to work," she said.
Melloy said, "Let's make an impact. No one fights alone."
"UCAN is excited about the power and potential of employees, friends and families joining together to support the communities that UCAN services (Butler, Stoddard, Wayne and Ripley counties)," Melloy said. "One of the most significant ways is to form a team and carry out fundraising activities to support UCAN at this family-friendly event."
It's not too late for anyone or any group who hadn't planned to walk to take part, Melloy said. They may call 573-776-1892, or ucan@semo.net.
UCAN provides critical assistance free of charge to area cancer patients that are undergoing cancer treatments, such as infusion chemotherapy or radiation. Assistance is available to qualifying patients who are able to show financial need and meet UCAN guidelines.
Assistance may include, but is not limited to:
* Nutritional Supplements: Eligible patients may receive nutritional supplements with an oncologist's order.
* Transportation Assistance: Eligible patients may schedule transportation to and from cancer treatment appointments or be referred to other transportation resources.
* Fuel Expenses: Eligible patients may receive fuel cards to help defray fuel expenses.
* Medical Supplies: Eligible patients may receive assistance in the form of medical supplies as needed.
Because the needs of a patient often exceed the resources available, a monthly limit applies to each qualifying patient. Life-time assistance limits may apply.
The United Cancer Assistance Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by local citizens who want to lend a hand to their friends and neighbors. UCAN is designed to provide individualized support for area cancer patients. UCAN's mission is to ease some of the burdens brought about in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, thereby enhancing the quality of life.