Softening the blow of cancer with hope

A team of volunteers with the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation from Laguna Beach has collaborated on a new initiative to help raise awareness and money for treatment expenses.

Led by former Laguna resident and the foundation’s director of development, Kaerie Ray, locals Patty Collins, who serves as vice president on the board of directors, and Mary Dougher-Foster, who is the nonprofit’s treasurer, the group will help kick off the first “Hope and Harmony” 5K race Saturday at UC Irvine.

“Two people who are close to me were diagnosed with cancer in their 30s, which really opened my eyes to how this life-threatening disease can happen to anyone,” Ray said. “It doesn’t discriminate, and it’s a devastating disease.”

Through her own experiences, she said, she learned how stressful the treatment process can be on the patient’s entire family, especially the financial burden, which is why it means so much to her to be a part of an organization that brings positive changes to these people’s lives by providing financial aid.

All proceeds from the fundraiser, including the $35 and $25 entry fees and runner sponsorships, will be used by the foundation to provide financial assistance to patients who need help meeting day-to-day expenses like food, rent, utilities, transportation and medical bills, enabling them to focus on treatment and recovery.

The two-part event begins with the 5K at 8 a.m., followed by a one-mile “Kids Run” at 10 a.m. A Hope Expo will run alongside the races that will feature music, healthy food, activities and giveaways.

Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place runners.

Collins said she is happy to participate to not only show support for the foundation but to bring more public attention to their work.

“I think if the public were more aware of the hands-on, everyday living support Beckstrand offers to cancer patients they would be amazed,” she said. “They would be even more amazed to learn that only Beckstrand offers this type of direct patient assistance.”

Foster said she also wants to draw attention to the “unique” help Beckstrand provides to cancer patients and their families.

“A cancer diagnosis alone is devastating but worrying about how one’s bills will be paid while undergoing treatment adds to the already severe stress. By alleviating some of the financial pressure, patients can concentrate on getting well. It’s important to raise awareness for this organization so more funds can be raised to help more patients and their families,” she said.

Established in 1974, the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families by providing them with help and hope — two things that are essential in their fight against cancer.

For more information about Hope and Harmony, to register for the race or to make a donation, visit www.ochopeandharmony.com/index.htm.

To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.beckstrand.org.