Educational Seminar on Cancer Tonight in Lavonia

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Anyone who is struggling with cancer or has a family member or loved one with cancer can take time tonight to attend a special educational seminar at Lavonia First Baptist Church.

The Power of Hope, which is a local non-profit group that raises money to help cancer victims and their families, is holding their annual Focus on Cancer dinner and education seminar tonight in the Lavonia First Baptist Church Family Life Center beginning at 6 p.m.

Power of Hope founder Mary Jo Fesperman says the annual event is a time to come together with others who are also struggling and to learn about what’s being done to fight this disease.

Fesperman said it’s also her group’s way of giving back to the community and everyone is invited.

“This is an educational event. It’s our once a year annual event where we give back to the community. It is open to everyone. Its open to the public, its free of charge, there’s absolutely no charge for anything for this entire evening. We’d like to call it a special night of sharing, caring and learning. It’s sharing and caring for the cancer patient and their families, And also learning for the entire public whether you have cancer or not.” Fesperman said.

The free dinner is sponsored by Rushton & Company.

Meanwhile, tonight’s guest speaker will be oncologist Dr. Andre Kallab and Fesperman said it won’t be the usual presentation.

“He is an oncologist from Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic in Gainseville. He’ll be speaking but mostly what he would like to do is field questions from the public. That way he can answer and talk on the subject line that everyone is interested in.” said Fesperman.

She said in addition to a free dinner, goody bags will be given out to all cancer patients and a number of local vendors will be on hand as well.

According to Fesperman, this is a drop-in event and people can come and go as needed and do not have to live in Franklin County to take advantage of the event.

“Just please show up. Come to the event. Come as you are. If you’re casually dress, we’re happy to have you. Just come. And be there before 6 o’clock because we will start immediately at 6 O’clock. This is one of those things where we would love for you to stay for the entire evening. We are projecting it will be over about 8:30. But if you are tired or you just don’t have the stamina you used to, just get up and leave when you are ready.”

Again, the Focus on Cancer event takes place tonight at 6 p.m. at Lavonia First Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall and is free and open to the public.