By Ella Bronaugh

Intern

With Breast Cancer Awareness month approaching, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is hosting a purse sale in support of those going through cancer treatment at their local hospital.

The event will raise funds for the Nobody Fights Alone cause through the Louise Obici Auxiliary. All of the proceeds will be used to benefit cancer patients who live in Suffolk and surrounding areas and those who work with the Sentara Obici Hospital Oncology Nurse Navigator to assess their financial needs and hardship.

Nobody Fights Alone is dedicated to supporting locals who cannot afford the commute to their cancer treatments by purchasing gas cards for them. They have also purchased gift cards to local grocery stores for those who cannot afford to buy groceries for their families as a result of their cancer treatment expenses.

The Louise Obici Auxiliary was founded 70 years ago and supports the hospital by raising funds to purchase items the hospital needs.

Bonnie Langer, auxiliary and Nobody Fights Alone coordinator, was proud of the work the organizations have done for the hospital and its patients.

“We did a fundraiser in the hospital through a jewelry sale recently,” Langer said. “We raised enough money to purchase six wheelchairs and a few sofa beds for visitors.”

The auxiliary will donate all raised funds from the purse sale to the Nobody Fights Alone cause.

Juel Carr, the project coordinator, was inspired to host this event by her own recent struggle with breast cancer.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago — stage three,” Carr said. “We want to help those that are experiencing cancer and that are going through the local Obici cancer program.”

Keith Emerson, director of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, was more than happy to host the purse sale in support of the fight against breast cancer.

“Juel came to me with this idea; she asked the church to host a fundraiser for her cause, and I said absolutely,” Emerson said. “I’m really not in the habit of saying no.”

St. Paul’s played a major part in Carr’s recovery from breast cancer.

“The church was a big part of my recovery,” Carr said. “I want to give back and to not forget the kindness this church has shown me.”

There will also be a bake sale during the event in support of St. Paul’s food pantry that is hosted every Monday night.

“We usually have about 75 clients each night, so we can use all of the support we can get,” Emerson said.

The purse sale will take place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the church, 213 N. Main St.

The church will be collecting gently used purses to be sold at a reduced price until Tuesday. Volunteers are also needed for the event. The church office can be reached at 539-2478 for anyone interested.